Adam Savage Interviews John Landis - The Talking Room

Adam Savage invites friend and director John Landis (Animal House, Blues Brothers, An American Werewolf in London, Trading Places) to The Talking Room for a lively conversation about filmmaking, creature effects, and behind-the-scene stories from his classic movies.

[@TSJ99]

What about the guy who got decapitated by a helicopter along with two kids? It takes some serious skill to pull that off in movie making, what a talent John is!

[@Covid-me1xf]

it was an accident. the families got compensated. the director was acquitted. get over it. get a life.

[@asanitheafrofuturist]

@@Covid-me1xf he illegally hired a 6 and 7 year old to work on a movie and had them around explosives

[@dinotoebean]

@@Covid-me1xf oh shut up, the dude showed up to the kids funerals high and kept joking about it afterwards. He clearly has no remorse about it. His high-ego self should've went to jail

[@simonyoung6815]

@@dinotoebean What's your source for that? genuinely curious.

[@dinotoebean]

@@simonyoung6815 i remember seeing a video about it years ago. If i can find it, I'll link it to you but it's old news that John was always high on coke back then

[@DigitalGus75]

And you know one thing that is overlooked? How good Adam is as an interviewer. He is totally letting his subject run the show, he's prompting, but not talking over him and not stealing the spotlight. It SHOULD be about John Landis, and it totally is. Great interview, great interviewer.

[@daveschall8764]

So excellent he forgot to bring up anything related to the twilight zone incident, somthing Landis should still be behind bars for,Spielberg too for running away after the accident on set.what pieces of shit,can't even take a lick of responsibility for there actions.now Landis giggles about the incident he paid his way out of

[@anti0918]

He illegally hired some kids for a scene, put them in harms way, then negligently directed a helicopter to get dangerously close, crashing into them and killing 3 people. "LOWER! GET LOWER!" kzbin.info/www/bejne/haPXfJSvoLGdnLM

[@SilvioBritto]

Very well said

[@MaxCCNP]

fuck is wrong with u, john is a criminal

[@jameshorsfall5110]

Behind the bastards did a great podcast on John Landis and his horrible and callous decisions around the twilight zone movie scene, and the children's deaths.

[@antiinjusticias3892]

Uhmm a question about homicide of three actors that he was directing. Why not? and now his son is directly focus for been accused of sexual abuse. Great family.

[@yournamehere6002]

It was an accident, not homicide. And though he was irresponsible in many ways, it was involuntary manslaughter, were he to have been convicted. The helicopter spun out of control, and it should have been more closely regulated, but nonetheless, not homicide. As for his son, well...he could've been a bad seed, or Landis was a bad father. He has a daughter, too. Who knows?

[@scifinerd17]

@@yournamehere6002 “get lower, get lower!” He said that, he was irresponsible he told them to get lower and because of that and the explosion, it spun outta control and crashed. That’s on him.

[@scifinerd17]

@@Valkonnen He is still responsible for their deaths

[@pumpkinpatch5]

The director with blood on his hands.

[@ryanjacobson2508]

Dozens of people knew about and tolerated dangerous working conditions on that set. The producers were in charge of hiring and illegally using child labor. Several chopper pilots refused to work on the film but several others did choose to participate knowing the risks that were being taken. The pyro crew acted negligently. The whole thing was a mess, Landis is certainly at fault but I think others who worked on the film get off too lightly for their own role in the disaster

[@guishenStreetB]

@@ryanjacobson2508 he crashed the victim’s funeral and asked someone to pick up the boy’s head etc

[@MrGittz]

Are you talking about what happened on the Twilight Zone or spawning the POS known as Max Landis?

[@igorsalgado7697]

Landis is a large criminal.

[@industryauto1767]

Whether I'm a poor immigrant in a foreign land or upper class in America, my kids are an a horror/action film, I'm 6ft off set, monitoring everything they're involved in. Alot of people are at fault here, including their rtard parents.

[@RenanCMaia]

John Landis was supposed to be in jail for all three deaths while filming the Twilight Zone!!

[@ginoflores1879]

It's almost as if being a member of the Tribe puts you above the law?

[@misadventuresinblissville3563]

Let it go, please I implore you.

[@scifinerd17]

@@misadventuresinblissville3563 Why should he? Landis deserves to be shunned for what he did.

[@lou.104]

Oh come on! It was an accident, it wasn't all his fault, he was on the helicopter that fell due to an explosion at the wrong time, it's a shame yes, but it wasn't all Landis' fault. It was the explosions guys' fault.

