Mad Men Explained and You Are Here Previewed with Matthew Weiner

Episode 116 : Media Mayhem

Episode Synopsis

Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner speaks at length and uncensored about the season 6 finale (Spoiler Alert!), what motivates Don Draper, his time at The Sopranos and thoughts on Breaking Bad. In a far-reaching conversation with host (and sister) Allison Hope-Weiner, he gives his view for the end of the show, the personal stories that wound up on screen, negotiating with AMC, and watching on Netflix vs TV. Plus, he previews his first film, You Are Here, starring Owen Wilson.

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Guest Bio

Matthew Weiner is the creator of Mad Men, one of the most adored and awarded shows in recent television history, and has previously written and directed for The Sopranos, earning him six Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series since 2004. He is currently in post-production for the film, You Are Here. Starring Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis, Weiner has written and directed the film for premiere at the Toronto Film Festival this year.

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Episode Breakdown

00:01 Welcome to Media Mayhem.

00:34 Welcoming Matt Weiner.

01:18 The season six finale (spoiler alert) and Don Draper in 1968.

07:50 Don Draper, adult sexuality and dominance.

12:06 Religion and existentialism in the world of Don Draper.

15:05 The pacing of Mad Men.

19:56 Writing for characters in the modern tv world-David Chase and continuing storylines.

21:31 The fans ideal show.

24:20 Great stories and deconstructing the bible.

25:12 You Are Here and making a film (for the first time).

29:30 Writing movies vs. writing tv.

34:20 Knowing where Mad Men will end and the Sopranos finale.

39:58 The possible Anti-hero? Don Draper vs. Tony Soprano.

44:00 Thoughts on James Gandolfini.

46:10 The JFK assassination and Betty Draper falls out of love.

50:33 Hotels in the show and the ‘neutral zone.’

52:20 On the fence with Netflix.

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Hosted By

Allison Hope Weiner was a Century City entertainment litigator before she began writing about Hollywood as a journalist. A graduate of Columbia University and the University of Southern California Law Center, she joined the legendary firm of Wyman, Bautzer—where she represented entertainers and corporate media clients.

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