Interview with Producer/Director Brett Ratner

On the Hollywood Godfather Podcast, Gianni Russo, Patrick Piccirilli, and Megan host filmmaker Brett Ratner, who recalls meeting Russo as a child at Caesars Palace and later casting him in films including The Family Man, Red Dragon, and the Rush Hour movies. Ratner describes visiting the Scarface set in Miami Beach as a kid, appearing in a scene, and how watching Brian De Palma direct Al Pacino inspired him to become a director. He also shares childhood stories of befriending Meyer Lansky, including dinners with Lansky and receiving personal items and a letter to Golda Meir after his death, plus a story about Lansky’s stepson Dickie Schwartz. Ratner recounts Steve Wynn delaying the Desert Inn implosion so Ratner could film Rush Hour 2. The episode ends with listener mailbag Q&A, podcast announcements, and promotion of Piccirilli’s new book Popline.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy