COOL STUFF
Roger Ebert's Run In with Larry and Andy Wachowski
by Alex Billington
October 4, 2008
Source: rogerebert.com
Die hard fanatics of The Matrix know that filmmakers Larry and Andy Wachowski haven't ever spoken to the press since 1999, when Matrix first premiered. Its been nine years and they still haven't broken their anti-press stance, remaining absent during Speed Racer promotions. However, our favorite critic-turned-blogger Roger Ebert randomly ran into the brothers after a screening of a newly restored print of The Godfather (which was re-released recently) and spoke to them officially for the first time in years. He describes them as: "Nice people. Friendly. No Hollywood attitude. The blogosphere paints them as mysterious recluses, which may add to the legend, but doesn't match the reality."
If anyone's curious, Ebert's recount of the evening is a fascinating read. He mainly quotes their discussion about The Godfather and specifically cinematographer Gordon Willis' use of shadows and light. Cinephiles should be in utter awe just reading about one film legend's comments about another film legend, but there's definitely something valuable to be found in Ebert's chat with the two. In one of my favorite parts of the interview, Larry explains where and when his fascination with cinema began.
"I've always been fascinated by films that draw you visually into the picture," he said. "I first experienced that when I was taken as a kid to see Kubrick's '2001.' I told my dad, 'That black box is the key to everything! What do you think it means?' My dad said, 'Maybe it's the consciousness of God.' I went back and was even more deeply drawn into it."
By now it's well documented that 2001: A Space Odyssey was one of the key inspirations for The Matrix. As Ebert mentions, "digital technology allowed them to hold perfect focus as [The Godfather's] Willis had inspired them to do." Even though I've been able to chat with talented filmmakers like Danny Boyle and Darren Aronofsky, there are a few filmmakers who I've been dying to get some one-on-one time with. Larry and Andy Wachowski (as well as Christopher Nolan) are at the very top of my list. I doubt it will ever happen, unless I have some crazy luck like Ebert, but I'll be trying as hard as I can. For now, this brief chat with the Wachowskis is enough of an exhilarating peek, that I'm not worried about losing any sleep.
18 Comments
1
haven't speak for 10 years??!!! it seems like boycotting or what??
safichan on Oct 4, 2008
2
I don't presume to know why The Wachowski's have avoided the press in the last ten years, but I'm sure Larry's transformation into Lana Wachowski had a little something to do with it. That's kind of a private matter and I doubt the press would be able to leave it alone in any kind of current profile of the pair. I was struck, however, that they didn't include any commentary or show up at all in the special features on Speed Racer. You'd think for a movie so visually complex, they'd have something to share in terms of their thought process. It would have been interesting to obtain their insights.
Tom Brazelton on Oct 4, 2008
3
#3 - They didn't direct V For Vendetta.
Deuce on Oct 4, 2008
4
Ninja Assassin comes out 3 months and no new info about it whats up with that
nelson on Oct 4, 2008
5
Sure the 2nd and 3rd matrix movies weren't as great as the first, but they were good enough. Also Speed Racer was fun. And i have yet to find their movie "bound" so i can't judge them on only soo few movies.
Red Buttons on Oct 4, 2008
6
It's too bad they suck. The first Matrix and MAYBE V for Vendetta were the only good movies they shat out.
Kail on Oct 4, 2008
7
Ha then I guess the only good movie they shat out was the first Matrix
Kail on Oct 4, 2008
8
Wachowskis are one hit wonders so far. The Matrix, and... that's it. Reloaded and Revolutions were not good films; they seemed to crumble under the weight of trying to live up to the first film. However, that first Matrix film is enough to raise interest in anything they do in the future. It remains to be seen if they can ever reach those heights again.
Dave Lister, J.M.C. on Oct 4, 2008
9
If you guys haven't seen "Bound," I highly recommend it. I think it's better than The Matrix by miles.
Tom Brazelton on Oct 4, 2008
10
I agree, Tom. By far their best movie.
Colin on Oct 4, 2008
11
I like all that they have done. Liking their movies is all subjective, so theres no point bitching about if they are good or crap.
John on Oct 4, 2008
12
#11—You just commented that you like all their work, which counts as a "bitch" about them being good/bad... Matrix was their only hit; a big, influential hit, though. I rented Bound for the lesbian content. It was a decent flick, too 🙂
avoidz on Oct 4, 2008
13
they're one hit wonders. however, even the first matrix was comprised of ideas not exactly of their own making but a modification of sophia stewart treatment, and sxean lee-david game design. google the names and see for yourself.
jace hall on Oct 5, 2008
14
15
Wow Alex must like the Wachowskis if they can get him to use the word "fuck" in a post... I'm a big Speed Racer fan myself so I'm eagerly awaiting Ninja Assassin...
Peloquin on Oct 6, 2008
16
The black thing in 2001, is a alien probe. Designed to lead mankind out into space to find its creator. Sheesh. Everyone knows that.
790@movieguys.org on Oct 7, 2008
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