Karyn Kusama leads Nicole Kidman through neo-noir L.A. in 'Destroyer'

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Episode 19245

Listen • 26:35

Karyn Kusama leads Nicole Kidman through neo-noir L.A. in 'Destroyer'

The director presents a gritty version of the city in the movie about a former undercover cop confronted with her past; Producers Guild of America co-president Lucy Fisher on how the organization is operating in the #MeToo era.

Director Karyn Kusama, left, with Nicole Kidman on the set of "Destroyer."

On today's show:

A Dark Side of the City of Angels

(Begins at 1:00)

There's a long history of noir films based in Los Angeles, but "Destroyer," directed by Karyn Kusama, is in a league of its own. The movie stars Nicole Kidman as an undercover cop who's been physically and emotionally transformed by her work. The L.A. you see on screen isn't of the beach, the palm trees or the glamorous side of the city, which is striking given that the same location manager who worked on "La La Land" found the settings for "Destroyer." John Horn talks with Kusama at one location that plays a key role in the film — a post-industrial lot along the L.A. River known as The Bowtie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqHaLUoiWZU

The Producers Guild's Role in the 'Me Too' Era

(Begins at 19:35)

Guild co-president Lucy Fisher talks about how the group will use the $2 million it received from CBS to fight sexual harassment in the industry.