Radio 1’s Screen Time finale with Michael Fassbender

·27 min·2 clips

Ali Plumb reveals this is the final episode of Screen Time, with Michael Fassbender as the A-list guest.

Host Ali Plumb opens by announcing this is the final episode of Screen Time, though he clarifies the podcast is pausing for updates. He introduces guest Michael Fassbender, who is promoting the spy film Black Bag, directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp. Fassbender describes the film's plot, involving a loyalty conflict between marriage and country, and its ensemble cast including Cate Blanchett and Pierce Brosnan. He shares anecdotes about Soderbergh's fast-paced directing style, shooting only 1-3 takes and editing daily. Fassbender talks about his early career, landing Band of Brothers after drama school but then facing a dry spell, and reflects on audition struggles. He discusses his passion for racing, mentioning his time with Porsche and desire to drive an F1 car. The conversation touches on film influences, with Fassbender praising directors like the Coen Brothers and actors like Gene Hackman. He reveals he auditioned for Inside Llewyn Davis but didn't get the part. Fassbender shares personal tidbits, such as using Jeremy Paxman as inspiration for a role and having the Frank head from the film Frank. He talks about fan interactions, including silent gestures from 300, and mimes movie scenes with Plumb. The episode concludes with Plumb gifting Fassbender a Big Lebowski figurine, linking it to Black Bag. Plumb then reflects on past interviews and thanks listeners, emphasizing his love for cinema.

As heard by us

A warm closing episode ties Fassbender's Coen Brothers fandom and Black Bag into a lively case for cinema.

Radio 1's Screen Time closes its current run with Michael Fassbender, shaping the conversation around Black Bag and Ali Plum's evident love of cinema.

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Why you'd press play

You get Michael Fassbender remembering Coen Brothers audition nerves, Black Bag's big-screen pull, and Screen Time's goodbye-for-now glow.

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