In 2015, there was a false report that you had passed away, which was announced by Variety with the headline “Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam dies at XXX”. How did you first hear about this news? DoubleRDiner
I came across it online and was shocked to see my supposed “death” in a Vin Diesel movie. While I found it amusing, my family was understandably concerned. My son even went to work and was told by his boss that he was sorry for my passing, but my son had no idea what was going on. It seems that they have pre-written obituaries for anyone who is even remotely famous. Whoever was responsible for this blunder made a huge mistake. I immediately contacted my agent and lawyer for advice, but they were not very helpful. I decided to take matters into my own hands and write to Variety, explaining the distress and pain this false news caused my family. I may have exaggerated a bit, mentioning that I was on a plane while my wife and daughter were in France and my son was unreachable. In my letter, I pointed out that it was one thing to read your own obituary, but it was just as bad as reading their negative reviews of my films. As a small compensation for the harm they caused, I suggested they offer me a case of Chateau Margaux. In the end, they did send a case, but unfortunately it was from a subpar year.
Quentin Tarantino cites you as his champion and says you gave him the best piece of directing advice he ever got. Did you discuss directing one of his screenplays? MarkFilmgoer
At the Sundance Institute, young filmmakers are paired with three older directors. After reading the script for Reservoir Dogs, I was amazed. However, the other two professional directors, Stanley Donen and Volker Schlöndorff, did not understand the script. Quentin had filmed a scene, but it was overdone with too many angles. I advised him to surround himself with experienced and trustworthy individuals and to listen to their advice. It can make a significant difference. Now, Quentin is extremely successful and famous, and I cannot even reach him on the phone. I enjoy watching his films, and I believe he is incredibly talented. However, I do not think our personalities would mesh well in a working relationship.
Do you still stand by your statement that you prefer to be more similar to Stanley Kubrick rather than Steven Spielberg, citing the impactful conclusion of 2001: A Space Odyssey in contrast to the uplifting ending of Schindler’s List? Additionally, what do you believe is the most impressive ending you have crafted? Jamester
I believe there is no comparison between Kubrick and Spielberg. Kubrick was a genius and delved into deep and dark themes without fear. On the other hand, Spielberg’s films can be likened to Norman Rockwell’s art – brilliant, but with a sense of reassurance. However, I disagree with this approach. In my opinion, filmmaking should leave the audience with unanswered questions and make them think. While my movies may have comedic aspects, they do not provide the same level of comfort as Spielberg’s. In fact, my most recent film, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, has the happiest ending compared to my other works.
According to popular belief, Die Hard is classified as a Christmas film due to its holiday setting and festive elements. Using this reasoning, can Brazil also be considered a Christmas movie? – NickLockey
Due to the extensive Christmas shopping, it is evident that they are purchasing presents for all the executives. The film may revolve around Christmas, but it is unlikely to be a cheerful holiday movie.
What was your experience like collaborating with Hunter S Thompson for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Robin Williams for The Fisher King, and Heath Ledger for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus? JimmyCigarettes, Sagarmatha1953, and Prestonian79
I was concerned about the success of filming Fear and Loathing, as Johnny [Depp] and I were both anxious about Hunter’s potential disappointment. The most challenging day on set was when Hunter had a scene, as he craved all the attention. He even went as far as throwing bread rolls at me.
“Display the image in fullscreen”
Finally, the moment arrived where he found himself inside the Matrix nightclub. It was a busy scene with a large number of extras and we were behind schedule. He was simply required to sit at a table while Johnny walked by and did a double take, realizing he had just passed the person he was portraying. That was the extent of it. Hunter kept insisting: “As a journalist, I wouldn’t be sitting at that table. It’s too prominent. I’d prefer to be on the outskirts,” but we had already set up the scene. The producer, Johnny, and I were all gathered around Hunter, trying to coax him back onto the set.
I achieved success by selecting the most attractive extra, a female, and seating her at the table. Hunter eventually joined her and engaged in conversation, causing him to miss his cue. It took multiple attempts before he finally paid attention and we were able to capture the shot and leave before exceeding our budget.
I adored Robin. He was simply exceptional. During our time working on The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, despite the budget going overboard, Robin still agreed to be a part of it and brought immense joy to the project. Most of what he said was improvised. Though we had a script, he would often deviate from it and it always resulted in hilarity. In The Fisher King, Jeff Bridges served as the grounding force to prevent Robin and me from getting carried away and laughing uncontrollably throughout. Robin exuded an incredible amount of energy. It was truly amazing. He was one of the most remarkable individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Heath was an exceptional actor and constantly innovated his approach to scenes. His passing during the filming of Doctor Parnassus remains one of the most heartbreaking moments for me. He had the potential to become a major star, but his untimely death put an end to that. I still think of him fondly.
Do you have a genuine enjoyment for baked beans? -Chappy82
I do not consider baked beans whatsoever! The phrase belongs to Mike Palin in Time Bandits. In a Python sketch, I am seen reclining and indulging in baked beans. I am unsure why baked beans seem to be drawn to me. It is not something I choose.
What is the movie you would most want to create, adapt, or remake if you had full creative freedom, casting choice, and unlimited budget? llamalpaca
I might not produce a good film. Having no limitations means having endless options, which can be overwhelming. I don’t find pleasure in being constrained. I have been able to choose the actors, make final edits on all my films, and have complete control. With more funding, I may be able to enhance some of my previous works, but it is not a guarantee. Being short on funds can make me angry, which can actually lead to more creative ideas.
Which Python did the raspberry at the end of the opening theme sequence? It has to be the best raspberry ever captured on tape. My hunch it that it was you. Jimd and ComfortEagle
I am responsible for producing tongue farts professionally. My time working with Python was the most enjoyable, as we had a great amount of creative freedom. While my colleagues focused on writing sketches, I had the liberty to seamlessly transition between them in the animations. Only on the day of the show would my fellow Pythons see the end result of my work.
Do you engage in drawing, painting, or creating art for your personal enjoyment? NLewisEditor
Currently, I only create drawings for special occasions such as birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and anniversaries for my family. However, the anticipation of an upcoming birthday puts a lot of pressure on me to come up with a unique and well-executed idea. Each drawing needs to represent something new and relevant to our lives.
Which is a better representation of slapstick comedy basics: stuffing a whole banana in your mouth or getting hit with a custard pie? (I thought you had the worst luck at the Hollywood Bowl). VerulamiumParkRanger
I was fortunate enough to receive the banana, which was nutritious. The rest of the group received the pie, which was unpleasant.
Source: theguardian.com
