‘Glass Onion’ Rian Johnson & ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Joseph Kosinski | Directors on Directors

Joseph Kosinski and Rian Johnson talk about working with their A-list stars Tom Cruise, Kate Hudson, Daniel Craig and the rest of the ‘Glass Onion’ cast - including that Val Kilmer scene in ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ the complex logistics of crafting a crowd-pleasing blockbuster, and their shared perspective on the so-called rivalry between theaters and streaming.
Variety Directors on Directors presented by MGM Studios and United Artists Releasing
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[@davidholaday2817]

“The movie’s perfect until you have to show it to people.“ You can hear the pain in Rian’s voice.

[@hplalakrs2001]

I hope one day The Last Jedi gets the Empire Strikes Back treatment...we'll see in 20 years time I guess.

[@mrpotatoguy1]

@@hplalakrs2001 You're so delusional it's actually quite alarming so I can't even laugh.

[@sightninja]

@@hplalakrs2001It’s legit my favorite Star Wars movie.

[@moradkhamlichi9476]

Mee too @@sightninja

[@THE.N1KO]

TLJ was amazing imo. I believe TFA will be appreciated within time because of nostalgia. TLJ will find its way to prove that it was a brave continuation of the story that started in TFA... And TROS is going to be doomed. Very few people will like that one, and it will be fair. Rian Johnson is a really good storyteller. Time will give him the reason.

[@K_Rob]

This was the best one by far of any of the conversations. They just got down to asking the technical questions we all want to know, instead of generic praising and inspirational talks. I often find these frustrating because filmmakers seem to not want to talk about how they work. So refreshing to see 2 talents wax lyrical about everything so openly.

[@jzh8499]

100%. It's not that this talk was devoid of platitudes, but focusing more on the technical aspects made for much more engaging discussions.

[@NicoEss]

This. I feel the same way. Loved this discussion.

[@ReelPodcasts]

Rian is so passionate about the craft that I will always watch him talk with anyone because he will always steer the conversation to that direction.

[@BankMoviegoer]

Also I think the fact these two have almost the same amount of experience in the industry (as they mentioned at the beginning) helps.

[@clarkparker4860]

Yes

[@matthewvivian7235]

43:40 Tell you what, seeing them trying to kill each other as a kid, I never thought they'd end up producing the biggest film of the year, but fair play to them. Not bad for a cat and a mouse.

[@aryanothman.]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahha

[@filmreviewer117]

I understood that reference.

[@clutchcobra2729]

LOL

[@ReelPodcasts]

I could watch Rain Johnson talk about movies all day.

[@agmor1]

Why? Not funny, not clever, a painful listen.

[@extremelyonline]

@@agmor1bro you are replying to like every positive comment about rian johnson, obsessed much?

[@JuanHernandez-ze3si]

@@extremelyonline Rian Johnson is overrated, he only has 2 decent films under his belt. Joseph Kosinski on the other hand is getting better.

[@RobertRhoades2]

Probably just some Star Wars nerd still pissing themselves over TLJ

[@agmor1]

@@RobertRhoades2 Except I was criticising Looper in 2012 and never understood the sycophantic reviews of his earlier films.

[@billyalarie929]

Rian's delivery when opening on how he storyboards is SO GOOD

[@jackbrodie7147]

PLEASE give Joseph Kosinski a Star Wars movie to direct. Tron Legacy and Top Gun were pure Star Wars!!!

[@jackbrodie7147]

@@Largentina. Kosinski was made for Star Wars

[@moviereedviews]

If I was him, I wouldn't go anywhere near Star Wars due to the divided fan base.

[@isrexinsane]

He basically already has made his Star Wars films but I found it pointedly interesting he didn't reference SW when name-dropping the films that touched him as a kid.

[@MikeySkywalker]

Give him Rogue Squadron. Why is the Top Gun director not directing Star Wars Rogue Squadron, aka Star Wars Top Gun.

