My Next Guest With David Letterman And Volodymyr Zelenskyy
December 31, 2022 4:44 PM Subscribe
David Letterman's series for Netflix My Next Guest takes itself to new territory when David visits Kiev and interviews Voodymyr Zelenskyy in a subway station and tours the city with comics and others. My Next Guest with David Letterman and Volodymyr Zelenskyy | Full Episode | Netflix [44m]
Who would have guessed that the coolest mf'er on earth would be a Ukrainian stand up?
posted by Keith Talent at 4:53 PM on December 31, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by Keith Talent at 4:53 PM on December 31, 2022 [4 favorites]
Keith Talent, Zelenskyy is also a lawyer.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 5:21 PM on December 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 5:21 PM on December 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
Oh god, the Ukrainian lawyer jokes almost write themselves.
posted by Keith Talent at 5:41 PM on December 31, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by Keith Talent at 5:41 PM on December 31, 2022 [2 favorites]
Oh I just watched the episode. Very well done. Dave is good when he’s serious. And the setting in the subway underground was very effective. Thanks for posting!
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 6:10 PM on December 31, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 6:10 PM on December 31, 2022 [2 favorites]
I don't know quite when this was recorded.
According to WaPo it was done in late October.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 7:48 PM on December 31, 2022 [3 favorites]
According to WaPo it was done in late October.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 7:48 PM on December 31, 2022 [3 favorites]
That was a good watch. Though thinking about it now, it wasn't really that great. Dave's questions could have been a little more focused. Instead, it was more like a conversation between an admirer and the object of his admiration, with the admirer trying to get the admired to play the part and say profound things. Fortunately, the President really did have a profound message for his people and the world.
posted by Stuka at 10:17 PM on December 31, 2022
posted by Stuka at 10:17 PM on December 31, 2022
This is clearly propaganda: Zelenzkyy is up front about the fact that he and his wife have been injecting themselves into the European and American consciousness because they need weapons and aid.
But they are doing this by humanizing themselves, almost humbling themselves. There isn't any talk about glory or mastery, ownership or righteousness, nationalism or patriotism or the projection of power. But there's a lot of talk about small pleasures. The sky. Children. Silence. Laughter. He remembers to remember the humanity of Ukrainian soldiers, and their fear, and to remind them of the love that Ukrainian people have for them; of the fact that individual Ukrainians are joining in the fight by whatever means available to them. He's talking about strength through mutual need, care and responsibility. He remembers to humanize Russian citizens too: the ones that believe Putin are misinformed; the ones that don't are afraid. If Putin were to die tomorrow, the war would end because only Putin wants it.
It's a striking strategy. Moreso because there isn't any reason to believe that he's not sincere. This seems to be the kind of man Zelenskyy is. And I hope he is, until the end of this war (which they will win) and after.
posted by klanawa at 10:56 PM on December 31, 2022 [24 favorites]
But they are doing this by humanizing themselves, almost humbling themselves. There isn't any talk about glory or mastery, ownership or righteousness, nationalism or patriotism or the projection of power. But there's a lot of talk about small pleasures. The sky. Children. Silence. Laughter. He remembers to remember the humanity of Ukrainian soldiers, and their fear, and to remind them of the love that Ukrainian people have for them; of the fact that individual Ukrainians are joining in the fight by whatever means available to them. He's talking about strength through mutual need, care and responsibility. He remembers to humanize Russian citizens too: the ones that believe Putin are misinformed; the ones that don't are afraid. If Putin were to die tomorrow, the war would end because only Putin wants it.
It's a striking strategy. Moreso because there isn't any reason to believe that he's not sincere. This seems to be the kind of man Zelenskyy is. And I hope he is, until the end of this war (which they will win) and after.
posted by klanawa at 10:56 PM on December 31, 2022 [24 favorites]
And a talented pianist yt !
That’s... not how that last word is spelled. Close, though.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 3:40 AM on January 1, 2023 [3 favorites]
That’s... not how that last word is spelled. Close, though.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 3:40 AM on January 1, 2023 [3 favorites]
I was astounded to see this on Netflix a few weeks ago, I thought it was really moving. Zelensky was actually not what I was expecting (having watched a few episodes of the sitcom he was in, and several speeches, so not unfamiliar with him). I know this is a ridiculous thing to say but he seemed very... stressed. I hope the war ends this year and he is able to get that beer by the sea.
posted by maggiemaggie at 9:42 AM on January 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by maggiemaggie at 9:42 AM on January 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
This is clearly propaganda.... It's a striking strategy. Moreso because there isn't any reason to believe that he's not sincere.
