Oscar Opening Short Film (1 Viewer)

[Vince Maskeeper]

I really enjoyed the little "Movies" short film they used at the opening of the Oscar ceremony (the one with different people talking about movies on the white background).

I wondered if anyone knew any more info on this little piece-- who made it, who were some of the people in it (I noticed Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Laura Bush and I swear to god Jello Biafra)-- and is it available for sale anywhere?

Thanks Guys

Vince

 

[Chad R]

They said it was done by the documentary filmmaker who did the excellent "Thin Blue Line," Errol Morris. Don't know if it's for sale.

 

[Kevin Leonard]

Like Chad said, the segment was directed by Errol Morris. Only one of his documentaries is out on DVD right now--Mr. Death--but if you can, try to locate his other documentaries (Gates of Heaven, Vernon, Florida, A Brief History of Time, Fast, Cheap & Out of Control and the aforementioned TTBL) on video; they're all well worth your time.
Unless some "best of Oscar" DVD is released soon, I doubt this will be available for sale. You could always mail the official Academy Awards site and find out what they have to say.
BTW, Morris filmed the segment using a camera called the "Interrotron"...I believe Morris designed it himself. It allows the director to interview his/her subjects without actually being in the same room. Morris' later works (Fast, Cheap and Mr. Death) make extensive use of this technique.
EDIT
Here's a complete listing of all the people seen in the film (from the official Oscar site):
http://www.oscar.com/oscarnight/opening_film.html

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Wow, I had no idea that was Morris- further proving he's an absolute genius! I already have Mr. Death, and have VHS copies of Veron FL and Gates of Heaven. I guess I shouldn't be suprised.
Wonder when we'll get more of his stuff on DVD.
Thanks Guys
-V
PS: I checked that list, i KNEW I saw Jello Biafra in there! LOL

 

[Guy Martin]

Yup it was Morris. Since they're obviously never going to give him an Oscar I guess it was nice of the academy to include him in the show
- Guy

 

[Nigel McN]

Tony Goldmark was the guy near the end who said 'The Holy Grail', he's a Dementia artist (DrDemento plays his stuff) his website is at www.dqydj.com

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Did anyone tape to oscars, and might have copy on VHS?

-V