Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer

Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer are the hosts of What Went Wrong.

Describe What Went Wrong in 10 words or less.
CW: Biweekly podcast exploring movie-making mayhem behind your favorite films.

Why did you start What Went Wrong?
LB: I think we were at the Hollywood Veggie Grill wondering how on earth a multi-million dollar flop like Cats had happened, when we realized nobody ever sets out to make a bad movie. So how do good intentions go so awry? That’s when we realized there’s a story behind every film.

Which episode was your favorite to make, and why?
CW: Galaxy Quest was the most personal to me, it’s a movie that I was raised on and one in which the story behind the story really matched the tone and themes of the finished film.

LB: I’m fascinated and horrified by the way Hitchcock treated his heroines, so The Birds was a favorite of mine. I’m always interested in wrestling with the reality behind some of the most influential artists in Hollywood. 

Tell us about a character from a movie that has left a lasting impression on you. Why?
CW: Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings. Why? Because he’s basically the first assistant director. He’ll get none of the credit, not that he’d want it anyway, and he has to deal with all of the bullshit. The movie wouldn’t happen without him.

LB: Eve in All About Eve. It was rare in 1950 to see a film focused almost exclusively on women’s experience in Hollywood - and especially rare that the title character was allowed to be such a complicated, slimy, villain. 

If you had to watch just one movie every day till the end of time, which would it be?
CW: Moneyball.

LB: Drop Dead Gorgeous

If your lives were movies, what genres would they be? Why?
CW: Comedy. Because the tragedies in my life are small enough that they’d be funny to other people.

LB: Mumblecore. Lots of talking, not too much plot, pretty enjoyable throughout.

Fill in the blank: You will love What Went Wrong if you like_______.
CW: Movies.

LB: Movies!

What is one movie that does not get enough credit for how challenging it was to make?
CW: The Lord of the Rings. I think because the end product is so strong people don’t appreciate the near decade long endeavor that was making those films. 

LB: Mad Max: Fury Road. It’s a miracle this movie ever made it to the screen and truly one of the greatest feats of filmmaking ever. The oral history, Blood Sweat and Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Max is a great read, or if you’re short on time just… listen to our episodes!

What has been the nicest review you’ve received?
LB: I love hearing that the podcast has helped people connect over movies with friends or family. Someone recently told us they’ve been listening on drives with their son and that made me so happy! 

CW: What Lizzie said! Also, couples who listen and then watch the films together.

Thanks, Lizzie and Chris!