It's like those videos that started appearing after the invasion of Iraq, where a returning US soldier surprises their child at school, who bursts into tears and runs into their arms. Absolutely real, absolutely propaganda. We've come to associate the word "propaganda" with dishonesty, but forget that it's also simply messaging, which is manipulative, but only in the way all communication is.
I can recognize that the interview was propaganda and still have no problem with it both as content and as a strategy, because if I was in a nation under attack, I'd want someone as clever as Zelensky in charge. I'd want someone who knew how to work the "information space," which is obviously a crucial element of surviving and winning.
posted by fatbird at 10:38 AM on January 1, 2023 [9 favorites]
It's like those videos that started appearing after the invasion of Iraq, where a returning US soldier surprises their child at school, who bursts into tears and runs into their arms. Absolutely real, absolutely propaganda. We've come to associate the word "propaganda" with dishonesty, but forget that it's also simply messaging, which is manipulative, but only in the way all communication is.
I can recognize that the interview was propaganda and still have no problem with it both as content and as a strategy, because if I was in a nation under attack, I'd want someone as clever as Zelensky in charge. I'd want someone who knew how to work the "information space," which is obviously a crucial element of surviving and winning.
posted by fatbird at 10:38 AM on January 1, 2023 [9 favorites]
My New Year's resolution is to feel glad about things and not need to dissect things and find fault wherever I can.
I am glad for this and I am glad Dave did it.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 12:46 PM on January 1, 2023 [9 favorites]
I am glad for this and I am glad Dave did it.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 12:46 PM on January 1, 2023 [9 favorites]
I just watched his New Year's address on YT and it was pretty intense, I'll have to watch this too.
posted by Harald74 at 4:06 AM on January 2, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Harald74 at 4:06 AM on January 2, 2023 [3 favorites]
Hello, I have done extensive research on Zelenskyy so I'll respond to some of the comments
> Ukrainian stand up
See below about the law degree, but he also ran a 300 person entertainment company, acted in many feature-length movies, the TV series you probably know about, and was a TV executive. He didnt do much "stand-up" per se. Almost all his stage performances were in the form of sketches and songs. The third (and final) season of his TV show was definitely a drama. He originally wanted to be a diplomat but was foiled by corruption; his parents couldn't afford the bribe to get him into the school.
> Zelenskyy is also a lawyer.
He has a law degree but did not practice. He went to court once as an observer and changed his path. "Apparently, I watched too many movies where lawyers are a whole show, when people could arrange some kind of defense, it's interesting. Unfortunately, everything is not as bright as in foreign movies. I saw it and it became boring." (2013 interview)
> Moreso because there isn't any reason to believe that he's not sincere. This seems to be the kind of man Zelenskyy is.
He is very consistent. He talks about all the same themes in interviews stretching back to the early 2010s, long before he considered running for president. He's had the same group of friends for 25+ years and all of them say they are not surprised at his performance as president.
> I know this is a ridiculous thing to say but he seemed very... stressed.
At the time of that interview the infrastructure was really starting to get hit hard and power outages were widespread (and still are to some degree). His demeanor really varies quite a bit even within interviews. He's both very serious and laughing in this interview with Piers Morgan (I know, I know, the guy is a tool but it's a good interview nonetheless). His mood ebbs and flows, and he certainly cannot hide it at all, but I don't see him as significantly more stressed than he was near the start. I've watched hundreds of speeches.
> I just watched his New Year's address on YT and it was pretty intense
English transcripts of all of his speeches are on his site. On YouTube, the nightly speeches are subtitled in English about an hour after they're originally posted. The Independence Day (August 24) speech was about the same tenor as this one. I also highly recommend the Christmas and Easter speeches.
People's attention span is so incredibly short, and so much is going on in the world, that he (and therefore Ukraine) has to stay relevant. They will be crushed without foreign aid and weapons. After 25+ years on stage and screen, he is an extremely skilled communicator. I can't imagine what would happen to Ukraine if they did not have someone like him to be their face to the world.
posted by nezlamnyy at 1:47 PM on January 2, 2023 [12 favorites]
> Ukrainian stand up
See below about the law degree, but he also ran a 300 person entertainment company, acted in many feature-length movies, the TV series you probably know about, and was a TV executive. He didnt do much "stand-up" per se. Almost all his stage performances were in the form of sketches and songs. The third (and final) season of his TV show was definitely a drama. He originally wanted to be a diplomat but was foiled by corruption; his parents couldn't afford the bribe to get him into the school.
> Zelenskyy is also a lawyer.
