In conversation with Jonathan Meades: “I despise presenters as a breed” | BFI

[@willyjourney]

Meades is an incredible documentarian (amongst other things)...when I watch his films it makes me realise how poor so much other television is...and how much television has lost its way A class act.

[@TheTiedye123]

Jonathan Meades is a genius...his language is both languid and stimulating providing a beautiful contrast. Love how he walks in and out of shot after nailing a startling commentry of what is behind or around him.

[@SEAL341]

I style myself on Mr. Meades.

[@jimthing]

Mr. Braddock - Don't do that. Style yourself on yourself.

[@BoneyBobsTreasure]

Beguilingly modest, he doesn't even engage the idea of modesty, just wholly effortless and wholly awkward. We are fortunate we have him.

[@zetetick395]

We need more outlier viewpoints on British TV, folks like Jon Meades (who fear no controversy) are necessary, to keep us all honest with ourselves.

[@bobthompson3739]

Solid gold geezer, as they say up east.

[@keeperofthecheese]

Meades is a one off. His short films are oddly fascinating. Irreverent. Surreal. Forthright. Hes a gem and an inspiration. I hope that the isolated figure standing in an alien environment and discussing it to camera can one day be described as "Meadesian".

[@andrewgallacher4046]

He has very little interest in comment but i feel blessed to have watched his understated genius in action. I feel like ive discovered a little known gem that only certain individuals can share and it's a privilege every time i hear and see him 🙌

[@tombell9503]

In the current world of media banality, one can only assume Meades has the power of Lazarus to survive as long as he has, continuing to bring us the odd nugget of gold that, being the decent fellow he is, he serves unpolished. His final triumph will come in death, when all the execs who chased him off the screen vomit up their admiration for 'a standard bearer of British cultural broadcasting.' One thing is for sure - Meades will laugh the longest and loudest.

[@thewaythingsare8158]

There is a rather revealing and enjoyable moment in a Mark lawson interview, where Meades spontaneously bursts out laughing at the mention of his interviewer attending the opening of an Edward Heath museum. I enjoy the Meades meme.

[@yaopasha]

come back please!!!!!!!!

[@sightscreen66]

It's curious. The presenter-centric documentaries of today really bug me (the camera wasting time looking at the presenter looking at things, rather than showing the viewer the things etc.) and I yearn for narrated docs. Then I recall the likes of Alec Clifton-Taylor and Jonathan Meades and remember that with the right people they can work very well. We were promised a DVD boxed set of Meades' complete oeuvre a while back but when it appeared it was a cut-down 'best of', which was a shame.

[@ZINZIN77]

Brilliant wit

[@ajs41]

Jonathan Meades' Barcelona film from 1985 is now available here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqLSkJmtl6ilaac

[@lewisticknor]

Great interview! "What's it like to be decimated Jonathan? Are you happy about not riding the big wave?" She must be fun as hell at parties.

[@eddjordan2399]

Legend

[@Novasky2007]

He always reminded me of the guy who introduced twilight zone. A living embodiment of 4th wall breaking. Tho he seems to be breaking the real worlds 4th wall.

[@TopOfThePopsRedubbed]

Mentions numerous things the interviewee has told her in a previous conversation. "Is this a fair analysis?" Whut?!

[@nickbarber2080]

Jonathan Meades is a barbarian. I love his work.

[@fredbloke3218]

yes hand waving by presenters i find annoying, even J.M can't resist these distracting gestures here

[@ontheisland11]

Yes, but to be fair this isn't one of his films - where he generally doesn't throw his arms about. Here, he's just for want of a better phrase, 'being himself' and there aren't any carefully constructed visuals which everyday body language might distract from.

[@rhonataylor85]

Yes but what comes over to me is just how many genres of people JM despises! I enjoy watching him but he makes me a bit queasy with his sneering. Tiny bit of positivity might not hurt sometimes.

[@GwynusParc-r6b]

Um um um um learn to speak your own language properly