Terry Gilliam, Oct. 9, 1994
Transcript of 10/9/94 America Online Live Chat with Terry Gilliam
Copyright 1994 America On-line, Inc. All rights reserved.
As told to Garrett Gilchrist [AmbushBug4@aol.com]
Visit Monty Python's PythoNET on the Web at
[http://members.aol.com/AmbushBug4/mybrainhurts.html]
OnlineHost: Your host for tonight is CSEmcee6 (Norma II).
OnlineHost: He began life in Minneapolis MN 54 years ago and moved to Los
Angeles when he was 11. He attended Occidental College there, graduating with
a degree in Political Science. For three years after graduating, he tried to
make the "Big Time" in New York, but returned to Los Angeles in 1967 where he
tried advertising as a copy writer and art director. He got bored and moved
on to England. There he sold two short sketches to "Do Not Adjust Your Set",
after which he became the resident cartoonist on the "We Have Ways of Making
You Laugh" TV series. He did his first animated cartoon to help the show out
of "a nasty spot", and oddly enough he was asked to do a second animation. He
was on his way! Then came Monty Python, which Gilliam didn't think would be
successful. (It was.) The rest is history: Monty Python's "The Meaning of
Life", his screenplay and film "Brazil", "The Adventures of Baron
Munchausen", "The Fisher King", and most recently, his work on "The Defective
Detective." America Online is pleased to present, Terry Gilliam!
CSEmcee6: Good evening and welcome to the Coliseum, Mr. Gilliam!
T GILLIAM: Good Evening to the millions of people out there.
CSEmcee6: We have some questions from the audience if you are ready!
T GILLIAM: Ready, I'm wearing my tool outfit with matching burgundy
slippers.
Question: Will the Criterion Laserdisc edition of Brazil ever be released?
If not, why?
T GILLIAM: At the moment Universal is stopping its release. We are hoping
that since I'm about to do a film with them, they will want to
put the past behind us.
Question: What will your next film be and when will we see it?
T GILLIAM: I'm about to sign on to do a film called "Twelve Monkeys". It
should be released by the end of 1995 or early 96.
Question: Hey Terry, when will the German Python episodes be released on
video? I'm dying to see the Great Chicken Rush of '49!
T GILLIAM: Wow! There's a serious fan. I think they will be released as soon
as we develop the antedate. Whoops, antidote! How about antidope?
Question: Good evening and welcome, whereas Proust would say, "la malade
imaginaire de recondition et de toute surveillance est beintot la
meme chose". Whose idea was the naked organist?
T GILLIAM: Terry Jones was always desperate to get someone to look at his
body. This was the only way he could do it without getting
arrested.
Question: How soon till someone makes a movie with computer generated human
actors, similar to Jurassic Park's dinosaurs?
T GILLIAM: Why do we want actors that look like dinosaurs?
Question: What are your feelings on Lady and the Tramp? 1908
T GILLIAM: Is that the first version or the famous Disney version we are
speaking about? Well?
CSEmcee6: Hmmm...
T GILLIAM: We're still waiting.
Question: Who were the hardest and the easiest people to direct?
T GILLIAM: In all of history, I believe that Harry Carey was probably the
easiest person to direct, and I hear that Godzilla was difficult.
Question: A few years back, you were slated to do "THE WATCHMEN." What
happened?
T GILLIAM: Joel Silver lied. He didn't have the money.
Question: What is your current project?
T GILLIAM: Where were you when we started this session? My current project
is to convince people to waste enormous amounts of time and
money.
CSEmcee6: It seems that we have lost our speaker momentarily. Bear with
us!
OnlineHost: Our speaker is having technical difficulties. Thank you for your
patience.
CSEmcee6: Ah, there you are!
T GILLIAM: It appears that an operative from Broderbund pulled the plug just
as we were about to commence the pitch for the new 7th Level
CD-ROM "Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time". Some people will
do anything to stymie the competition! Now where were we?
Question: Do you think the remaining Pythons will ever get back together to
make another movie?
T GILLIAM: Only in heaven and Graham will direct.
Question: I heard a rumor that you were working on "Dom Quixote." Is it
true?
T GILLIAM: Yes, Dom is an old friend of mine. I was actually working on Dom
Perignon at the time but Joel Silver lied again.
Question: Okay, tell us! What's up with "Watchmen"?
T GILLIAM: Nothing! Nothing at all. Joel Silver doesn't have the rights
anymore and I'm pleased that we weren't forced to condense the
"War and Peace" of comics into a two hour film. Satisfied?
