Fantastic quote from John Landis

buzz · Jul 21, 2004

From an interview in this week's Onion:

John Landis said:
No. People don't understand this: Ideas are important, but they're not essential. What's essential and important is the execution of the idea. Everyone has had the experience of seeing a movie and saying, "Hey! That was my idea!" Well, it doesn't mean anything that you had that idea. There's no such thing as an original concept. What's original is the way you re-use ancient concepts.

http://www.theonionavclub.com/feature/index.php?issue=4029

I just thought this was freaking cool.

And just in case you don't know who John Landis is...

Ankh-Morpork Guard · Jul 21, 2004

Heh. I like that. Especially because I've had that idea before!

Krieg · Jul 22, 2004

Hmm, I can't help but wonder if Mr. Landis is currently involved in any IP lawsuits.

Kahuna Burger · Jul 22, 2004

Krieg said:
Hmm, I can't help but wonder if Mr. Landis is currently involved in any IP lawsuits.

It is one of the most artful and clever phrasings of the idea I've heard, but the idea itself still doesn't impress me. Which is to say that the execution of the idea is not as important to me as his idea itself.

Kahuna Burger

buzz · Jul 22, 2004

Zing!

See you next Wednesday...

Kaleon Moonshae · Jul 22, 2004

Does anyone remember english well enough to remember how many actual plots there are in existence? It's a fairly small number and hadn't changed much since roman (greek?) times till the computer came along and added a few.

Dirigible · Jul 22, 2004

All plots are merely perceived aspects of the Prime Plot: Man Slips On Banana Peel.

Classic.

Umbran · Jul 22, 2004

While there is some truth to be found in that quote, there is also some bunk. For, you see, how to use and execute a concept is, in and of itself, a concept. If there's been new and original uses, then there have been new concepts.

Those who say there is nothing new under the sun simply underestimate the human imagination.

And, looking at the list of movies he's been involved in, perhaps Mr. Landis should not be taken as a leader in knowing about good execution of concepts

buzz · Jul 22, 2004

Umbran said:
And, looking at the list of movies he's been involved in, perhaps Mr. Landis should not be taken as a leader in knowing about good execution of concepts

Dood!!! Animal House! Blues Brothers! Trading Places! American Werewolf! Sheesh...

Anyway, it's really just a restatement of "success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration," I think. I like it.