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Lindsay Anderson - in his own words
Extract from letter written in 1982 by Lindsay Anderson to Henry Dibling (actor) re appearing in Chariots of Fire, directing Britannia Hospital and being offered a role in a sequel to Star Wars (LA 5/1/2/Dibling).
Dear Henry
Yes, well - without wanting to fall into the category of actors who talk endlessly about themselves - I'm glad that appearance in CHARIOTS OF FIRE seemed okay to a fellow professional.
I have to admit that I wasn't as enthusiastic about the film as you were - but then I did see it under rather peculiar circumstances. At the Royal Command Performance, in fact, seated some half-a-dozen rows back from Her Majesty The Queen Mother. I didn't rate high enough to get into the presentation line-up with John Gielgud, which I thought was rather unfair (after all, I did have one more scene than he did). I tended to close my eyes when my scenes came up, so I suppose I didn't really give the film a chance. Anyway, I'm pleased by its success.
About five more weeks to go now on BRITANNIA HOSPITAL, which we have really finished editing, and are preparing to do music, dubbing, etc. Its been tremendously hard work and I feel really exhausted - I can't be sure whether it's age, or whether this has been a particularly taxing experience. A big handicap was the fact that the distributors - and the producer - actually thought I could shoot the picture in eight weeks, and for 2 ½ million dollars. In fact it took twelve weeks and cost nearly 5 million. Which are not huge figures, as movie making goes today, but it's still a good deal more than people like to spend on a British satirical comedy without stars. Or without big stars. I think it probably will make a lot of people very angry - in Britain, anyway - since I've tried to cover a full selection of human vices and follies. And since my point of view is Anarchic, its likely to please neither Right nor Left. I'm just hoping a few human being will recognise and enjoy it.
It's good news that you're feeling positive about acting again. What a mysterious profession it is. I mean, what are the qualities (certainly not just talent) that make some people so acceptable as performers that they are constantly in work (here in England, it's generally a kind of conformism, a blandness that doesn't threaten anyone, nicely-spoken and not too original). Perhaps something (most) directors like is to be able to see the end performance the first time they meet an actor. So they don't have to gamble or trust their own intuition. I myself am hoping to graduate shortly into the category of elderly director-character actor (e.g. John Houseman, John Houston, etc.). I was, you'll be amused to hear, offered a Prince of Evil role (at least I think it was an offer) in the new STAR WARS sequel. Unfortunately I couldn't take it because we'll still be working on BRITANNIA HOSPITAL. I think I'd have enjoyed that.
© University of Stirling 2004
