Bobcat Goldthwait has always walked the road of comedy right on the edge. From this early days as a member of the “Police Academy” ensemble, but his current work as a filmmaker which has seen him bring deliriously dark, demented and funny works like “Shakes The Clown” “World’s Greatest Dad” and “God Bless America” (recently unspooling at SXSW) to the big screen. But his passion project may surprise you — it’s a musical based on the The Kinks album Schoolboys In Disgrace and it has been a project he has been developing for a while. The last we heard about it was nearly a year ago when it was reported that Jack White would be helping to re-record the music, with Warp Films throwing their weight behind the project as producers. But The Playlist member Aaron Hillis caught up with Goldthwait in Austin and he revealed a bit more about what we might expect.
“Yeah that’s this movie that’s based on school boys and Ray Davies and myself are involved, and you know its a bigger movie then I usually make so that’s why it’s taking longer to get going because it’s a big movie, it’s my ‘Oliver!‘ he said, referencing the 1968 film. “So it’s been a struggle, but I will make that, that’s my big passion.” Of course, given that it will be made from Goldthwait’s distinct worldview, this won’t be like any ordinary song and dance movie you’ve ever seen.
“…the genesis story of a supervillain set to music. It’s the story of the world’s most charming criminal and a realistic high school musical for all the kids who hate sugary, sweet, unrealistic high school musicals,” he said last spring. And this year he reaffirmed with us it will be off the beaten path. “I mean it will be my take on a traditional musical….everything kind of goes through my filter and I’m not aware that I have a filter but apparently I do. You know, so even when I write like a family picture, apparently it’s still a little twisted. I mean I’m not trying to flatter myself. I would love to sell out and be more accessible but this is just what comes out of me.”
Always a fun and fascinating man to chat with, you can listen to the entire interview below. Goldthwait is joined by “God Bless America” stars Joel Murray and Tara Lynne Barr for the chat. The film goes On Demand on April 6th and hits theaters on May 11th.