He has a law degree but did not practice. He went to court once as an observer and changed his path. "Apparently, I watched too many movies where lawyers are a whole show, when people could arrange some kind of defense, it's interesting. Unfortunately, everything is not as bright as in foreign movies. I saw it and it became boring." (2013 interview)
> Moreso because there isn't any reason to believe that he's not sincere. This seems to be the kind of man Zelenskyy is.
He is very consistent. He talks about all the same themes in interviews stretching back to the early 2010s, long before he considered running for president. He's had the same group of friends for 25+ years and all of them say they are not surprised at his performance as president.
> I know this is a ridiculous thing to say but he seemed very... stressed.
At the time of that interview the infrastructure was really starting to get hit hard and power outages were widespread (and still are to some degree). His demeanor really varies quite a bit even within interviews. He's both very serious and laughing in this interview with Piers Morgan (I know, I know, the guy is a tool but it's a good interview nonetheless). His mood ebbs and flows, and he certainly cannot hide it at all, but I don't see him as significantly more stressed than he was near the start. I've watched hundreds of speeches.
> I just watched his New Year's address on YT and it was pretty intense
English transcripts of all of his speeches are on his site. On YouTube, the nightly speeches are subtitled in English about an hour after they're originally posted. The Independence Day (August 24) speech was about the same tenor as this one. I also highly recommend the Christmas and Easter speeches.
People's attention span is so incredibly short, and so much is going on in the world, that he (and therefore Ukraine) has to stay relevant. They will be crushed without foreign aid and weapons. After 25+ years on stage and screen, he is an extremely skilled communicator. I can't imagine what would happen to Ukraine if they did not have someone like him to be their face to the world.
posted by nezlamnyy at 1:47 PM on January 2, 2023 [12 favorites]
He's like if Reagan had used his powers for good instead of evil.
I don't know anything about the state of Ukraine and its level of what some are calling "corruption" before the war. It truly wasn't on my radar much except as a character in a Trump sketch involving a controversial phone call. Given the state of our own laws and enforcement system and the many people who should be in jail RIGHT NOW who are not because of influence/money/relatives/etc, I don't feel comfortable making judgements about a country I knew nothing about 10 months ago.
But I have seen nothing from Zelenskyy during the time I've been paying attention to him that has led me to believe he isn't an authentic force for good during this time. I hope when this war is over he can continue to do good and knit Ukraine back together physically (and psychologically) while winning many rebuilding cases or grants. If he is who he seems to be, he will be the right person to take the country through a rebuilding period.
He really does deserve to have a beer on a beach sometime, though. I can't remember the last time I've seen a leader on the world stage working as hard has him.
posted by hippybear at 2:19 PM on January 2, 2023 [2 favorites]
I don't know anything about the state of Ukraine and its level of what some are calling "corruption" before the war. It truly wasn't on my radar much except as a character in a Trump sketch involving a controversial phone call. Given the state of our own laws and enforcement system and the many people who should be in jail RIGHT NOW who are not because of influence/money/relatives/etc, I don't feel comfortable making judgements about a country I knew nothing about 10 months ago.
But I have seen nothing from Zelenskyy during the time I've been paying attention to him that has led me to believe he isn't an authentic force for good during this time. I hope when this war is over he can continue to do good and knit Ukraine back together physically (and psychologically) while winning many rebuilding cases or grants. If he is who he seems to be, he will be the right person to take the country through a rebuilding period.
He really does deserve to have a beer on a beach sometime, though. I can't remember the last time I've seen a leader on the world stage working as hard has him.
posted by hippybear at 2:19 PM on January 2, 2023 [2 favorites]
Thanks for posting this.
posted by joannemerriam at 6:15 PM on January 2, 2023
posted by joannemerriam at 6:15 PM on January 2, 2023
He didnt do much "stand-up" per se.
He does do it occasionally, though. And he was apparently very good at improv in his KVN days. KVN was nearly all sketches, but apparently there was a Captain's Challenge portion that was improv. But yes, his greatest strength comedically was writing and performing sketch comedy -- he's been a scriptwriter for both TV and movies.
posted by tavella at 11:23 PM on January 2, 2023
He does do it occasionally, though. And he was apparently very good at improv in his KVN days. KVN was nearly all sketches, but apparently there was a Captain's Challenge portion that was improv. But yes, his greatest strength comedically was writing and performing sketch comedy -- he's been a scriptwriter for both TV and movies.
posted by tavella at 11:23 PM on January 2, 2023
Yeah, his standup was for the most part an introduction to his show, like Jay Leno used to do. I rankle when some people reduce him to that; in some cases (not here) it seems a deliberate attempt to paint him as unqualified. His opponent in the 2019 elections directly called him a clown (Ze's response was to wear a clown nose in his next campaign video).