[@MikeySkywalker]

@@moviereedviews All franchise fan bases are divided. The bigger the franchise the bigger the divide. If a director can;t handle fan backlash he shouldn't be making movies. Rian still loves Star Wars. He dealt with it like a champ. I also love TLJ. If you watched SW, ESB, and ROTJ, TLJ arc makes perfect sense for Luke. Not to mention Luke did the most badass Jedi thing ever.

[@JNo-sk5mz]

I just want to say that Oblivion is one of the most beloved sci-fi movies ever to come from Tom Cruise, if you go to different clips and video reviews on KZbin, it's near unanimous praise from commenters / fans. I really hope that the success of Top Gun 2 leads to another Oblivion movie. Or even a trilogy, a prequel, and a wrap up. I love that universe. I love the way the movie looks, I love the score and of course Tom Cruise is pretty much excellent in everything he does. 🙏🏾

[@THE.N1KO]

Spielberg's The War of the Worlds is up there with Oblivion. Both really good movies.

[@nigelasipa4150]

These two directed 2 of the best films of the year so congratulations to both but I find Rian Johnson's craftmanship even more impressive. The sense theatricality he injected in his direction as well as the plotting motivated by the characters is fascinating. I applaud Jo Kosinski's sense of clarity in terms of scale for the action sequences but mostly just how collaborative of an effort Top Gun had to be.

[@he2295]

I always hear praise on Rian and i loved looper but maybe if I watch knives then ill really understand why hes considered so good. Last jedi will always just be confusion lol

[@Yoda-wf6bu]

All interviews and discussions with Rian Johnson are golden.

[@agmor1]

He exudes arrogance, entitlement and smugness.

[@strikerbowls791]

@@agmor1 rent free

[@agmor1]

@@strikerbowls791 He stank up my KZbin recommendations, so not exactly.

[@boat1280]

Yeah I hate his Star Wars film but I really find him interesting as a creator. I love his attitude, just not his work lol Also wow this dude replying is all over the thread lmaoooo. Rent free baby

[@ForceMaximus84]

He’s too full of himself. Kind of like James Cameron, but significantly less talented.

[@christopherosullivan6473]

How great would it have been if Tom Cruise and Daniel Craig met for Actors and Actors conversation

[@variety]

Adding to our Vision Board.

[@HungryTacoBoy]

I'm really happy that Joseph Kosinski has continued to grow in the emotional department as a filmmaker. Tron: Legacy and Oblivion had amazing style and atmosphere to it, but was lacking in the emotional department - Tron: Legacy more-so than Oblivion. I really enjoyed both movies, though, and gushed over how beautiful they looked, how well done the action scenes were, and how awesome the soundtracks were, coming from Daft Punk and M83. Then he did Only The Brave, an emotional wallop with a more subdued style. With Top Gun: Maverick, he combined those two elements together perfectly.

[@fightfight6909]

You should really watch Only the Brave. It's the movie Kosinski did with Teller and Connoly. It's an amazing movie and really delves deep into the emotional aspect of the story.

[@calebmurphy9406]

You can tell that they're filmmakers because of how often they say "the notion of".

[@leob2302]

I read this comment the same time they said "the notion of"

[@KABOBkabob]

​@@leob2302same wtf

[@shaelunamidnight3585]

Alright Joseph and Rian, Make that Elite Director Internship a thing. All I ask is us the audience get a brief BTS footage as various directors support each other and visit each other sets and learn from each other and form future collaborations. Let us be a fly on the wall 🤣😊

[@peterparker-gx5nf]

Awesome episode! Does anyone also wish for a James Cameron & Jospeh Kosinski edition in the future?😆

[@teresaluz975]

I could listen to them talk for hours. I saw Top Gun Maverick 5x in the movie theater. It was an amazing experience. I went with my mom the first time and then went by myself the other 4 times. And yes, I went back for the emotions. I know nothing about jets but I've loved Pete Maverick Mitchell since I saw the first Top Gun. I'm invested in his life and seeing him happy in the end was very satisfying.

[@perilikid]

What a great video - two deeply thoughtful, eloquent and humble filmmakers who are clearly so in love with the craft and have a clear thirst for and commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Loved it.

