64: Wit with Eliza Clark

Phil and Emily continue their deep-dive into Mike Nichols’ work from the 2000s with Wit , the acclaimed HBO adaptation of Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play. Joined by writer and producer Eliza Clark (Y: The Last Man, Animal Kingdom), they explore how Nichols recalibrated his directorial voice after What Planet Are You From? with this intimate, emotionally devastating story of a scholar facing terminal illness. The conversation digs into the film’s powerful performances led by Emma Thompson and the delicate balance Nichols strikes between theatricality and cinematic storytelling. Together, they unpack Wit’s themes of mortality, intellect, vulnerability, and humanity, while tracing how this project set the stage for his monumental follow-up, Angels in America. If you want access to full video episodes, exclusive bonus content, and more conversations like this one, head over to our Patreon and join the community today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.