[@scifinerd17]

Louie Um, John Landis was the one who told the helicopter to get lower when everyone told him that wasn’t a good idea. They weren’t able to hear each other well, the explosion guy couldn’t hear properly and set the explosion off at the wrong time when the helicopter was too low. It’s still John Landis’ fault and he should’ve served time in jail because those three deaths are on his hands.

[@jade3886]

I’m more shocked that people still treat him with respect after what happened and the fact that he only ever thought of himself and never took responsibility.

[@nancycalhoun3702]

Why didn't you talk about the 3 people he killed? Ask if he ever apologized to the families?

[@alexle3396]

You are forgiven if you repent and acknowledge the sins you have committed. This monster has never, ever said sorry nor taken responsibility for his disgusting crimes. And handing over a pittance to his lawyer, who then hands it over to the victims quietly is beyond disgusting and disrespectful! This villain is bankrupt of any morals. I like Adam a little less now (IMO). P.s Twice mina’s beauty rules okay?!

[@enternamehere3690]

I agree. Guy is dusgusting

[@Sinderlocke]

Murderer. And his son mocked the man that his dad killed pretty much. His negligent actions caused the deaths of two children and one man. Complete narcissist, and so is his son max. Bloody reprehensible. And before anyone jumps in to mention others were also at fault, ultimately he's the director and called the shots. He wanted it to be as scary and real as possible, it had to be done at night, the helicopter had to be low, the explosions close to the actors and he broke the law by having two child actors in such close proximity to all of it. He's been flippant about the whole thing and clearly has had no remorse.

[@SilvioBritto]

I love to see John Landis' interviews. It's such a fun. He should have a weekly show.

[@JRennick27]

Silvio Britto the guy is responsible for 3 murders. Why are you sweeping that under the rug?

[@mirandac8712]

A truly pleasurable conversation, especially the picaresque jaunts through Yugoslavia -- marred only by the fact that the director brutally murdered two innocent children.

[@bturner999]

No he didn't.

[@ThomasLuca]

Loved this, Thank You both. And FORBIDDEN PLANET is my favorite sci-fi picture, love it still

[@chiplawson5491]

He doesn't talk about killing Vic Morrow and the two kids? I would be interested to hear his insights about getting away with breaking child labour laws and endangering his actors...

[@captainpungent]

Since he killed 3 people that would make him a SERIAL KILLER! John Gacy Landis!

[@rigsby1454]

He's legally not allowed to I believe

[@pointless132]

He doesn't care. He only cares about himself. He could murder someone tomorrow and say how he is the victim of the whole thing

[@adamzanzie]

At 19:23, he name-drops Spielberg. They haven't been friends since the Twilight Zone tragedy.

[@rampageclover9788]

...and rightly so. It could also have jeopardised Spielberg's career. The difference between them as that Spielberg is an actor's director, Landis is a prop master.

[@JoleAron]

Thanks so much for interviewing John. It's funny I just watched Coming to America and I'm watching Trading Places now, ha. He's one of the greats!

[@In-N-Out333]

I'm watching "The Twilight Zone" right now. Wasn't he responsible for the death of 3 people on that film?

[@WildSide_Est2024]

***** Bullshit. Total fucking bullshit. How on earth can you possibly say than Morrow was responsible for his own death? Do some fucking research, Landis was heard on the set ordering the helicopter go fly lower and lower. He was told not to use explosives, not to use the real actors, not to do such a dangerous stunt, but he went ahead and did it. You're either stupid or a liar, sir.

[@darwincity]

Gaud333 Legally, no, but since he barked the orders...

[@MuhammadKhubaib-t3s]

@@darwincity He wasn't allowed to use fire he already did something illegal, then proceeds to have the helicopter 30 feet above the actors, and YELLS AT THE PILOT TO GO LOWER!!!

[@megavidaeos]

Only in Hollywood can someone continue to get work after getting three innocent people killed due to his big ego.

[@mangadrawer5282]

Two of which were children, an absolute monster

[@A_M_P_]

It was a horrible accident. Nobody wanted it to happen. Intent is important is it not?

[@nancycalhoun3702]

@@A_M_P_ Nope! He bully people to get what HE wanted.

[@A_M_P_]

@Nancy Calhoun Ok ill go with that. So what do you think should have happened to Landis after this tragedy happened?

[@AntonioPerez-zk2mb]

​​@@A_M_P_e should've never worked again and done some prison time along with the producers, 1st AD and UPM for allowing those kids to work on set illegally.

[@Jamokai]

Put their heads in a trash bag John. Shameful, God knows.

