For some readers, Bobcat Goldthwait will still be best known as the unhinged, squeaky-voiced criminal turned cadet Zed in the early Police Academy film, but he’s also a renowned stand-up comic, whose dark, confrontational style of comedy has translated into a career as a film director. His second feature, World’s Greatest Dad, is released on DVD on 31st January which I reviewed today.
We had the chance to catch up with him recently, where we asked about the potential difficulties faced when making a humorous, yet challenging, film.
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You’ve had a long friendship with Robin Williams, but did he need any convincing to sign on? He’s done indie-type material before, but the film is still quite a departure from his regular work.
I didn’t assume I would be lucky enough to have Robin star in this movie. But he read it and asked me if he could play Lance. I was thrilled and honoured that he’d do it, and still can’t believe how lucky I was to not have to convince him at all!
I love the fact that Kyle is thoroughly unlikable. It’s a refreshing change from the normal depiction of teenage angst, where the character usually goes through some form of rehabilitation. Did you have any worries in terms of how off-putting he might be for an audience?
I really needed everyone to find Kyle disgusting, so once he’s not around you don’t miss him. Daryl Sabara did such a great job making him the most repellent teenager I have ever seen, and I think a lot of the credit goes to him for how unlikeable Kyle is. (And I’m happy to report that Daryl himself is a delight, and couldn’t be farther from Kyle’s character)
It’s obvious the film has quite a modest budget. How difficult was it to find the money to fund such a project?
We were really lucky – not only for getting the money, but for getting it from a company that were so supportive and helpful. We’re also all very good at penny pinching and stretching what we have, so it worked out.
Music is an integral part of the film. I love how Bruce Hornsby gets constantly name checked, and actually shows up at the end. Did you personally pick out the tracks used?
Bruce and I worked together to find music, and he would call me with new things he had composed throughout the filming. He was great, and a great sport. His wife and kids are extras in the final big crowd scene, and I was so happy he let us use so much of his music.
If the opportunity presented itself, would you be interested in making a more overtly mainstream film?
I’ve had some opportunities to direct mainstream comedies, but I haven’t had much interest in them. I like making my own movies, and I’m just hoping that at some point one will converge with the current mainstream ideals and make me a millionaire. But I’m not going to consciously try for that.
Do you currently have any plans in terms of what your next feature will be?
I’m about to film a spree killer road movie (like Badlands, or Bonnie and Clyde), that is both an indictment of the horrible coliseum that is modern American pop culture, and a love letter to my wife. When that’s done, I’m heading to England to make a musical with Ray Davies based on The Kinks album “Schoolboys in Disgrace”.
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Read our review of the film.
World’s Greatest Dad is also available to purchase through Amazon.