[@variety]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ysn12288]

Man I've been a huge fan of Kosinski since Tron Legacy and then Oblivion. Really hope he gets more work in blockbuster sci-fi

[@KABOBkabob]

He will get to do whatever he wants now

[@scoopofgossip]

I LOVE that he actively shouts out the props department. Crew is a really important part of film, but they're usually overlooked 😊😊 #ScoopOfGossip

[@ManCave1972]

This was one of the most interesting conversations I’ve ever been privileged to witness.

[@looney1023]

Love reminding people that Rian Johnson directed Ozymandias, the single greatest episode of Breaking Bad and one of the finest hours of television ever crafted. He also edited an extremely underrated horror drama called May. This man has been doing great work for years and it's great he's finally being recognized for it. (Can't wait for the absurd replies to this)

[@idawg7332]

Tv director's have to follow the script and they don't get a lot of control over the production . Ozymandias is great because of Vince Gilligan and the whole breaking bad team. Johnson started off well but every movie he's done after looper has been shit. Yes knives out and glass onion are horrible, I don't care that everyone thinks he's the new Agatha Christie

[@alexmott507]

Hey look, you got an absurd reply already!

[@idawg7332]

@@alexmott507 Yes god forbid someone have a different opinion

[@piotrekhandsome9943]

I don’t even hate Rian johnson like so many other people but I still think Kosinski is far more underrated. There are a TON of sycophantic critics and internet denizens all over the place who praise Johnson to the skies (Say what you will about the Last Jedi but it was certainly not one of the best Star Wars films let alone one of the best films of the year). Meanwhile Kosinski has been making these incredible films (Tron, Oblivion) that are pushing the envelope of filmmaking and until Maverick he generally got critically lashed.

[@Mal_Reynolds]

Good! Hope he sticks to TV shows and/or TV streaming movies. He is sufficient for that, I guess.

[@richb313]

Both movies are excellent but holding Top Gun for two years so it can be seen on the big screen was not only crazy but correct. Great interviews.

[@memx3965]

Wow this is so well edited. Best one of the series 😊

[@lordkingston]

Absolute pleasure to watch this all the way through. Such a rich and rewarding conversation.

[@spoiler321]

Joseph has exactly the same eyes as Tom Cruise. Rian looks like the cartoon Ralph Phillips. All kidding aside, these guys are massive talents who are committed to entertaining their audience.

[@snootch2nootch]

Two of the best directors out in the game right now. Love both of their works, Oblivion was a phenomenal original story and movie experience. And Brick is an all time favorite movie of mine that i go back to countless times.

[@jenniefernandez8798]

Great convo, really felt like I learned some nitty gritty directing stuff even though I will absolutely never put it to use.

[@ExiledExia]

Joseph Kosinski is such a great director.

[@Tikap73]

Great conversation. So much insight and respect for each other's work.

[@andysiegel725]

Loved this conversation so much!

[@hoodiebabooty244]

Rian johnson is just one of the directors im most irrationally protective of. He has such a unique voice in writing genre films while also having giggles like 16:25 . Star Wars and the haters truly do not deserve him

[@visualstoryteller1014]

Best filmmaking class from the best!! And they are so respectful towards each other skills and perspective

[@waltimface]

Rian is a king, I hope he can make movies the way he wants forever !❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kylebookout1789]

YES!

[@Testtube27]

Rian is the man, could listen to him all day

[@mattceccotti]

Kosinski's questions are AMAZING.

[@monkii5258]

This was pretty honest & great.

[@ethandubois7536]

38:40 I was writing a screenplay last week, finished my first draft and handed it to my partner who isn't a writer. They read it and said "I like it" and I knew immediately that I had to throw 80% of it out and start over.

[@theplourde]

“only the brave” is such a highlight in Kosinski’s filmography. It doesn’t get talked about enough.

[@Largentina.]

As a firefighter, I couldn't agree more.

