The Black List Interview: Rob Lambert and Joe Varkle on CUCK
Today, we talk to Rob Lambert and Joe Varkle about their script, CUCK, which was workshopped via blcklst.com. CUCK recently wrapped production, making it the tenth feature film to be produced after being discovered on The Black List website. Here, Rob and Joe talk about how the past, present, and future shaped their journey as writers.
The Past
What was the first film that had a major impact on your life?
Rob Lambert: I have three that I watched over and over in the early to mid 80’s right when VHS became a real thing everyone had BAD NEWS BEARS, FLETCH, and BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID.
Joe Varkle: The Coen Brothers changed my view of film. The dark humor and atmosphere of FARGO and THE BIG LEBOWSKI set a new tone for storytelling.
Was there a single film that made you want to be a screenwriter? How else did the decision to pursue that career evolve?
RL: I’m a huge fan of gritty character studies. Films like SNOWTOWN MURDERS, STRAIGHT TIME, TAXI DRIVER, THIEF — those are the kinds of stories and visual aesthetics I’m drawn to. Realistic stories about loners living on the fringe.
JV: Screenwriting was the first kind of writing that forced me to reconsider my aesthetics. It’s tighter and more objective than prose fiction, and I loved that challenge.
Most writers have to have day jobs in order to stay afloat. What was the strangest job you ever had before becoming a writer?
RL: No bullshit I actually worked at a call center in Beverly Hills selling collagen lotion by day and sex toys by night. I’d start my day talking to an old lady about wrinkle cream and end it by convincing some basement dwelling slob what type of device would be best suited for his/her activities.
JV: I worked as an assistant in the film industry. Enough said.
The Present
How do you find ideas and how do you choose which ones to work on?
RL: Ideas are the easy part. Joe and I kick different ideas back and forth and move on what budget… excuse me…what organically feels right. I guess you could say we organically write with a budget in mind.
JV: We tend to stay pretty topical. Usually an idea will resonate with both of us, and we’ll start developing a character-driven perspective.
Walk us through a normal day of writing for you. Any special habits to keep the muse happy?
RL: On our writing so far, Joe and I have had a good idea on what scenes match our instincts. Sometimes we’ll trade “lay down the tracks” of the scene and “I’ll take the dialogue.” At the end, we go through and make sure it all feels seamless and not two different stories.
JV: Rob and I start by nailing down well-structured scene outlines. Then we flesh out whatever scenes most resonate with us that day.
Which films are keeping you inspired at the moment?
RL: I saw THE RIDER recently, which I loved. Not much of a script there, but goes to show compelling characters outweigh fancy plot twists every day of the week.
JV: MOONLIGHT is both an incredible film and an incredible feat of filmmaking.
The Future
If you could make one film, with no restrictions in place, what would that film be?
RL: I’d tell you, but I’d have to register a WGA # for it first.
JV: A dark, gritty period piece set in either late 19th century or 1970s.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a writer?
RL: I’d be a fabulous hair stylist with a flair for drama.
JV: Probably slinging kale on my organic farm.
Dinner with three of your favorite writers and/or filmmakers, dead or alive. Who’s coming to dinner? Who picks up the check?
RL: Cary Fukunaga, Paul Schrader, Michael Mann. Cary def picking up check with all that Netflix money.
JV: David Milch — I’m a huge hooplehead (DEADWOOD fan). And The Coens.
The Black List
How did you first hear about The Black List?
RL: Since the beginning! I’m just glad it’s open to everyone, and writers repped at big agencies don’t have a leg up on everyone else. Ahem!
JV: I started checking out The Black List as an MFA student and never stopped. It’s always been a fascinating way to see how stories emerge and evolve.
Since using The Black List, how has your career been impacted?
JV: We received a ton of insightful notes on our script, CUCK, which helped us guide subsequent drafts. That film is now finishing post-production.
RL: We received some amazing reviews…and we received some terrible reviews. It was so polarizing I knew we had something. Pitching the reviews really helped in our fundraising.
Any tips for writers interested in the site?
JV: Read screenplays. Learn to recognize great pacing and visuals on the page. Be honest with yourself as to when your script is ready to go public.
RL: Don’t write anything because it’s a fad. Mostly because you’ll have to stare it for at least a year. Oh, and when receiving coverage from another writer, always take it with a grain of salt.
Check out more about CUCK on the film’s official website. Cheers to Rob and Joe!
