Watching anyone “talk shop” and really get into a meaty conversations about their passions, their art, and their process is fascinating to me. Doubly so if it’s someone I find interesting to begin with, and Joss Whedon definitely falls into that category. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that Whedon is committed to what he does, and approaches every project with a passion and zeal. Of course, this passion also means he can occasionally get burned out, as was apparently the case with the decisive Avengers: Age of Ultron. Whedon himself has admitted to the film’s faults, but still ultimately stands by it, and I can respect him for that. Age of Ultron was just one of the many subjects that came up when he recently sat down with Mark Ruffalo for a one hour discussion about his background, his method, his experiences working in television and film, and a little bit about what he’s working on next. This is just the latest in Tribeca’s Tribeca Talks series, which have included discussions with JJ Abrams, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer.
Whedon’s fans will know a lot of what to expect from the talk, namely a lot of self deprecating humor and dry wit from the Buffy and Firefly creator, as well as a lot of openness about his faults and virtues as a storyteller. Say what you will about Whedon, but he’s at least honest with himself. He doesn’t blame others for his failings, he doesn’t talk down to people, and he rarely if ever comes across and egotistical or self-involved. Among a lot of people I’ve seen give similar talks, Whedon stands relatively alone in this. The talk is a must-watch for Whedon fans and Marvel fans alike, and the easy rapport Whedon has with Ruffalo makes everything feel very informal and fun.
Check out the video below