[@marianahernandez4679]

Glass onion was amazing though! Saw it twice, would have gone more if it had been in theatres longer and already planning to watch it again with friends at the end of the week

[@agmor1]

For all of Johnson's excess plotting, the progress of the main story runs along familiar lines. While who-does-what-to-who-and-why is baffling to begin with (like a magician moving onto a further allusions in order to obfuscate the obviousness of their first trick), I just don't think that the elements that lead up to the ending are subtly or effectively dealt to us. In particular, the second act goes on and on.

[@RongoPro]

I could listen to these two talk about their movies for hours

[@HeyRezZ]

this is one of the best. these two guys i respect deeply as filmmakers

[@kardampurohit2827]

Incredible conversations between two talented and technically strong minded directors conversation

[@5ftofFury]

I really enjoyed their chat here, just nerding out with each other and talked shop.

[@horuslupercal2385]

Great seeing these 2 just sat down having a chat 👍👍👍

[@EthanRom]

Saw Glass Onion twice and it’s always fun watching on the second viewing people theorize and pick up on clues. Clue is my favorite board game so I may be biased.

[@DarkHarlequin]

Honestly? Please more of this! Yeah all the fluffy interviews with star actors is kind of entertaining I guess. But I personally just want 2 directors to nerd out about their craft and start asking each other all the questions they want to ask another director for 1 h. We'll keep up don't worry about us 😉

[@abbasmerchant3161]

These two made my 2 favorite films of the year

[@katashworth41]

Directors of two of my favourite films of the year (Glass Onion 3, Top Gun 5.).

[@ctwolfe72]

Very enjoyable conversation. Smart and insightful!👍

[@aceynator]

Rian Johnson straight up one of the best directors in the business

[@ligairi]

I saw both of these movies twice in theaters, I’ve rented Top Gun once and rewatched Glass Onion twice on Netflix. I’d still buy the BluRay of both, especially if they had significant extras. All of this can co-exist.

[@shady9044]

Two legends!

[@jaybling6687]

Family watched both of their movies today.

[@nikki-novak]

best chat of the year

[@2ndRatePetronius]

One of the best episodes of this series.

[@pratapmishra5278]

Directors of two of the best movies of the year imo.

[@MikeySkywalker]

I could have watched them talk for hours. That was so interesting.

[@delrey874]

TGM and Only the Brave are masterpieces.

[@MrZachplaysmusic]

Oh man. This really made my day.

[@user-mn8ul9bf2g]

I didn't realize Tom Cruise directed Top Gun until I saw him playing a director named Kosinski here.

[@johannastromberg1224]

This was awesome! More writers on here please!

[@billyalarie929]

i'm back and holy shit LOL 43:44 "Tom & Jerry" got a REAL good chuckle out of me

[@samcjsattt]

Maverick and Glass Onion are no doubt two of the best films of 2022

[@michaelhelms2378]

Loved this one

[@jackbrodie7147]

These guys together would make the greatest Star Wars film of all time I GUARANTEE it

[@RSG_TheMonster]

Rian: *laughs in TLJ*

[@klaussone]

You misunderstand talent It is not universal, some filmmakers are good working under certain conditions. TLJ sucked not because lack of talent, it wasn't a good fit. Plus other reason like lack of passion and even some spite.

[@bebo2629]

@@klaussone To think that Rian Johnson, who is probably the biggest Star Wars fan in the world, moved to live closer to the Skywalker ranch while making TLJ and was in constant content with the Star Wars story group, does not care for Star Wars or is has spite, is insane. You can dislike all the choices that he made in TLJ but he did it because he thought that it would make fun for a good Star Wars movie.

[@klaussone]

@@bebo2629 You might also misunderstand what being a fan means. Its not an universal concept, and para social relationships tend to be complicated. Spite in this context might not even be towards anyone else he might consider to not be "true fans". Im guessing your camp of expertise is not psychology. Edit: to elaborate. If we consider someone with a particular cinema oriented background, is possible to speculate this person finding and unique and personal meaning of the work. And thus see every other interpretation as lesser or uneducated. This coupled with an obsession, and then both the "biggest fan" and the "spite" become not only expected, but almost inevitable.

