Trying to mine a written translation of Larry David’s oral tradition yesterday afternoon at TCA is an unenviable task. Once David began to get laughs from the critics at the start of the session, any chance that he’d answer any question seriously went way down. His performance (that’s what it was) was as entertaining as you might expect, or more. Much more. His timing, inflection and improvisational muscles were all in fine form.

Improvisation, yes. David offered that nearly all of this upcoming HBO film, “Clear History” (Aug 10), is improvised. Director Greg Mottola added that all the dialogue is improvised. And he noted he’s not decided on another season for “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” although he revealed (?) that he’s “lazy” and did “nothing” to prepare for his role in Clear History.

David’s thrust and parry with journalists approached a tour de force. On the other hand, the deck was stacked a bit. Critics weren’t at their best by day’s end, when David’s session began. For example, one critic, in all seriousness, asked where David thought “the influence of Jewish humor” on him came from. After a long pause for effect and many funny faces, David said, “It comes from Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay, Apartment 1D, Nostrand Avenue. Where do you think it comes from?…I grew up in a building with six floors, about nine apartments on each floor and Jews in every apartment…So, yeah, it rubbed off on me a little bit.” It only got better from there.   

The Daily

Subscribe

Broadcasters Loop in FCC on their Big 4 LPTV/Multicast Stance

With the FCC embarking on its congressionally required review of media ownership rules, the retransmission jabs are coming in hard and fast.

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Mar 31
The FAXIES Awards 2023 Enter at Best Price by Friday, March 24
Apr 28
Top Ops & Regional RainmakersNominations Due: April 28
May 19
The Diversity List – 2023First Deadline: May 12; Final Deadline: May 19
Aug 18
Most Powerful Women – 2023Deadline: Aug. 11; Final Deadline: Aug. 18
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB?
VIEW JOBS

Hiring? In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors, The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact [email protected] for more information.