INTERVIEW
DICK RUDE
by Christer Davidsson, September 2006

Hi! Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. My film career began at the age of 15 when I attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. I fell in with a crew of up-and-coming filmmakers and subsequently as an actor appeared in several films including “Sid and Nancy”, “The Wild Life” and “Repo Man,” which I also participated in as a contributing writer. I left UCLA Film School to co-write and star in “Straight to Hell,” which features such notables as Dennis Hopper, Courtney Love and Elvis Costello. Other writing credits include a pilot for Sophia Coppola, “Hi Octane” and an un-produced script commissioned by River Phoenix. As a director, Rude I’ve shot several music videos. My latest accomplishments have been music documentaries for the bands Blonde Redhead, “Nothing Something,” The Red Hot Chili Peppers “Off the Map,” “Let’s Rock Again!” starring Joe Strummer and last year’s short documentary on the history of Punk Rock in LA featured on the “Punk Attitude” DVD. I am currently preparing for my next film “The Asshole” with my friend and Executive Producer Jim Jarmusch.


You are the director of “Let’s Rock Again”, the film about Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros. Tell me about that.

LET’S ROCK AGAIN! is a one-hour music documentary following rock icon Joe Strummer as he tours across AMERICA and JAPAN.
After a montage of Strummer’s glorious past with the seminal rock band THE CLASH, we are treated to a slice of life eleven years later on the comeback trail.
Strummer’s main objective is simple -- to get his music out to the people and break his record even so that he can have another chance to rock again.
This is achieved through photo shoots, magazine interviews and press appearances. In his humble quest, we even see Joe handing out flyers on the boardwalk and making a blind visit to a radio station in order to get his latest cd on the air and attract fans to his concert.
Live performances feature songs from THE CLASH as well as material written with his new band, THE MESCALEROS.
Part of the daily excitement of life on the road includes hanging out with celebrities backstage and taking the time to give every fan his due respect. A live studio recording is also featured in the mix.
As the film unfolds we begin to see that Strummer’s goal is being met. This is complimented by his philosophical waxing on life, music and the lessons he has learned along the way.
More importantly, however, is the intimate portrait depicted. For all of his fame, the life of Strummer has always been that of a genuine working-man. He is a salt of the earth guy following his passion with 100% effort, and this above all, makes him the true hero he is.
LET’S ROCK AGAIN! was produced by Strummer and myself. His cooperation and comfort with me opened the door to an exclusive view of the legendary man we’ve never seen before.
At the close of 2002, the world lost Joe to a congenital heart condition. LET’S ROCK AGAIN! is his final message -- A STORY ABOUT NEVER GIVING UP.

How come you decided to make this movie?

Making movies is and has been my life for quite a long time. It is my work and my passion. Having the luxury of being able to do that with my friends and loved ones is a true gift. Working with Joe was always a great excuse for getting out on the road and having some fun. We both shared the same passion for cultures and traveling, so in essence, working on the road is really being able to fulfill a dream. I guess the ingredients of filmmaker and musician would eventually lead to the obvious collaboration of tour documentary. It was also an alternate medium by which we could get his music out into the world.

For how long have you been directing movies?

Professionally, i.e. for money, for the last six years. Unofficially for the last 30!

How many have you done?

Four features.

Did you know Joe Strummer personally?

Joe and I met on the post-production of Sid and Nancy in 1986. We had an instant affinity for each other. Beyond being close friends, we ended up collaborating on several projects in the ensuing years.

How was the making of the film?

Like most tours, the pace is grueling. It was a treat to get to see those performances every night, however. All the band and crew were just as lovely as you could hope. Ultimately, I think I got just the right amount of footage out of it.

How long did it take to finish the movie?

The filming proper was for about seven weeks over the course of 18 months. Editing lasted for about 6 months. The longest and most arduous part of making the film had to do with the post-production issues, music licenses, distributors, making it all feasible, etc.

Did you feel a lot of pressure before the release of it? I mean people must have had their expectations up high.

I didn’t feel any pressure at all. I made the film I wanted to make. I feel it is very true to the man and the music. There is integrity, dignity and respect in this work and therefore, it is not my place to be concerned with how people react or what their expectations are. Of course I want people to relate and enjoy it, but that’s not something I have any control over.

How has the movie been recieved? It’s been showed on festivals and such, right?

The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival to sold out audiences. In DC at the Discovery Channel Siverdocs Festival, it eclipsed all other films playing that year. We also had a very prestigious screening at the AFI FEST In Hollywood. As far as reviews go, or on a personal level, the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. People are definitely receiving the message.

I think it’s fantastic. Are you happy with the result yourself?

This has been the only music/film project I have ever worked on that I have never become tired of watching or hearing. Joe was my friend, hero, mentor and brother. His memory holds a deep place in my conscience and to me this film is a celebration of that.

What’s your favorite Joe Strummer record?

I don’t have a favorite Strummer record, it is all great to me.

Do you have any fun anecdotes from the shooting?

Joe was like a nurturing momma. I’ll never forget how he got off the bus in the middle of the night and came back with blankets.

What’s the best review you have gotten for this film?

There have been so many great reviews. Desson Thomson of the Washington Post really nailed it, but just try googling the title and you’ll find more kind words than you can stand.

Any plans for the future?

My plan is to keep making movies and hopefully turning people on.

Anything you'd like to say to the ones reading the interview?

Eat well, don’t hurt yourself or others and stay in school, whatever that is.

Thanks for answering and good luck!!!

Likewise!



LINKS:

http://www.myspace.com/dickrude

http://www.myspace.com/letsrockagainthemovie