Robert Rodriguez: Sin City, Desperado, El Mariachi, Alita, and Filmmaking | Lex Fridman Podcast #465

For a movie lover, this is pure gold <3

I need another Robert and Tarantino collab! The most underrated duo of our generation people don’t realize these 2 completely change the way filmmaking is done!

Among all the things I admire about Robert is his down to earth demeanor. In spite of the many years of success he has had in the industry, he still answers questions with such sincerity and eagerness to impart knowledge. So accessible and so humble. By far one of the best independent directors out there. Can't wait to see what he creates next!

Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep465-sa See below for timestamps, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc. 0:00 - Episode highlight 2:07 - Introduction 4:06 - Explosions and having only one take 11:40 - Success and failure 20:30 - Filmmaking on a low budget 32:43 - El Mariachi 44:12 - Creativity 1:06:07 - Limitations 1:12:24 - Handling criticism 1:28:33 - Action films 1:39:55 - Quentin Tarantino 1:49:54 - Desperado 1:50:56 - Salma Hayek 1:55:42 - Danny Trejo 2:00:56 - Filming in Austin 2:07:07 - Editing 2:16:37 - Sound design 2:21:45 - Deadlines 2:25:16 - Alita: Battle Angel 2:33:38 - James Cameron 2:46:41 - Sin City 3:00:50 - Manifesting 3:12:14 - Memories and journaling 3:21:57 - Mortality *CONTACT LEX:* *Feedback* - give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey *AMA* - submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama *Hiring* - join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring *Other* - other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact *EPISODE LINKS:* Robert's X: https://x.com/rodriguez Robert's Instagram: https://instagram.com/rodriguez/ Brass Knuckle Films: https://brassknucklefilms.com/ Rebel without a Crew (book): https://amzn.to/3G7gtQJ Rebel without a Crew (audiobook): https://amzn.to/3Ri5wyc *SPONSORS:* To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts: *Invideo AI:* AI video generator. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/invideoai-ep465-sa *Brain.fm:* Music for focus. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/brainfm-ep465-sa *NetSuite:* Business management software. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/netsuite-ep465-sa *Shopify:* Sell stuff online. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/shopify-ep465-sa *LMNT:* Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/lmnt-ep465-sa

I absolutely love when Lex talks to artists. It's always fascinating to hear their different processes

This is probably one of the best podcasts out there. Robert's insights on creativity, manifestation, setting deadlines, and of course, filming, are amazing.

That scene breakdown he does around the 2 hour 9 min mark was incredibly inspiring. That alone just solidified in my mind that this guy is one of the greats. The way he’s able to think 20 steps ahead when he’s shooting was just incredible.

One of the most underrated and under appreciated filmmakers ever, thank you for having him on!

Sin City is one of my all time favorite movies, Frank Miller with Robert Rodriguez and Tarantino was such a bombshell

Sin City was peak cinema.