The fourth online edition of MK3D sees four big guests take to the screen to talk about the films that make them tick.
In response to questions posted on his Patreon page, Mark kicks off the show by discussing remakes of The Exorcist (again!), his desire for a TV adaptation of the story behind Stanley and Iris (1990), and his love for Altered States (1980).
Ahead of filming the next Mission Impossible, Mark talks to Simon Pegg about his latest two movies. Simon delves into his recent roles in Inheritance, about a girl who inherits a terrible secret from her father, and Lost Transmissions, a drama about a schizophrenic music producer. For ‘Guilty Pleasures’, Simon chooses Italian sub Romero horrors Zombi 2 (1979) and The Beyond (1981). This quickly escalates into a gleefully gory discussion of video nasties. Moving from barfs to laughs, Simon selects Raising Arizona (1987) by the Coen Brothers for ‘The Film That Changed My Life’ and explains how it has influenced his comedy filmmaking.
Up next is Salvador Simó who talks about his film Buñuel: in the Labyrinth of the Turtles (2018) following its release on BFI Player. Based on the graphic novel by Fermín Solís, this animated feature tracks the filmmaking journey of Luis Buñuel’s hard-hitting documentary in 1930s Spain. Salvador explains his motivation behind adapting this provocative true story.
With no shortage of talented guests, Mark then welcomes comedian, actor and writer Shazia Mirza to the show. Shazia tells Mark about seeing The Jungle Book (1967) on her first trip to the cinema, and offers two surprising choices for ‘Guilty Pleasures’ – she explains why she can’t stop watching the awful Bitter Moon (1992) and how Raging Bull (1980) inspires her comedy writing.
Mark’s final guest is the fantastic Brian Cox. Ever productive, Brian updates Mark on his recent and current projects, including his roles in the virtual lockdown film, The Agoraphobics Detective Society, the third season of Succession, and the upcoming Ian Rankin adaptation, Detention. Brian joyfully delves into his choice for ‘Guilty Pleasures’ – the quick-fire, mistaken-identity comedy The Court Jester (1955). And Mark rounds up the conversation by inviting Brian to the BFI Southbank in 2021 to celebrate his sixty-year career.
Lastly, as a tribute to the late, great composer Ennio Morricone, the show plays out to his music with a clip from The Mission (1986). For extended versions of tonight’s interviews, check out the Kermode On Film podcast on all platforms, or on Twitter and Instagram @kermodeonfilm.
Brian Cox
Simon Pegg
Shazia Mirza
Salvador Simó