Center Stage with Mark Gordon

On this episode of Center Stage with Mark Gordon, filmmaker Christine La Monte discusses her new documentary Ai Weiwei’s Turandot, which follows artist and activist Ai Weiwei as he makes his operatic directorial debut at the Rome Opera House. Known for his fearless art and political engagement, Ai Weiwei reimagines Puccini’s classic opera Turandot as a reflection of today’s world, where freedom, identity, and resistance collide. La Monte shares insights about working with Ai Weiwei, navigating the impact of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and creating a film that explores how art can challenge, provoke, and inspire. 🎧 Center Stage with Mark Gordon is produced in Los Angeles and features conversations with the filmmakers, artists, and storytellers shaping culture today.

"One ride changes everything…" Filmmaker Michael Pierro joins Center Stage to talk about Self Driver, a dark thriller where a cab driver’s morals are tested in the dead of night. Self Driver is currently available for streaming https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/self-driver Share your thoughts in the comments: Would you trust a self-driving car with your life?

In this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon sat down with provocative indie filmmaker Gregg Araki to talk about his cult classic Nowhere. Released in 1997 as the final chapter of his so-called “Teen Apocalypse Trilogy,” Nowhere is a bold, kaleidoscopic ride through the chaos of L.A. youth culture—complete with alien abductions, surreal encounters, and razor-sharp social commentary. In our conversation, Araki opens up about the film’s psychedelic aesthetic, its fearless exploration of identity and desire, and why Nowhere remains a strangely prophetic time capsule of pre-millennial angst. Nowhere might be nearly three decades old, but its fearless energy and raw honesty still feel electrifying today. Gregg Araki’s vision—equal parts absurd, emotional, and unapologetically weird—captures a moment in time that speaks across generations.

In this episode, Mark Gordon talks with acclaimed filmmaker John Kastner about his gripping documentary Life with Murder. The film unpacks the devastating real-life story of the Jenkins family in Chatham, Ontario, whose world was shattered when 18-year-old Jennifer Jenkins was found shot to death in their home. Her brother, Mason, quickly became the prime suspect—and was ultimately convicted of her murder. But Life with Murder is not just a crime story. It’s a powerful exploration of grief, denial, and the unfathomable complexities of familial love in the face of tragedy. In the interview, Kastner offers rare insight into the making of the documentary and the emotional toll it took, not just on the subjects but on the storyteller himself.

When it comes to Alfred Hitchcock, most biographies center on the master of suspense himself—his genius, his control, his darkness. But in his latest book, Hitchcock’s Blondes, bestselling author Laurence Leamer flips the lens, focusing instead on the women who helped shape the director’s legacy from the other side of the camera. In this captivating interview for Mark Gordon Center Stage, Leamer takes us deep into the lives of eight iconic actresses—from Grace Kelly to Tippi Hedren—who weren’t just Hitchcock’s muses, but complex women navigating the pressures of fame, image, and a director whose obsession with their every move extended far beyond the film set. With his signature blend of deep research and compelling storytelling, Leamer discusses what drew him to this subject, how Hitchcock’s early years in British cinema shaped his relationships with women, and why these actresses' stories are essential to understanding both the man and the myth. Whether you’re a film buff, a Hitchcock fan, or simply fascinated by the stories history forgot to highlight, this conversation promises revelations and resonance in equal measure.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon dives into the depths with filmmaker Max Erlenwein to discuss his pulse-pounding thriller The Dive. Set against the eerie, isolated backdrop of the open sea, the film tells the gripping story of two sisters on a freediving trip that turns into a desperate fight for survival after a catastrophic underwater accident. In our conversation, Erlenwein shares how he crafted the film’s intense atmosphere, the challenges of shooting underwater, and the emotional core that makes The Dive more than just a survival story—it’s a meditation on fear, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between siblings. Get ready to hold your breath.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon sits down with award-winning filmmaker Yuval Adler to talk about his latest psychological thriller, Sympathy for the Devil. Starring Nicolas Cage and Joel Kinnaman, the film kicks off with a chilling yet straightforward premise: a man is forced at gunpoint to drive a mysterious passenger, but what unfolds is a tense, mind-bending journey where nothing is as it seems. As the story unfolds, Sympathy for the Devil delves into profound questions of identity, morality, and revenge. In our conversation, Adler discusses working with two powerhouse actors, crafting suspense through character, and what it takes to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Stephen Woolley has never shied away from provocative stories or complex characters. The award-winning producer behind The Crying Game and Interview with the Vampire has built a career on bringing bold, emotionally charged narratives to the screen. In 2005, Woolley came Center Stage with Mark Gordon to discuss his latest project at the time—Stoned, a film that dives into the turbulent life and mysterious death of Rolling Stones co-founder Brian Jones. In this candid conversation, Woolley opens up about the allure of Jones’s tragic arc, the challenges of recreating the 1960s rock scene, and why the film was more than just another rock biopic—it was a story about fame, identity, and the cost of living too fast.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon talks with health advocate and filmmaker Joe Cross, the driving force behind the inspiring documentary Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. In the film, Cross takes us on a deeply personal journey—from battling a debilitating autoimmune disease and obesity to reclaiming his health through the simple yet powerful act of juicing. Armed with a video camera, a juicer, and a determination to change his life, Joe hit the road across America, sharing his story and his juice with strangers in hopes of sparking transformation in others. During the interview, Cross opens up about what led him to the brink, how he turned it all around, and why real change starts with what we put on our plate. This is more than a story about food—it’s about taking control of your life, one sip at a time.

Behind the Camera with Mel Stuart: From Willy Wonka to Wattstax Mel Stuart may not be a household name, but his work has left an indelible mark on generations of film lovers. In this rare and insightful interview, the legendary director reflects on his time bringing Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory to life—sharing stories about Gene Wilder’s iconic performance, the challenges of turning a whimsical tale into a cinematic classic, and the unexpected magic that happened on set. Stuart also opens up about casting Richard Pryor in Wattstax, the groundbreaking concert film that captured the soul of Black America in the 1970s. It’s a journey through cinema history with a man who helped shape it.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon revisits a conversation with the remarkably gifted Hope Davis—an actress whose intelligence, emotional depth, and quiet strength have made her one of the most consistently compelling performers of her generation. In 1996, she was gaining attention for her standout role in the indie gem The Daytrippers, a film that showcased her natural ability to ground even the most eccentric characters in truth and heart. Since then, Hope has built an extraordinary body of work across film and television, with unforgettable performances in American Splendor, Your Honor alongside Bryan Cranston, and HBO’s Perry Mason. With her upcoming role in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, Hope continues to prove that true talent doesn’t just endure—it evolves.

On this episode of Center Stage, I’m joined by spiritual seeker, teacher, and filmmaker Raghu Markus to discuss his deeply moving documentary Brilliant Disguise: The Samadhi of K.C. Tewari. In the late 1960s, Raghu embarked on a journey to India, driven by a yearning for something beyond the material world—a deeper truth and a spiritual awakening. What he found was not only a path, but a profound teacher: K.C. Tewari, a humble yet extraordinary yogi with the rare ability to enter deep states of Samadhi, where the boundaries of the self dissolve into the infinite. In our conversation, Raghu reflects on his time with Tewari, the mysteries of Samadhi, and the inner transformation that began over fifty years ago and continues to resonate today. Through this film and our discussion, we explore not just the story of a great spiritual master, but the timeless human search for connection, stillness, and meaning.