[@jkorshak]

(On movie Kubrick was working on) Landis: It was before The Shining so A Clockwork Orange? Adam: It was Dr. Strangelove then A Clockwork Orange. Recommend two obscure films called 2001: A Space Odyssey and Barry Lyndon.

[@scotmcfox8908]

BRILLIANT! However the Elephant in the room... TWILIGHT ZONE MOVIE!

[@faizalf119]

He shredded that elephant with helicopter propellers I guess.

[@JohnDoe-gk7ok]

0:06... what? Not gonna list the Twilight Zone movie?

[@faizalf119]

Even Adam Savage is covering for him, maybe Adam is scared or part of the group. I guess Landis has more power in the industry.

[@bbnash8417]

@@faizalf119 Its sad how everyone is sweeping his murder under the rug.

[@markbark94]

Are all these comments made by bots? Wtf?

[@carbootstudios2459]

Wouldn’t surprise me

[@danvillalbos5980]

I always enjoyed listening to John Landis, Adam is his compadre, sympatico , doppleganer. Thank you for the interview!!!

[@JRennick27]

Dan Villalbos He has blood on his hands. Do your research.

[@marcelotnomercy2884]

Es un asesino

[@Pantano63]

@@marcelotnomercy2884 Fue hallado inocente.

[@marcelotnomercy2884]

@@Pantano63 Jajaja seguro

[@Pantano63]

@@marcelotnomercy2884 ¿Lo ves en la cárcel? Fue a juicio y fue hallado no culpable.

[@DaveTavres]

Sincerely - maybe one of the BEST interviews EVER by ANYONE! I kept looking at the time because I did NOT WANT THIS INTERVIEW TO END!! THANK you Adam and crew. THANK YOU John Landis!!

[@alphabeets]

Check out the videos on KZbin showing the decapitation of three actors in his film. This guy should be doing life in prison.

[@chiefscheider]

Two were decapitated. One was crushed

[@Raskolnikov32]

31:24 "Oooh, d' you wanna hear a cool story?!" I think that's all we've been hearing, John.

[@bookhouse70]

The Kubrick movie he was thinking of at 39:35 was Barry Lyndon.

[@arkan5000]

nice talking with someone who would pay avoid children labor laws. someone who's neglect lead to 3 deaths and families shattered. Someone who never took responsibility. He should have been under that chopper that day, not those kids.

[@MrMn19]

This was wonderful I love Adam's Talking Room interviews i'd love to see him interview Anthony Bourdain.

[@kcJOOONES]

Is it just me or does Adam seem tired and annoyed in some of this interview? I'm of the opinion that Landis is to blame on the Twilight Zone deaths so I could be completely biased but thats just the vibe I got from this.

[@veritas6335]

I too LOVE Alfonso Arau. Hilarious and absolutely fabulous.

[@born2conform]

Great interview. You should promote these more, would have had no idea if it wasn't for 'up next'.

[@truemedia2682]

Guilty.

[@Wrz2e]

His affable, jovial manner belies a dark energy.

[@Signorellielli]

Why is everyone so against this guy? What did he do?

[@faizalf119]

@@Signorellielli killed an actor, two children, and a pilot because of his direction and never get punished for it even when eyewitness statements are pretty clear.

[@Signorellielli]

@@faizalf119 Damn. I love American Werewolf in London. What a bummer

[@johnmcdonough8586]

Like he's made some of the greatest comedies and horror comedies of his time, several of which even after the incident. It's just a fucking shame that Landis had to ruin his reputation by letting his ego get the better of him and his sense of judgement.

[@Vanit1]

I love that you can totally see where Max Landis got his animated mannerisms from.

[@poisondart]

the love for movies in that one room is amazing

[@HalfManThirdBiscuit]

"Spies Like Us" reached #13 in the UK. Give us some credit, John :)

[@mrsmith7936]

ironically hes responsible for the murder of two children and a veteran actor

[@KokGlazer]

Give that credit to Paul McCartney. Fuck Landis.

[@RYN988]

This was a very fun interview! A true pleasure to watch!

[@SethHesio]

This is so wonderful. Such a natural, flowing conversation. Isn't this nice? An old fashioned interview. Interviews used to be like this on TV, I don't know why every mainstream interview has to last a maximum of 4 minutes, have a million edit points and exploding text flying across the screen. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this, felt like they could go on for at least another hour. Keep up the good work Adam Savage & TESTED! Anyone know what that audio clip is right at the very end of the video??

