Paul Weitz: I like writing and directing equally
Written by Eva Csölleová, Vítek Formánek
Director, screenwriter, actor and producer Paul Weitz was born on 19.11.1969. He is 4 years older to his brother Chris.He grew up in New York Ciry, attended The Allen-Stevenson School and graduated from Westeyan University. It was here where he wrote his „ Mango Tea“ which was performed off-Broadway.He gained his fame with animation called „ Antz“ which he worked upon with Chris and Todd Alcott.Both brothers gained even more success with comedy smash hit American Pie“. Paul directed „About a Boy“ for which they received Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted screenplay. Paul is also credited for directing romantic comedy „ In good company“ and political satire „ American dreamz“.
Is it possible to make interesting, independent film with emphasis on topic and not profit with A-class actor who is used to get 15 m dollars a movie? Could you persuade say Tom Hanks to play for you for 50 000 dollars?
I don't know about Tom Hanks, but yes, it has occurred to most excellent actors that if they want to do interesting roles they will have to do low budget movies.
American Dreamz didn´t make big success. Was it because it was political satire and American society doesn´t want to listen about it cos they think all they do is correct. Do you think top class still put heads into sand to avoid facing problems and their REAL egos and failures?
American Dreamz was an odd film, one of the better ones I've made, I think. It made fun of Bush back when people thought he was right to invade Iraq, and before people turned on him. More people were upset that it made fun of Laura Bush. It also had Hugh Grant getting blown up by an American soldier with a suicide bomb trapped to his chest. So I was just lucky to get to make it.
Is it difficult in America to make political satire. Could you make film in Monty Python way? Why is America so prudent and they make big hallos about breasts on TV screen when they claim to be free country with limitless posibilities? Hypocracy is the name of the game?
I think satire is most needed and relevant in conditions where there is oppression which stifles people's free speech - one could say that Havel or Mrozeck were necessary satirists. In America we are oppressed by our own desire for fun.
You write lots of plays for off Broadway stage. Is it because – a) you try to find audience for it and if you have positive responce you may film it b) you are dilligent author and can´s sit still relaxing so work all the time c) these plays can´t be filmed but are so strong and good that it´s criminal to waste them?
I have some ideas that seem like plays, and I grew up worshipping Chekhov, not Bergman, so I still write plays. I wish someone would produce one of them in the Czech Republic. There is one called Trust about a dominatrix that might go over well.
Do you try to find serious topics about distant and empty friendships in moder technology era, about families where they have 3 mobiles each but can´t com unicate among themselves, about loneliness to HELP likewise minded people to find the way out or you write with view to make success and gain money.
I've made some money and now I don't give a fuck. What I want is to make films where I can erase myself in the characters and plot. Also I like being on movie sets and I like the temporary family of a film crew.
What is closest to your heart, screenwriter, actor, producer or director. Would you like to devote your time just to ONE profession if that pays your bills or you must be versatile?
I like writing and directing equally. I don't like producing. But it has to be done.
Do you use Paul Kohner´s agency to get actors for your films?
From time to time there is a klient of this agency in my films, yes.
Is Chris your brother in arms, collaborator or competitor and you always try to beat him to get his contract and his piece of cake?
No, Chris is always supportive and helpful and I hope I am the same! There is enough pie to go around.