10/14
Set in 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein enlists Dr. Euphronius’ help in creating a mate. They bring a murdered woman back to life as a bride, sparking romance, police interest, and radical societal change. In January 2024, while hosting the Governors’ Awards (the honorary or lifetime achievement awards given by the same Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that gives out the Oscars), comedian John Mulaney jokingly told a story about being asked to tape an audition for a small role in this film: “Ladies and gentlemen, you look at me and think, ‘Oh, great. Another damn stand-up comedian making fun of our sacred rituals.’ So, I have to let you know that I’m not an outsider. I’m pretty in demand in the film world. I want to share with you a real email I received from my agents about thirty days ago. This is a real email they sent me on December 7th [2023] so you can get an idea of who you’re dealing with. “John, in anticipation of our conversation, please find attached the untitled Maggie Gyllenhaal project to be written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal.” That makes sense. “Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Osnat Handelsman[-Keren] and Talia Kleinhendler are set to produce for Warner Brothers. Christian Bale is currently negotiating his lead role opposite Jessie Buckley.” I know who one of those people is. “No script is available at this time.” Okay, I’m listening. “Pending, pending, pending your response to the material. Please use the attached pages to tape yourself for the role of the young cop.” Thank you. You actually sent me that. WME [the entertainment agency William Morris Endeavor] sent me that to clarify. I am not being OFFERED the young cop. They’re giving me a chance to throw my hat in the ring. And yes, I taped myself, and no, I didn’t get it, but… Let’s stop focusing on failure, OK? Enough of failure. There are only winners tonight.”
