Best Of: Will Arnett / ‘Song Sung Blue’ Director Craig Brewer - Fresh Air Recap

Podcast: Fresh Air

Published: 2026-01-10

Duration: 49 minutes

Guests: Craig Brewer, Will Arnett

Summary

Will Arnett discusses his new film 'Is This Thing On?', exploring themes of identity and comedy. Craig Brewer talks about his film 'Song Sung Blue', a tribute to a Neil Diamond cover band couple.

What Happened

Will Arnett stars in 'Is This Thing On?', a film about a man navigating divorce through stand-up comedy. This role led him to perform under a pseudonym to capture the authentic feeling of a novice comic. Arnett also touches on his extensive voiceover work, notably as Batman in the Lego movies and voicing GMC Trucks.

Craig Brewer shares insights into his film 'Song Sung Blue', inspired by a Milwaukee couple who performed as a Neil Diamond tribute act. The couple's journey included opening for Pearl Jam, adding layers of authenticity and drama to Brewer's depiction. Brewer discusses his choice to pre-record music in Memphis to capture the film's emotional essence, emphasizing the importance of spontaneity over technical perfection.

Brewer connects 'Song Sung Blue' to his earlier work, 'Hustle and Flow', highlighting a thematic brotherhood between the films. He reveals his father's influence on his career, with his first film funded by his father's inheritance. Brewer's storytelling emphasizes personal connections and the pursuit of passion against the odds.

Maureen Corrigan reviews 'The Rest of Our Lives' by Benjamin Markovits, describing it as a thought-provoking winter read. The novel delves into themes of marriage, identity, and the passage of time, resonating with the film themes discussed earlier in the episode.

The episode features a range of discussions from personal challenges in acting and filmmaking to the intricacies of creating relatable stories. It underscores the emotional and creative processes involved in both Arnett's and Brewer's projects.

Listeners also learn about Arnett's career evolution, including his role in 'Arrested Development' and co-hosting 'Smartless', showcasing his versatility and exploration of different entertainment mediums.

Key Insights

• Will Arnett performed stand-up comedy under a pseudonym to authentically experience the challenges of a novice comic while preparing for his role in 'Is This Thing On?'.
• Craig Brewer's film 'Song Sung Blue' features a Milwaukee couple who performed as a Neil Diamond tribute act and once opened for Pearl Jam, adding authenticity to their story.
• Brewer pre-recorded music in Memphis for 'Song Sung Blue' to prioritize emotional spontaneity over technical perfection in the film's soundtrack.
• Brewer's first film was funded by his father's inheritance, highlighting a personal connection and the influence of family support in his filmmaking career.