Question: As a filmmaker, do you think that the hassle to put out a film
like "Brazil" was worth it? Would you do it again?
T GILLIAM: I think it was one of the finest hours of my life. It hasn't
changed the mentality of Hollywood one iota but they're scared of
me now. Have I told you about our new CD-ROM? It's called "Monty
Python's Complete Waste of Time"... Hang on I'm still selling!
Question: Do you use online services such as this one often?
T GILLIAM: Yes, I spend my life online. I have actually sent email twice.
Question: What is your latest directing project?
T GILLIAM: Why weren't you here at the start of this session? We answered
that one! Ask your clever online friends who had the common
decency to turn up on time.
Question: When will the American public be able to see the proper "BRAZIL"?
T GILLIAM: They're all improper. Ooops.
Question: Mr. Gilliam, I think you're great. What artists/painters have
influenced you?
T GILLIAM: Thinking. Getting out the encyclopedia. Opening to page 39. Oh,
yes, Brueghel, Bosch, Redon, Walt Disney, Harvey Kurtzman, Shel
Silverstein, Salvador Dali, Boucher, and Goya. Had enough?
Question: Do you foresee doing another book like "Animations of Mortality?"
T GILLIAM: Well, actually, I'm thinking of doing another CD-ROM called
"Animations of Mortality" with my friends at 7th Level who happen
to be releasing "Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time".
Question: In "Brazil", the images of Japanese warrior or masque dramas are
used. Could you tell me why?
T GILLIAM: I was always a big fan of Kurasawa movies and wanted to have a
samurai of my very own. It's made of computer parts and could be
because of a subliminal fear of Japanese economic domination, or
it might just be a cheap pun. When Sam pulls the mask off, he
sees himself, perhaps, he said,"Sam, u r i".
Question: What's "The Defective Detective"? I haven't heard of this.
T GILLIAM: That's because I haven't told you. It's a film written by myself
and Richard Lagravanese who wrote "Fisher King" and we are trying
to raise the money at the moment. Do you have any? If you don't
have $40 million, perhaps you do have enough to buy our new
CD-ROM entitled "Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time"...
Question: Whatever happened to doing "The Minotaur" with Mike? Or the
"Watchmen" film?
T GILLIAM: Mike who? You mean that dashing world traveler? Minotaur is still
stuck in the labyrinth of my mind. Stay tuned to this brain for
future news.
Question: Will there ever be a widescreen laserdisc of Time Bandits?
T GILLIAM: Hopefully. The people at Criterion have said they want to do all
my films.
Question: Do you think you'll return to animation, perhaps with a feature?
T GILLIAM: Nope!
Question: Are there any plans for a third film along the lines of "Time
Bandits" and "Brazil"?
T GILLIAM: Yes. "Baron Munchausen," which I always called the fourth part of
my trilogy.
Question: What TV shows do you enjoy watching?
T GILLIAM: None.
Question: Do you write all your own films?
T GILLIAM: Yes, and everyone else's too.
Question: Mr. Gilliam, I have an idea for a project on which I would love to
have your opinion. How can I get it to you? I'm sure you're
approached with ideas all the time but this one's different.
Really!
T GILLIAM: Sorry, I don't exist anymore. Funny how those questions always
make me vanish.
Question: Have you seen any movies lately which you've liked? What kind of
movies do you prefer to watch?
T GILLIAM: I liked the first half of "Ed Wood". That's all I saw. Try to
find "Toto the Hero". It's great.
Question: How were you affected by Graham Chapman's death?
T GILLIAM: Thinking. Well, it was the best timed death I've ever known.
Dying as he did, on the 20th anniversary of Python.
Question: Hello, Mr. Gilliam. Berlin St. Croix here! Do you think you'll
ever get "in front" of the camera again? Or are those days over?
T GILLIAM: I'm actually presenting a BBC TV series on the early days of the
cinema as part of the 100th anniversary of cinema. It will be
aired next year.
Question: Any special plans to commemorate the Python's 25th?
T GILLIAM: Yes, I'm glad that you asked. We are celebrating it with our new
CD-ROM titled "Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time". If you
wish to join in the celebrations, get shopping at your local
software outlet.
Question: What was it that you liked so much about the Fisher King script?
T GILLIAM: When I first read it, it was as if Richard, the writer, had
stolen all of my thoughts. I knew the characters intimately. The
ideas were everything I'd ever tried to put on film but far
better realized. Also, it was a piece of cake. No detachable
heads, no escape from the moon, no sea monsters with undigested
ships in their bellies and no animation.