[@bebo2629]

​@@klaussone lmao

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Joseph! Thanks, Rian! Thanks, Variety! 🎬 #Variety #DirectorsOnDirectors #RianJohnson #JosephKosinski

[@thiagoteixeira6537]

Two great movies: Glass Onion and Top Gun Maverick!

[@sujaypat]

Best one of these

[@Between2_worlds]

Okay now I really want to watch Top Gun Maverick

[@SatchelStreams]

Awesome! Would love to see one with Damien Chazelle

[@mike91mdk45]

0:05 Kawhi leonard's laugh : "Finally, a worthy opponent. Our battle will be legendary."

[@MamadNobari]

bruh what was that laugh💀

[@EthanRom]

Rian and John said it right. Stop thinking about big screen or Netflix. Just make a good movie and the people will come

[@brendoge]

Two brilliant minds together. All these so called "Star Wars fans" commenting. The Last Jedi is probably the fourth best in the series behind Empire, Rogue One and A New Hope.

[@rextiumalu141]

I agree

[@moradkhamlichi9476]

Me too

[@juowy]

7:53 "as BLANC a slate as possible" Pun intended?

[@tiberiius]

Glad Kosinski is getting the attention he finally deserves. Check out his other great movies Tron Legacy and Oblivion for starters. If you like beautiful production design and amazing cinematography, they are the movies for you.

[@emmetkowler]

35:53 The appropriate reaction to that idea

[@chrissantiago7643]

I wish he would of continued with the tron franchise legacy was an experience and Garrett was incredible but Disney pulled the plug 🔌

[@andrewshafferfilms5602]

Can’t wait for all the Star Wars fans being angry that they are platforming Rian Johnson 😂😂😂

[@ricksterdrummer2170]

I mean, I hated TLJ as much as the next guy, but that was his writing. He’s a fantastic director! 💪

[@klaussone]

@@ricksterdrummer2170 I agree, hes showed both talent and knowledge. One can only speculate why it wasn't a good match. Some things are just personal. Or maybe just studio shenanigans.

[@anenemystand5582]

@@klaussone its just a good film

[@cheesevinoandwine4560]

This with The Daniels. The best movies of this year: Maverick, EEAAO & Glass Onion

[@pedropaker5221]

Rian Johnson is such a genius. Everything he touches is a masterpiece.

[@charleswashington6628]

😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭

[@TheAfricanGrey]

@@charleswashington6628 🤓

[@agmor1]

I can't agree. "Looper" is the poor man's "Terminator" and the poorer man's "La Jetée". The movie absolutely betrays its tantalizing premise and science fiction possibilities to become a very routine domestic thriller. Shane Carruth might be a piece of shit, but he was totally right when he chewed out Johnson's script. "Looper" was just a mechanically uninvolving chase film with seriously deficient plotting. Where's the invention of genre? Where's the cleverness of structure? Where's the witty dialogue? As for "Knives Out", it was basically Basil Dearden's "Woman of Straw" with the addition of 5000 annoying supporting characters, a non-chronological structure, the most asinine social commentary possible and "ironic" racism. Why didn't anyone mention it? Because, to be fair, no one has seen "Woman of Straw" in 50 years and Johnson's careful to play down his major influences. "The Last Jedi" steals wholesale from "Battlestar Galactica" and critics simply ignored the obvious lift because Johnson said SUBVERTING EXPECTATIONS five million times.

[@klaussone]

Don't let things blow out of proportion. Always keep a cool head, and a critical thinking. This ins an advice for life, not just cinema.

[@agmor1]

@@karstenkarsten4561 Looper was terrible ten years ago, so ...

[@screenwriterabdullahh.erak2778]

Wow! 45 minutes flew! Like! Like! Like!

[@gago7823]

I want both of these guys to a direct a Superman movie.

[@zakariazulkifli613]

Love how Rian laughs the moment Joseph tells the absurd amount of footage as he acknowledges the absurdity of it.

