Film: "The Dancer Upstairs"
With John Malkovich
Actor/Director
Tuesday, April 22, 2003; 3:30 p.m. ET Over six years ago, actor John Malkovich read an article about the Nicholas Shakespeare book, "The Dancer Upstairs." And so began a quest to bring the story to the silver screen. Although it took years for Malkovich to see his vision realized, the film, starring Academy Award nominee Javier Bardem ("Before Night Falls"), has been critically acclaimed and will open this year's Filmfest DC.  John Malkovich
(Courtesy Fox Searchlight Pictures) | Director John Malkovich was online Tuesday, April 22 at 3:30 p.m. ET, to discuss "The Dancer Upstairs," his career and Filmfest DC.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Malkovich is a veteran stage director and one of the founders of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company. His list of acting credits includes "The Killing Fields," "Places in the Heart," "RKO 281," "Dangerous Liaisons," "Being John Malkovich" and "Mulholland Falls." He will next be seen in Liliana Cavani's "Ripley's Game." "The Dancer Upstairs" opens in selected cities on May 2.
Filmfest DC celebrates its 17th year with more than 100 feature films, documentaries and short films. "The Dancer Upstairs" will be shown at the opening night gala on April 23 and Malkovich will be the featured speaker at the event. A transcript follows. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.: What drew you to "The Dancer Upstairs?" John Malkovich: I had had some interest in the events that had happened in Peru which occurred during the period of time that this film describes. I also really liked Nicholas Shakespeare's novel and tone and especially its main character.
McLean, Va.: Do you think you will make a permanent switch to the director's chair? John Malkovich: No.
Atlanta, Ga.: Hi John, I wonder why you chose a Spanish production company to shoot your debut. What do you think about the Spanish movie industry and their products? And why do you seem interested in participating in international productions? John Malkovich: I chose the Spanish company because no one in America would do it, and I have a lot of respect and friends who work in the Spanish film industry.
Because that is where most of my work is and has been for the last 20 years -- otherwise I wouldn't have work.
Basel, Switzerland: Where do you live now? Is it true you live in France? Your French accent in "Johnny English" was brilliant! What a funny film! Was it fun to work on it? Are there any further projects being planned at present?
All the best for your future. John Malkovich: Thank you for saying that. I had a house in France and I spend a lot of time there.
As far as future projects go, I plan to do a film in England called "Color Me Kubrick" about a man who went around England impersonating Kubrick for two years.
Athens, Ga.: Sir, you're unquestionably one of the most talented, hardworking actors of your generation, and as an acting student, I thank you for the example you've set. Having turned down directing jobs for so long, how do you now find that your acting experiences and talents aid you in directing? Do they detract in any way -- for example, do you find yourself thinking "too much like an actor" when trying to direct the larger scene? John Malkovich: No I don't find it detracts. I never really thought like an actor because I started directing at the same time I started acting. Thank you for the compliment.
Washington, D.C.: What are your expectations, if any, for the film? What was your purpose behind making it? John Malkovich: I don't really have expectations. If one means will this change the course of history or make some incredible amount of money -- no. I just want to have a good story well told. That was also my purpose behind making it.
Southwest Washington, D.C.: Mr. Malkovich, I'm sure you are incredibly tired of answering this question, but, as a fan, I feel like I can ask you anyway. Sorry about that, but hey -- how often do you get to chat with an icon? My question is this: What was it like to play yourself as John Cusack would have played you in Being John Malkovich? Just had to ask. Have a fabulous afternoon. John Malkovich: It was fine. I just approached it as any other role. The character really had nothing to do with me except that we shared a name and sometimes some clothes.
Columbia, Md.: Abimael Guzman, the founder and leader of Sendero Luminoso, has been described as a very charismatic figure. Yet he never gave interviews and practically never appeared on videos. Despite this, thousands of his followers, most of whom (I assume) never met him, were willing to lay down their lives for him, and commit acts of great violence. How was this possible? In other words, from what you know of him, to what extent do you think that Sendero Luminoso depended on the personality cult which he cultivated? Do you think he is extraordinary, and if so, in what way? (Is he a great speaker or thinker? Or is he a mediocre person whose group came to prominence simply because of its ruthlessness, and the (early) incompetence of the Peruvian government in knowing how to deal with this insurgency?) John Malkovich: Certainly I think that it was part the continuing fascination with Marxist ideology and the cult of personality. Do I think he was a mediocre person? I don't know him. He was a bright enough person, but I always found his philosophy very very obtuse -- to the point of being incomprehensible. I think people follow him because all around the world people see their lives are not what they want them to be and look to make them better -- often in doing so they follow these absolutely murderous ideologies.
Annapolis, Md.: One of the reviews of your film noted that the thick Spanish accents may make it difficult for the average American filmgoer to understand the dialogue. Do you have any concern about that issue? John Malkovich: No.
John Malkovich: Thank you for your interest. I am sorry it was so brief.
washingtonpost.com: That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.
© Copyright 2003 The Washington Post Company | 