Question: How did you develop the animation style you used on "Python"?
T GILLIAM: Necessity. I had no time and no money. So, cutting out pictures
from books and magazines was the only way it could be done.
Question: From Bippyboyer! Do you know animator Tanya Weinberger's work? She
manipulates vintage magazine clippings on computer in "Odlee".
T GILLIAM: NO!
Question: You have had such a curious path to becoming a director. Did you
ever intend for it to happen? You are my favorite!
T GILLIAM: Thanks. Yes, but growing up in Los Angeles I couldn't seem to
get a toe hold. What I saw of the system I hated. And, since I
had sworn to myself that I would control all my work, I left.
Luckily, I could draw cartoons. And, years later this led me to
England to John Cleese's bed where I discovered his soft and
sensuous lips and throbbing thighs and interesting use of medical
equipment. What was the question?
Question: Is there any chance of you doing Twain's "Connecticut Yankee in
King Arthur's Court?" Any truth to these rumors?
T GILLIAM: I've taken money to develop this project. Therefore, the chances
of it ever being done are very slight. This is lesson one in
Hollywood.
Question: I've always thought the Knights of Ni in "Holy Grail" were a
hilarious jab at verbal censorship. Was that the point or am I
looking too deep into the film?
T GILLIAM: Way, way, way too deep!
Question: Which of all your films was the one you most enjoyed?
T GILLIAM: Most enjoyed what? Making? Watching? Counting the returns?
Question: What do you think of Rush Limbaugh? I have no idea why I'm asking
this.
T GILLIAM: Never seen him.
Question: Terry, will there be any more Python collaborations in the near
future?
T GILLIAM: YES!
CSEmcee6: Hmmmm...
T GILLIAM: Our most recent collaboration is "Monty Python's Complete Waste
of Time" now available on CD-ROM at your local software outlet.
Question: Will you please answer my question about "Lady and the Tramp" now?
It's the Disney version.
T GILLIAM: I love Peggy Lee singing "He's a Tramp".
Question: Do you think the merging of TV and online communications will
allow more directors to make and distribute films, knocking
Hollywood out of the loop?
T GILLIAM: Wishful thinking, fat chance!
Question: If you could choose any film project to direct without concerns
about commercial success, what would you enjoy doing?
T GILLIAM: That's too great a choice!
Question: How different was the original "Fisher King" script from what
ended up on the screen?
T GILLIAM: The script was rubbish but the film was brilliant. You work out
who made the difference.
Question: I've read that "Twelve Monkeys" is an updated version of "La
Jetee". What attracted you to the project?
T GILLIAM: The script. It was written by Jan and David Peoples. David wrote
"Unforgiven", the best screenplay of its year despite the fact
that it didn't win the Oscar.
Question: Who was mainly responsible for the "Dead Parrot" skit?
T GILLIAM: John and Graham and their proclivity for brutality to defenseless
animals.
Question: In the end of "Brazil", what was that bit about the dog exploding?
T GILLIAM: What drugs are you taking?
Question: Do you keep prints of your 'cuts' of your films?
T GILLIAM: No, my cuts of the film are what you see.
Question: How did you prepare for your penultimate acting line :
"MORE BEANS"?
T GILLIAM: Great acting secrets are never revealed to scum like you.
Question: Were there any problems being the only American in a mainly
British group? Like differences in sense of humor?
T GILLIAM: No, the humor was identical but they were always jealous of my
good looks and easy way with difficult women.
Question: Remember when you where location scouting in N.Y. for the
Watchmen? Well, we discussed who could be the Blue Man. The man I
wanted you to meet at that time was Fabio! Aaaarrrgh!
T GILLIAM: Thinking. How could I forget? But I did!
Question: How come the great song that the marching band played in "Baron"
when the town was freed did not get put on the soundtrack?
T GILLIAM: It didn't? It was played by the local town band and Michael Kamen
was too cheap to give them residuals.
CSEmcee6: We have time for one final question.
Question: Last year I worked on a project with some people that worked on
"Adventures." They have nothing but kind words about you. Did you
like the film?
T GILLIAM: That's some question. Let's have another one.
CSEmcee6: All good things must come to an end! Time has run out for this
event!
T GILLIAM: Oops.
CSEmcee6: Our thanks to Terry Gilliam for a glimpse into his artistic
life. If you missed any of this event, be sure to download the
transcript which will be made live within 24 hours. Thank you and
good night!
OnlineHost: Copyright 1994 America Online, Inc. All rights reserved.
Transmitted: 95-06-10 17:10:48 EDT