Benny Safdie
Emma Stone as Whitney in 'The Curse' finale, episode 10, season 1
Filmmaker Toolkit
Here's why the surreal ending was vital to the show and how it required months of careful planning. 
'The Smashing Machine'
Safdie's solo directorial debut for A24 centers on MMA legend Mark Kerr, portrayed by Johnson.
Benny Safdie attends the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 25, 2024 in Santa Monica, California.
Red Carpet
It's totally possible that wasn’t a Safdie, but Dougie Schecter from “The Curse.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: (L-R) Benny Safdie, Christopher Nolan and Nathan Fielder attend The Curse FYC event at The SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center on January 04, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images  for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME)
Nolan compared Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie's black comedy to "Twin Peaks" for its willingness to reinvent the language of television.
The Curse finale Emma Stone as Whitney in The Curse, episode 10
“You Can't Get Rid of Me That Easily”
In the lead-up to Episode 10, Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie set a high bar for their much-anticipated conclusion. Now, we can safely say they cleared it.
Josh and Benny Safdie
One Director
Directing duos must apply for a special waiver through the Directors Guild. Applying a second time after a breakup can be tricky.
Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie
The wrestler-turned-Hollywood star is set to star in Safdie's upcoming film about MMA legend Mark Kerr for A24.
Benny Safdie, Dwayne Johnson
"The Smashing Machine" will star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the drama written and directed by Benny Safdie that charts Kerr's UFC rise.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie accept the Wavelength Award onstage during IndieWire Honors 2023 at NeueHouse Hollywood on December 06, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/IndieWire via Getty Images)
IndieWire Honors
The co-creators of the Showtime series thanked IndieWire at Neuehouse Hollywood — but not without Fielder leaning into his brash "Nathan for You" persona.
Benny Safdie and Nathan Fielder in black-and-white against a blue-green background
IndieWire Honors
Before receiving the Wavelength Award at this year's IndieWire Honors, the creative duo behind Showtime's mind-bending satire speak to IndieWire about becoming friends, production secrets, and finding the truth in reality TV.
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Adam Sandler poses with Best Directors for "Uncut Gems" Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie in the press room during the  2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 08, 2020 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)
Josh Safdie will direct the movie set in the world of sports memorabilia that marks an "Uncut Gems" reunion.
The Curse Nathan Fielder as Asher and Emma Stone as Whitney in The Curse, episode 4, season 1, streaming on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
Cherry Tomato Brothers Unite
Following a married couple as they shoot an HGTV show, Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie's Showtime series is a shocking, razor-sharp satire of, well, quite a lot.
Top of The Line Weekly
A weekly digest that captures the best of our Top of the Line coverage.

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