After Hours with Alison Sivitz
Blank Check with Griffin & David
Hosted by David Sims and Griffin Newman
- 2h 26m
- Transcript
Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode of Blank Check features hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims alongside guest Ally Sivitz discussing Martin Scorsese's 1985 dark comedy After Hours. The discussion explores the film's production history, including how it was originally offered to Tim Burton before Scorsese stepped in, and its vivid portrayal of a paranoid night in Soho. The conversation also touches upon the distinctive 1980s New York atmosphere, the iconic cast featuring Griffin Dunn and Linda Fiorentino, and the film's enduring status as a cult favorite.
- Before Martin Scorsese took on the project, After Hours was originally signed on to be the debut feature film of Tim Burton. 15:14
- Martin Scorsese famously forbade lead actor Griffin Dunn from having sex during the eight-week shoot to keep him looking appropriately frantic and desperate. 55:53
- The iconic taxi receipt machine sound effect from After Hours was later reused for the Smoke Monster in the television show Lost. 13:02
- The film was shot over 40 nights in Soho, primarily starting at five in the evening and ending at five in the morning to capture empty streets. 2:03:00
Chapters
- 0:22Podcast Intro and Host Banter
Griffin and David kick off the episode with playful teasing, astrology jokes, and a quick rundown of the show’s premise.
- 2:51Defining the Blank Check Concept
The hosts explain the show’s focus on directors who receive blank checks to pursue passion projects, setting the stage for the episode’s deep dive.
- 7:23Exploring After Hours’ NYC Setting
The team discusses the film’s iconic Soho backdrop, its cultural significance, and how the setting shapes the story’s tension.
- 14:37Wrap‑Up and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with final reflections on After Hours, the show’s mission, and a teaser for future content.
- 33:00Introducing Guest Ally Sivvy
Ally Sivvy joins the conversation, sharing her journey to the podcast and the quirky backstory of her bald avatar.
- 36:11Behind the Scenes of After Hours Production
They delve into the film’s creation, from script origins to casting choices, highlighting key influences and production anecdotes.
- 38:59Comparisons to Modern New York Films
The hosts compare After Hours to contemporary NYC movies, noting how modern settings alter the film’s core chaos and humor.
- 46:12Bleff Fetish Debate
The hosts discuss the controversial bleff procedure and its cultural impact.
- 47:05Catherine O'Hara & After Hours Intro
They segue into talking about Catherine O'Hara’s role in the film and the movie’s background.
- 50:51Marty’s Career Context
The hosts reflect on Martin Scorsese’s career trajectory and his motivations for making the film.
- 1:13:17Set Design & NYC Vibe
Discussion of the film’s Soho setting, set pieces, and the authenticity of its New York atmosphere.
- 1:14:57Original vs. Final Ending
They reveal the original ending concept and explain why the studio chose the final cut.
- 1:17:08Audience Reception & Legacy
The hosts wrap up by discussing the film’s critical reception, box‑office performance, and its lasting influence.
- 1:19:57Character Analysis & Themes
They analyze the protagonist’s psyche, queer subtext, and the film’s commentary on AIDS-era New York.
- 1:24:00Ally’s Perspective on the Film
Ally shares her personal connection to After Hours, reflecting on its themes and how it resonates with her own experiences.
- 1:30:18Discussing Troubled Relationships
The hosts debate a character’s troubled background and the impact of abusive relationships on her mental state.
- 1:30:54Book Recommendations for Kids
They chat about the types of books their children are reading, from superhero tales to biographical titles.
- 1:34:10Exploring New York Nightlife
The conversation shifts to nightlife options, including bars, clubs, and the quirks of modern entry apps in NYC.
Highlights
- 2:53
Defining the Show and Scorseseinsight
Griffin defines the premise of the podcast as covering directors given a series of blank checks, and contrasts Scorsese's unique approach to paycheck movies.
- 16:47
Tim Burton Stepping Asidestory
Griffin shares the story of how Tim Burton immediately and graciously stepped aside when Martin Scorsese expressed interest in directing After Hours.
- 33:07
The Fall of Last Temptationdata
David explains how Paramount got cold feet over The Last Temptation of Christ, pushing Scorsese into director's jail before After Hours came along.
- 39:47
Alleged Plagiarism by Joe Frankdebate
David discusses allegations that the opening act of After Hours plagiarized a 1982 radio monologue titled Lies by Joe Frank, resulting in a settlement.
- 56:36
David recounts how Scorsese would occasionally agitate actors before action, accusing Griffin Dunn of breaking his celibacy rule after a too-relaxed take.
