Description

Jay Roach the comedy and political director discusses his directorial debut Austin Powers 1997 starring Mike Myers. With little experience directing - he felt his job was to set the scenes and learn from the experienced comedy actor Myers. Roach reflects on how difficult it is for comics, you never know until it's too late whether something is funny or not. The first Austin Powers performed reasonably well at the box office and went on to greater success in video sales leading to Austin Powers 2 really taking off. Roach produced the films Borat and Bruno starring Sacha Baron Cohen. Roach was surprised they got away with what they filmed. Believing Fox were very wise to let Baron Cohen push the boundaries, resulting in a great film that really excited American audiences. This is then followed by Recount 2008. Roach directed this political film about the American Presidential election, original Director Sydney Pollack fell ill so Roach took over. Pollock offered experienced advice - to always serve the story and create suspense. This leads on to Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy 2005. A science fiction-comedy based on the famous books by Douglas Adams. Roach considered the script thought provoking and hilarious but the film only appealed to a fanbased niche audience. Meet the Fockers 2004 was interesting from a casting perspective. Roach thought Robert De Niro was an excellent comic in Midnight Run and he wanted someone to play the part of a nightmare father in law for Ben Stiller and De Niro was perfect. Discussed next is Game Change 2012 a political film about Sarah Palin, which caused controversy and upset in right wing conservative society. Following this The Campaign 2012 starring Will Ferrell a political comedy about the power and big money behind negative political campaigns. Roach closes by reflecting on the art of getting people to think about things while they are laughing and says he considers that to be a very enviable position to be in.

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