One of my favorite movies at this year's Sundance Film Festival was writer-director Leslye Headland's extremely funny Sleeping with Other People. The film's about two people (Jason SudeikisAlison Brie) that lose their virginity to each other in college and don't meet again until a decade later in NYC. As they bond later in life, they support one another in their quests for healthy romantic relationships. Imagine a modern day When Harry Met Sally with a lot more sex talk, outrageous behavior, but still maintaining characters you care about. The film also stars Adam Scott, Amanda PeetJason Matnzoukas, and Natasha Lyonne. For more on the film, which should be in theaters later this year courtesy of IFC Films, read Adam's review.

Shortly after the premiere (which played huge in the thousand-seat Eccles theater), I sat down with Jason Sudeikis and Leslye Headland for a very fun interview. They talked about the film's humor, what they want people to know about the movie, how the film is proudly a romantic comedy, the way it was influenced by When Harry Met Sally, editing a film where the leads give you a lot of options, pushing the boundaries, and a lot more. In addition, towards the end of the interview I got an update on Fletch Won. Sudeikis says that they're looking for a director and that the idea is to go back to the books, not to remake what Chevy Chase did.

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As usual, I’ve time indexed the interview to provide an overview of the conversation.

Jason Sudeikis and Leslye Headland:

  • :08 - Joking around about Eminem, King of Kong, and This is Spinal Tap.
  • 1:35 - Talk about the film's humor and writing for Jason Sudeikis.
  • 2:15 - Headland talks about collaborating on the script with Sudeikis.
  • 3:22 - Sudeikis talks about how daunting writing is and that it's his job to support what's written.
  • 4:00 - Sudeikis says he wanted to work with writer/directors after We're the Millers and "be a vessel for what they want to do".
  • 4:56 - Headland talks about how Sudeikis gives her a lot of options in the editing room.
  • 6: 07 - What do they want people to know about the movie?
  • 6:26 - Headland talks about how the film explores elements of dating that we don't usually see.
  • 6:50 - On how the film is proudly a romantic comedy.
  • 7:50 - Talk about a scene in the film that really pushes the boundaries.
  • 9:15 - On how When Harry Met Sally influenced the film.
  • 9:40 - Headland talks about how "the scene" has an emotional resonance to it, not just shock value.
  • 10:47 - The movie is about two people trying to love themselves enough to let other people love them.
  • 11:37 - What is the update on Fletch Won? Sudeikis says that they're looking for a director and that the idea is to go back to the books, not to remake what Chevy Chase did.