Ep 5. Ron Howard

In season 5 episode 5 of Inside the Actors Studio, renowned filmmaker Ron Howard takes the hot seat to discuss his illustrious career and share insights into his creative process. As one of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors, Howard has helmed some of the most iconic films of the past few decades, including A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, and The Da Vinci Code. This episode sees him reflecting on his evolution as an artist, from his start as a child actor to his emergence behind the camera.

Throughout the episode, Howard offers candid, illuminating commentary on each phase of his career. He talks about his early days as a potential child star, noting the impact that his father's work as a filmmaker had on his ambitions. Howard discusses his time on the set of The Andy Griffith Show, where he learned the art of directing by observing the show's veteran directors. From there, he transitioned to feature film directing, starting with the comedies Grand Theft Auto and Night Shift before scoring his first box office hit with Splash.

As Howard progresses through his filmography, he shares fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes about his work on projects like Apollo 13, which he describes as one of the most intense productions he's ever been a part of. He also reflects on the challenge of adapting Dan Brown's bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code for the screen, noting the many controversies and high expectations that surrounded the project.

In addition to discussing his past work, Howard also looks ahead to his future projects, including his upcoming adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy. He talks about his desire to continue pushing the bounds of his craft, challenging himself to explore new genres and styles and to keep improving as a director.

Throughout the episode, Howard's humility and deep knowledge of the film industry shine through. He discusses the critical importance of collaboration in filmmaking, stressing the value of working with trusted collaborators who can help bring a director's vision to life. He also shares insights into his creative process, discussing the ways in which he approaches each project with an open mind and a willingness to experiment and explore new ideas.

Overall, season 5 episode 5 of Inside the Actors Studio is a must-watch for fans of Ron Howard or anyone interested in the art of filmmaking. Howard's warmth, candor, and wealth of experience make for a riveting and educational episode that offers a unique glimpse into the mind of one of Hollywood's greatest directors.