His best improv, in my opinion, were in these two episodes of Вечерний Киев where he plays a food blogger teaching another person to cook. The twist is that someone else stood behind him and played Ze's hands, so Ze had to riff off of whatever "his" hands picked up. This really needs no subtitles to be hilarious. Skit one with famous comedian Yuri Tkach and skit two with famous singer Potap.
His wife also wrote sketches for Kvartal 95 too! They're so silly and she's so serious and classy now that I have trouble imagining it, but it's true.
posted by nezlamnyy at 9:22 AM on January 3, 2023
His best improv, in my opinion, were in these two episodes of Вечерний Киев where he plays a food blogger teaching another person to cook. The twist is that someone else stood behind him and played Ze's hands, so Ze had to riff off of whatever "his" hands picked up. This really needs no subtitles to be hilarious. Skit one with famous comedian Yuri Tkach and skit two with famous singer Potap.
His wife also wrote sketches for Kvartal 95 too! They're so silly and she's so serious and classy now that I have trouble imagining it, but it's true.
posted by nezlamnyy at 9:22 AM on January 3, 2023
> I don't know anything about the state of Ukraine and its level of what some are calling "corruption" before the war. I
It was a serious problem and fighting corruption was one of his major campaign planks (the others were ending the war and building infrastructure, which he did). He spent a fair amount of 2019 traveling the country and yelling at corrupt officials (no subs, but he's upset with customs officials who are obviously taking bribes).
It was an uphill battle for him since corruption is so entrenched and all of the media outlets are/were owned by oligarchs. Plus, COVID was a major distraction. As far as I can tell, the major advance he's made is the "state in a smartphone" where most transactions between individuals/businesses are through an app, rather than slipping the guy at the permit office some cash. There were some laws introduced and courts formed/shaken up butI'm not sure how far he got with those. Corruption was the major focus of the first two seasons of his TV show. (No spoilers for the third.)
The war has actually helped as many oligarchs fled the country, certain businesses can be nationalized under martial law, and foreign partners demand transparency in how their aid is disbursed. There are of course always going to be shitty people.
> If he is who he seems to be, he will be the right person to take the country through a rebuilding period.
He is. I was charmed by him in the first days of the war and so I did a very very deep dive to make sure he was the type of person I could support. Aside from political opponents and propagandists, no one has anything bad to say about the guy. Not even "he doesn't recycle" or "he double parks." I have some quibbles about his economic policies - he's far too libertarian for my tastes - but I'm not voting for him and his views can be easily explained as a reaction to communism and central planning. Internally there was disagreement over tax policies, tariffs, and so forth. But morally and strategically, he is the perfect person at the perfect time and many prominent people who didn't vote for him in 2019 or like him in 2021 openly confess they were wrong.
posted by nezlamnyy at 9:39 AM on January 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
It was a serious problem and fighting corruption was one of his major campaign planks (the others were ending the war and building infrastructure, which he did). He spent a fair amount of 2019 traveling the country and yelling at corrupt officials (no subs, but he's upset with customs officials who are obviously taking bribes).
It was an uphill battle for him since corruption is so entrenched and all of the media outlets are/were owned by oligarchs. Plus, COVID was a major distraction. As far as I can tell, the major advance he's made is the "state in a smartphone" where most transactions between individuals/businesses are through an app, rather than slipping the guy at the permit office some cash. There were some laws introduced and courts formed/shaken up butI'm not sure how far he got with those. Corruption was the major focus of the first two seasons of his TV show. (No spoilers for the third.)
The war has actually helped as many oligarchs fled the country, certain businesses can be nationalized under martial law, and foreign partners demand transparency in how their aid is disbursed. There are of course always going to be shitty people.
> If he is who he seems to be, he will be the right person to take the country through a rebuilding period.
He is. I was charmed by him in the first days of the war and so I did a very very deep dive to make sure he was the type of person I could support. Aside from political opponents and propagandists, no one has anything bad to say about the guy. Not even "he doesn't recycle" or "he double parks." I have some quibbles about his economic policies - he's far too libertarian for my tastes - but I'm not voting for him and his views can be easily explained as a reaction to communism and central planning. Internally there was disagreement over tax policies, tariffs, and so forth. But morally and strategically, he is the perfect person at the perfect time and many prominent people who didn't vote for him in 2019 or like him in 2021 openly confess they were wrong.
posted by nezlamnyy at 9:39 AM on January 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
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posted by hippybear at 4:45 PM on December 31, 2022