[@AaronAaron-tv2lr]

Cant believe how delightful everyone thinks Landis is. Research the Twilight Zone tragically. Hes directly culpable! And got off without any penalties. Do some research folks!

[@bbnash8417]

Yet people just kiss his ass telling others to "Get over it" seen alot of comments like that.

[@atm94404]

John Landis (incorrectly) says that the Internet killed the music industry and worries that movies will have a similar fate, however all these movies looking for an audience have a savior- the Internet. Right now anyone can see Bernie on Netflix streaming. If enough people recommend the movie on Facebook, Netflix will feature it on their streaming front page. So the Internet can get us back to that "golden age" where word of mouth mattered more than a marketing campaign.

[@achmedlolol]

This is how an interview should be done

[@DS8379]

Great interview with one of cinema's best directors!

[@fayeinoue7455]

if by "best" you mean best at getting three people including two CHILDREN brutally killed and then treating the families of his victims like absolute shit, he's a fucking monster fuck john landis

[@jedifyfe]

Man, John Landis just loves movies. What a great interview.

[@dubbingsync]

John Landis is very easy to listen to, what a great story teller.

[@BelaBeier]

And, from the feel of it, what a pleasurable guy to work with - all enthusiasm and "let's get this done!" :D

[@Shellpenny]

I can't get over the fact that he murdered two children though

[@BelaBeier]

@Variable Volume that I would describe as "slightly less then optimal"

[@pryletoncyo]

Imagine any other legendary director doing this kind of thing... just talking like a regular guy, nothing to show off (the work speaks for itself), nothing to hide (I loved the 'riding under a train like hippies' stuff. Just two guys talking about cool stuff. I don't think it could even work with Spielberg. But John's such a great guy. Of course Adam's just the guy to interview him.

[@faizalf119]

Nothing to hide huh

[@bbnash8417]

Nothing to hide, of course...

[@CineFix]

Adam + John = PERFECTION!

[@wongswww1405]

Killer plus nerd, perfect match.

[@DeaconTaylor]

if that went for a few more hours id still eat it up. so many thanks to both of you.

[@volkerschmitt]

I could listen to this for days.

[@JaredStCyr]

So Adam, when are you going to make a movie?

[@dylanvestige9935]

This is my favorite talking room ever

[@JRennick27]

Dylan Vestige John Landis has blood on his hands

[@KelvinSmoke]

I thought this was going to be too long....but enjoyed everything after I warmed up to him after the first couple of minutes

[@NikiaVHenderson]

Thank you for this great interview Adam...See you next Wednesday Mr. Landis

[@JamesDrokk]

Huge fan of John Landis movies. Such a great conversation.

[@MacSavage503]

John Landis Tells Best Stories!! My First Life Memory Is Watching The Making Of Thriller On Beta Tape.

[@tankmaster1018]

If you are like me, your favorite movie of John's is An American Werewolf In London. For those people who aren't here for that, I apologize, but if you are here to hear John talk about AWIL, go to 10:24 in the video. Thats when they start talking about it.

[@Gr3EnPi1L69]

A couple of years ago, a friend was living in the professor's apartment from Animal House. I got to watch it right where Donald Sutherland was sitting in his scene. Very surreal. The only thing cooler would be watching Star Wars in an X-Wing.

[@Chronus8888]

I couldn't care less about film making and I still found this to be highly entertaining and interesting.

[@M139NG]

This talking room episode was such a treat. I could listen to this guy tell stories for days. And the Mccartney story was pure gold btw...

[@johngore5127]

Spies Like Us is fav of mine, regardless of Beatle connection.

[@MrChief101]

Terrific. This could'a/should'a been 3-4 hours. Most excellent interview.

[@KingNickSA]

After watching this, especially the last 15 minutes or so about the movie making environment and VFX, I would LOVE to see Adam and John Landis sit down with someone like Freddie Wong for a discussion.

[@EJericjackson]

someone needs to make a film on the life of john landis

[@TheSMLIFfilms]

I've always wanted to make a biopic about Rick Baker and his monster groupies working on American Werewolf and stuff.

[@gearhead0800]

+Hyena Media If someone does make a movie about John Landis be sure that his being a MURDERER is exposed.

[@EJericjackson]

gearhead0800 lol

[@sh3n3ng]

this is very satisfying episode, I mean, I feel full and delighted.

[@spiderhousefilms1967]

When I found this I was elated it was so long, now at the end I wish it were a two parter.

[@monkiboyjerry]

What an AMAZING story at the begining.

[@lightvalve]

Excellent incite from one of may favorites. Thanks for this.