- 1:15:07
The Rejected Womb Endinginsight
Griffin and David discuss the original bizarre storyboarded ending where the protagonist crawls inside the paper mache sculpture's womb.
- 1:19:46
An AIDS Crisis Subtextinsight
Griffin argues that After Hours can be read as an AIDS crisis movie, exploring the life-and-death stakes of nightlife and casual encounters.
- 2:13:41
David notes that when After Hours played in competition at Cannes, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi threatened to blow up the festival.
Quotes
“and are given a series of blank checks to make whatever crazy passion projects they want.”
Griffin Newman · 2:59 “Sometimes those checks clear, sometimes they bounce, baby.”
Griffin Newman · 3:03 “unique is every movie of his that on paper is a paycheck movie.”
Griffin Newman · 3:15 “Had you seen it before, producer Ben?”
David Sims · 4:19 “I think I hate the bleff and then I'm like, would I get it? Yeah.”
Unnamed speaker · 46:12 “The moment where he thinks that she's leaning in to kiss him and actually just falls asleep on his shoulder.”
Griffin Newman · 57:08 “He's not just like, oh, she's wildly depressed or manic or something like that, you know, like-”
David Sims · 1:30:26 “It's like explaining the origin story in a very, like, tasteful way, you know, whatever the origin story might be.”
Griffin Newman · 1:31:23 “I just want to take a look.”
David Sims · 1:33:36
Sponsored segments
- Blank Check 2:27:52–2:27:56
- Blank Check 2:28:17–2:28:22
- Blank Check 2:29:14–2:29:21
About this episode
1985's After Hours - It's the ultimate "one crazy night in New York City" movie. It's also the ultimate Griffin movie (both Dunne and Newman). But is it the ultimate cool person choice for the best Scorsese movie? Let's discuss. The lovely Ali Sivitz (also known as Bald Ann Dowd) joins us to talk about this deliriously entertaining slice of prime SoHo history. Apologies to everyone who hates when we talk too much about New York. It's kind of difficult to avoid it with this one. Get your tickets to the LIVESTREAM of Blank Check's sold out Bell House show on Fri, Oct 16 at 7:30pm ET! https://www.dynasty.tv/products/blank-check-live-10-16-26-4-30pmpt-7-30pmet Watch our Scorsese-spectacular live with your fellow Blankies or on VOD (for a limited time). Get Tickets to Blank Check Presents: The Garbage Pail Kids Movie on Sun, Oct 25, 7:30pm at the Refocus Film Festival in Iowa City https://tickets.icfilmscene.org/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=1026937~73f00f5b-a703-472f-975d-5ae901133780&epguid=8214219d-d011-48e5-9822-7cbf57941a30&mdy=10/25/2026& Read When Real Ann Dowd Met Bald Ann Dowd https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/when-real-ann-dowd-met-bald-ann-dowd Follow Bald Ann Dowd https://x.com/ali_sivi Follow Ali on IG https://www.instagram.com/ali.sivi/?hl=en Check out Joe Frank’s Monologue “Lies” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIG636ri4r8 Read Public Radio’s Bad Dream By Susan Emerling https://www.salon.com/2000/03/07/joe_frank/ Keep your eyes peeled and hopefully there are more Plaster of Paris Bagel and Cream Cheese Paperweights https://www.etsy.com/listing/1720014876/plaster-of-paris-bagel-and-cream-cheese Read Dwayne Johnson: A Little Golden Book Biography https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/702445/dwayne-johnson-a-little-golden-book-biography-by-frank-berrios-illustrated-by-irene-chan/ Check out Tickly Octopus Written and Illustrated by Ruth Galloway https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/634131/tickly-octopus-by-ruth-galloway-illustrated-by-ruth-galloway/ Read Pauline https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1985/09/23/airheads-delight and Rogers’s https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/after-hours-1985 thoughts on the film Sign up for Check Book https://blankcheckpod.substack.com/welcome, the Blank Check newsletter featuring even more “real nerdy shit” to feed your pop culture obsession. Dossier excerpts, film biz AND burger reports, and even more exclusive content you won’t want to miss out on. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en, Threads https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0 and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/! Buy some real nerdy merch https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv or Discord https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA For anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com https://www.blankcheckpod.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcript
30,235 words · 4 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
Topics
- After Hours
- True Detective
- Rat Race
- Mubi
- Cannes
- Dallas Buyers Club
- Geffen
- Palme d'Or
- Back to the Future
- Boogie Nights
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated