The TCM cable channel entered the new millennium determined to direct its focus on attracting a younger viewership, an effort marked by special programming and the inclusion of special guest hosts from various professions and even the general film fan base. They ceased producing documentaries based on individual stars and began co-producing a more eclectic range of film-related shows, often initiated by outside producers. Professional photographer Robert Trachtenberg had written, produced and directed several Hollywood-related documentaries for TCM, and in 2008 he produced an eight-part celebrity interview series with film critic Elvis Mitchell, Elvis Mitchell: Under the Influence. Often heard on National Public Radio, Mitchell has written extensively on film, lectured at Harvard University and served as a curator of a film series at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For the early episodes of Under the Influence, he proves his ability to connect with younger filmgoers, introducing talks with directors Sydney Pollack, Quentin Tarantino and others. The second show with actor Bill Murray makes an effort to be freeform and casual. Although Murray is presently one of the most mellow celebrities around, friendly to fans and even crashing a wedding photo in a much-shared social media item, in 2008 he was still fronting a more eccentric, 'weird' vibe for interviews. Murray begins the interview in what looks like a negative frame of mind but after a few minutes is happily discussing movie comedies, and listing his favorite actresses from the classic screwball era. Mitchell doesn't get a chance to direct the discussion, as Murray will suddenly leap to a new subject without warning. He compares his favorite, Barbara Stanwyck, to--of all people--Bea Arthur. The disorganized but entertaining 30 minutes offers an unrepeatable glimpse at Bill Murray's mercurial personality.

By Glenn Erickson