#465 – Robert Rodriguez: Sin City, Desperado, El Mariachi, Alita, and Filmmaking

April 17, 2025 Brian Satis 15 Views

Robert Rodriguez is a legendary filmmaker and creator of Sin City, El Mariachi, Desperado, Spy Kids, Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn, Alita: Battle Angel, The Faculty, and his newest venture Brass Knuckle Films.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep465-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.

Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/robert-rodriguez-transcript

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://invideo.io/i/lexpod
Brain.fm: Music for focus.
Go to https://brain.fm/lex
NetSuite: Business management software.
Go to http://netsuite.com/lex
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://shopify.com/lex
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex

OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(10:04) – Explosions and having only one take
(17:39) – Success and failure
(26:28) – Filmmaking on a low budget
(38:41) – El Mariachi
(50:10) – Creativity
(1:12:06) – Limitations
(1:18:22) – Handling criticism
(1:34:32) – Action films
(1:45:53) – Quentin Tarantino
(1:55:52) – Desperado
(1:56:54) – Salma Hayek
(2:01:40) – Danny Trejo
(2:06:55) – Filming in Austin
(2:13:05) – Editing
(2:22:35) – Sound design
(2:27:43) – Deadlines
(2:31:14) – Alita: Battle Angel
(2:39:36) – James Cameron
(2:52:39) – Sin City
(3:06:48) – Manifesting
(3:18:12) – Memories and journaling
(3:27:56) – Mortality