Ask Matt Q's from the past: Mad Men

Question: Being such a fan of Mad Men, I envision certain filmmakers directing an episode or two. I have always thought that a director like Martin Scorsese or even the amazing Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai would have interesting takes on NY in the early 1960s. In particular, Wong Kar Wai's style is rich in voyeurism, and he has such a fascination with the early 1960s. If you have seen his film In the Mood for Love, it is shot similarly like Mad Men, but he has an interesting way of incorporating music and movement. The Coen brothers would also be an interesting choice for obvious reasons. I was wondering if you thinkMad Men would benefit from different directorial styles, or would it make the show's style too jumbled, as I consider it more like art television rather than an ordinary TV drama.--Maya

Answer: An interesting idea, especially considering the show airs on AMC (the middle initial standing for "Movie"). It's a very seductive notion to have masters of cinema take a crack at a show that looks (more than most) like a classic movie each week, but given the tight budget and schedule on which this show operates, and the tight control Matthew Weiner exercises over each detail in each episode, it's hard for me to imagine this working logistically. Besides, as Weiner would be the first to say, he's working with a stable of some of the best directors in TV today. Still, what a cool idea.--Matt Roush