| Level | Item |
| Ref No | GUA/9/4/1/4/1/7 |
| Title | John Waters |
| Date | 17 November 1998 |
| Extent | 1 audio cassette tape, 2 WAV files (652.2 MB and 44.9 MB) |
| Creator Name | British Film Institute (BFI), 1933- |
| Guardian News & Media Ltd, 1967- |
| Description | Audio recording of an interview with film director John Waters in front of a live audience undertaken as part of the Guardian sponsored National Film Theatre Guardian interview series.
The recording begins with an introduction by host Jonathan Ross after film clips showcasing Waters work have been played. Ross then proceeds to put questions to Waters, particularly about his recent film Pecker. The recording comprises a question and answer session with members of the audience from 40.15 on track 1.
A summary of topics discussed is included below.
Track 1:
00.00 Introductions
02:15 The autobiographical properties of the film Pecker
03:13 The success of his films
03:26 Setting films in Baltimore, and Baltimore in general
06:10 His role within America cinema his work with underground cinema
07:38 His past and current influences
09:02 His views on his homosexuality and the role of homosexuality in his films
13:01 Differences between his films and his personality
14:20 Opinions on the death penalty, and his time teaching in prisons
16:28 His interest in the unfair
17:25 His opinions on movie taboos
20:08 Discussing Pink Flamingos
21:20 The life and death of drag queen actor Divine
24:40 Working, producing and distributing low budget films
26:06 Discussing his own movies
31:16 The differences between making films in the 60s and now
33:14 Discussing Odorama and the role of gimmacks in film
36:44 The art of pitching a movie
38:15 The importance of casting
40:17 His collections of criminal ephemera
41:09 Outsider art
41:44 The 'undiscovered Baltimore' and the influence of Baltimore
44:30 Working on the Simpsons and opinions on animation
46:00 Working with Mink Stole
46:51 Opinions on the Ricci Lake show
47:40 Being rejected by Don Knotts
47:52 The troubles of filming rats having sex
49:23 Opinions on a trio of films
50:00 Patty Hurst
50:31 Awards he wanted to win
51:07 Ad campaigns for Pecker
51:40 Experiences with high school
52:30 Ddoing a non-smoking advert
53:35 Ideas on stunt casting
54:57 Discussing Liz Renee
55:57 The origin of the character of Pecker
57:12 Issues with production houses attempting to control the creative process
59:00 The power of Woody Allen
59:36 Relationship with censorship boards
Track 2:
00:00 Relationship with censorship boards cont.
00:30 Films that did not make it to production
01:05 Opinions on Gay Cinema
01:51 The ultimate soundbite that would sum up his career
02:20 Advice to give to new filmmakers
02:59 Opinions on commercial films
Films mentioned in the course of the interview include: Pink Flamingos; Natural Born Killers; Pecker: Serial Moms; Seven; Funny Games; Birdmen; Fleshpot on 42nd Street; Cry Baby 2; Mom and Dad; She Should Have Said No; Mondo Trasho; Eat Your Makeup; Multiple Maniacs; Female Trouble; Desperate Living; Polyester; The Tingler; Maniac; Hairspray; Cecil B. Demented; Ice Storm; Buffalo 66; Opposite of Sex; Chambers of Horrors; Freaks; Marnie; Night of the Living Dead; Pleasantville; Crash; Bad Lieutenant; Man Bites Dog and Armageddon.
Track 1 is a poor quality recording. |
| Access Status | Open |
| Access Conditions | Access to recording via GNM Digital Repository |
| Format | Electronic record |
| Tape recording |