[@morgenmalong8200]

Just two of the best today + denis villeneuve

[@jlg395]

Joseph Kosinski is like David Lynch if David Lynch gave a single damn about what the audience wanted.

[@Largentina.]

They're nothing alike. In any way.

[@UptightGnome]

??????

[@thefanboy2008]

I need to see Matt Reeves in one of these.

[@Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

When the director, who was a kid when top gun came out, looks older than Tom Cruise, who was an adult and in the movie.

[@scottbarkley496]

TOP GUN: MAVERICK = MASTERPIECE

[@anenemystand5582]

It's very visual impressive and narratively uncreative.

[@scottbarkley496]

@@anenemystand5582 get lost

[@anenemystand5582]

@scottbarkley496 I mean am I wrong though. I like the movie but tell me one thing it does narratively that isn't a wellworn trope.

[@ccan_max5285]

Top Gun Maverick!!

[@binthamadicamara2077]

Would love to see an episode with James Cameron and Rajamouli.

[@liamcarmody4217]

We need a conversation between Daniels & SS Rajamouli!!!

[@noellenn2122]

Star Wars fan bros are like the Siths - they just can’t let it go. My favourite DoD instalment yet. Ryan Johnson is always a good watch.

[@roywilson4514]

Cant even spell his name right. 😂😂😂😂

[@agmor1]

I know that RIAN has a smirking, obnoxiousness self-importance that makes some people believe that the film was so damn terrific, but he really has garbage instincts. He has a passive-aggressive, sweaty, desperate-to-please theater kid energy. Not only does he want to entertain you but he wants you to be painfully aware of how much EFFORT he puts into entertaining you. His films reek of self-indulgence.

[@noellenn2122]

@@roywilson4514 Goddamn Autocorrect made me a fool again! 🥴

[@klaussone]

@@noellenn2122 The motivation for your line of reasoning are also questionable. They reek of appeal to emotion to validate your subjective opinion. The auto-correct is the least of your problems. But don't fret, many agree Johnson is a talented director/witter with ups and downs like everyone.

[@definitelynottommywiseau3037]

All this needs is James Cameron so it's just a talk between three directors who directed some of the best sequels of the year.

[@Nat-oj2uc]

I so wish Kosinski made another skifi

[@fiiiig]

💛💛💛💛💛

[@dhruvurs9890]

I love the fact that Joseph Kosinski was able to do legacy sequels!! Tron: Legacy and Top Gun: Maverick!! This guy knows that the fundamental thing about making a sequel is that the roots are not forgotten yet make it fresh to audiences of old and new!! Rian Johnson unfortunately couldn’t do that to Star Wars partly because of himself and of course LucasFilm/Disney!!

[@anenemystand5582]

The last jedi was the best star wars film since empire

[@dhruvurs9890]

@@anenemystand5582 the sequel trilogy was ruined by Kathleen Kennedy, JJ Abrams, Rian Johnson, and Disney executives!! The movies became like the MCU!! The original and prequel trilogy stand the test of time!!

[@anenemystand5582]

@dhruvurs9890 the prequel trilogy is awful. They've got interesting ideas. But the films are bloated, often weirdly opaque, the acting is wooden (George Lucas isn't a great writer of dialogue), and the cgi really is over used. They aren't good movies. The sequel trilogy was ruined by poor planning, corporate meddling and a lack of clear vision. Disney was purely reactive. Just doing things based off fan response which is not a good way to write a cohesive story.

[@Largentina.]

He was originally going to call it Top Gun Legacy.

[@mindyschaper]

Love Robert McKee!

[@sash9249]

2 massive talents. 2 humble filmmakers. What a great conversation. I can't believe Rian draws with stick figures. He's being humble surely. I would never have thr balls to show an actor a shitty sketch that only made sense to me. I bet he's a great artist lol

[@mrpuddingpop1]

I genuinely thought Joseph WAS Tom Cruise, hope that’s a compliment

[@waywardlaser]

Lmao Star Wars fans cannot let shit go

[@vanessariverarodriguez308]

1:30 Is it me or rían did not answer the question of how he comes up with the idea of the crime🤔🤔