[@jessbonde]

I'm happy the most important comment is on top. I can't believe people are so ignorant about Landis' actions on The Twilight Zone

[@nerdyrcdriver]

School unblocks youtube and this is the first thing I watch.

[@DopesourcemediaPage]

I love how he speak about his son and his insight into how to give practical advice. What a gem of an interview. Thanks Adam and the Tested team.

[@davidanderson1639]

In 2002, when I graduated from art college, where I’d been studying film & theatre design, Ray Harryhausen was receiving an honorary doctorate. Not only was walking onto stage to receive my diploma; mere feet from the great man incredible enough….i then got to meet Ray following the ceremony. Somehow, despite my nerves I managed to tell him just how much of an inspiration his work had been on my passion for film design & special effects.

[@sirNemanjapro]

They should do a TV show about John Landis.

[@jedi1967]

Adam, let's avoid these questions about the Twilight Zone...

[@bleep77]

Landis is possibly the most underrated director of all time. His films have all stood the test of the time. So many classics he created. Love the guy! And his interviews are very insightful and engaging. I could listen to him talk for hours.

[@fulcrum6760]

bleep77 Stop praising this asshole. He killed three kids.

[@bbnash8417]

@@fulcrum6760 Someone finally said it.

[@fayeinoue7455]

if you like listening to him talk maybe ask him about the time he got three people, including two very young children brutally killed and then harassed their families afterwards at their funerals

[@FindecanorNotGmail]

This took me a long long time to watch, because I had to stop every ten minutes to look up what they were talking about and see it.

[@ian-c.01]

Wow, just wow !

[@DowntownDigitalUK]

Such a nice way to spend an hour.... we need more

[@MiniMackeroni]

Dude! Blues Brothers!

[@AsaBlackLightning]

For those who might be interested I recommend that you check out Mr. Landis' appearance on the Kevin Pollack Chat Show. Great episode!

[@Peikkomies]

This is just pure gold from the first minute to the last.

[@CYellowan]

That last joke was perfect! Wow, and this guy and all the cool info!?!

[@Mblaster1989]

I saw John Landis and I clicked, no hestitation

[@ghosthead84]

Why did I wait so long to watch this, very good intervew.

[@Mr.Stacey-L-SCC]

Thank you for this!

[@RayRomanMedia]

This is great, thanks!!

[@andyhercer]

Loved it, loved it, loved it! I really like to hear all of the fun stories that go behind making a movie, sometimes its more entertaining than the movie. PLEASE do more!

[@jusma21]

Yeah like how he killed 2 kids with insane negligence

[@Harrymitchell999]

Really great interview and for some reason I found John's voice really relaxing ...

[@mediaguy4037]

It was no "accident". Accident implies that the events that happened were unforseen and had no influence. This tragedy unfolded due to severe negligence. He paid people off and was allowed to walk away quietly. Now tell me, would you or I be able to do that? No. We'd still be away to this day.

[@MrTomCrisp]

"Men Petting Dogs"...an interviewing masterpiece.

[@graw777]

Im late for work now...because of this amazing interview!!... Calling my boss telling im sick ;)

[@100cpd]

Great!

[@primus1873]

That has got to be o e of the best hour l have ever spent on KZbin, as stated already more please!

[@travishaynes9682]

Noone who knows what they want to do in life , at that early of an age , stays in and finishes high school.

[@alkemann]

"Have you ever seen Aliens?!" // Are you fucking serious?

[@ZeroG84]

John Landis quote from this: "Look what internet did to the music business. It killed it. It's like CANCER"... Well, fuck that.

[@faizalf119]

That quote aged like milk

[@bbnash8417]

He also killed an actor and two kids so this guy just ages like milk.

[@no_one_of_that_name_here]

I love that the dogs were free to roam in shot.

[@jimmysgameclips]

5 minutes in and this mans life already sounds much more amazing than mine haha

[@jedifyfe]

I could watch Landis talk about vegetables and it would be interesting. He is very enthusiastic and fun to listen to.

[@jedifyfe]

@Rob Cook Definitely was a horrific and needless mistake.

[@allluckyseven]

I'm pausing at around 0:15:00 because I gotta let something out: OH MY GOD THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!1 Thanks, Adam, Tested AND John! Thank you so much. Alright, back to watching it. :P

[@xaglx]

Fantastic interview!

[@Mrmoviefan123]

If Paul McCartney sees this (or has already seen this), he wouldn't be happy by what John says about his Spies Like Us song, because, as John said, he told Paul he loved the song.