Posts by Simon Bland

“People have said they feel less alone after seeing this film” – Bill Hader on The Skeleton Twins at 10

By Simon Bland

From Saturday Night Live’s MVP to indie-movie darling, Bill Hader explains how this small emotional indie paved the way towards his critical hit Barry.

‘Tom understood this wasn’t a film about being tough, it was about fairies’ – Nicolas Winding Refn on Bronson at 15

By Simon Bland

The Drive director reflects on smuggling Bronson’s actual moustache out of prison and the personal story behind his ethereal biopic of the UK’s most notorious inmate.

Matt Johnson: “People say ‘Now you’ve got to make the Twitter movie'”

By Simon Bland

The writer, director and co-star of BlackBerry – an irreverent take on the rise and fall of a tech giant – reflects on his third feature while making his way across Toronto.

“The emotional part overwhelmed me” – Catherine Hardwicke on Thirteen at 20

By Simon Bland

Partially inspired by the turbulent home life of one of its stars, this hard-hitting coming-of-age drama still packs a punch – even for director and co-writer Catherine Hardwicke.

“I modelled the movie off of Broadcast News” – Jason Segel on Forgetting Sarah Marshall at 15

By Simon Bland

Writer and star Jason Segel spills on the naked real-life inspirations and upcoming small-screen future of his heartbreak-based modern comedy classic.

The Big Lebowski at 25: How embracing ‘Dudeism’ can lead to a happier life

By Simon Bland

Oliver Benjamin, the founder of the world’s “slowest growing” religion, reflects on how The Coen Brothers' classic crime caper inspired him to start a global movement.

How Christmas Saved The Muppets – The Muppet Christmas Carol at 30

By Simon Bland

It's hard to image the holiday season without this zany reimagining of Dickens' classic tale – but as puppeteer Steve Whitmire explains, The Muppet Christmas Carol was make or break for the beloved company.

‘Our pact with the devil was to try and pull it off’ – Ghostwatch at 30

By Simon Bland

Creator Stephen Volk and director Lesley Manning reflect on the chaos and unlikely impact of their meta-Halloween horror.

“There were certain dance moves that were all me” – Jared Gilman on Moonrise Kingdom at 10

By Simon Bland

The now 23-year-old actor returns to Camp Ivanhoe to share his memories of making a film with Wes Anderson.

In defence of Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain

By Simon Bland

Dismissed as a self-indulgent folly upon release, this fatalistic fantasy drama deserves a second look.

Poo jokes and a visit from Prince – The making of Drop Dead Fred

By Simon Bland

Director Ate de Jong tells the inside story of one of the craziest and most unique studio films of the 1990s.

From far, far away to 4chan – The surprising legacy of Shrek

By Simon Bland

Directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson reflect on the cultural afterlife of their 2001 computer animation.

“We were projecting forward” – James McTeigue on V for Vendetta at 15

By Simon Bland

The director reflects on the making and lasting cultural impact of his 2005 dystopian thriller.

An oral history of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

By Simon Bland

The inside story of how a goofy script by two unknown screenwriters became a beloved cult hit.

“There were times when I was sore from laughing” – Adam McKay on The Other Guys at 10

By Simon Bland

The director reflects on the making of his 2010 buddy cop comedy, and the serious message at its heart.

“I wanted it to feel like entering a world that makes you happy” – Amy Heckerling on Clueless at 25

By Simon Bland

The writer/director muses on one of the best and most beloved literary adaptations of modern times.

The supernatural, Nick Cave-scripted Gladiator sequel that never was

By Simon Bland

The Bad Seeds frontman wrote a screenplay for Russell Crowe, resurrecting his Roman warrior.

“I saw Bateman as kind of a buffoon” – Mary Harron on American Psycho at 20

By Simon Bland

The director reflects on the creation of one of cinema’s enduring monsters, Patrick Bateman.

Spaced at 20: How we made a British cult classic

By Simon Bland

An oral history of the beloved sitcom with Jessica Hynes, Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright.

Danny Elfman: How The Nightmare Before Christmas restored my holiday spirit

By Simon Bland

The composer reflects on how this seasonal favourite transformed his life and career.

“Frank Drebin was a combination of Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood” – David Zucker on The Naked Gun at 30

By Simon Bland

The writer/director reflects on the origins and legacy of his most beloved comic creation.

David Zucker confirms a Naked Gun reboot is in the works

By Simon Bland

The director teases a new addition to the series, which will follow the exploits of Frank Drebin Jr.

“I never expected people to connect with it so much” – Sofia Coppola on Lost in Translation at 15

By Simon Bland

The writer/director reflects on the making of her cherished Tokyo love story.

“It was the best time of my life” – Jason Schwartzman on Rushmore at 20

By Simon Bland

The actor recalls how a chance encounter with Wes Anderson launched his career.

Seth Rogen on how James Franco became Tommy Wiseau

By Simon Bland

The actor reveals how his long-time friend and co-star stayed in character throughout the making of The Disaster Artist.

Joe Dante on why Gremlins is the movie he’ll be remembered for

By Simon Bland

The veteran director reflects on the little monster movie that changed his career – and life – forever.

Little White Lies Logo

About Little White Lies

Little White Lies was established in 2005 as a bi-monthly print magazine committed to championing great movies and the talented people who make them. Combining cutting-edge design, illustration and journalism, we’ve been described as being “at the vanguard of the independent publishing movement.” Our reviews feature a unique tripartite ranking system that captures the different aspects of the movie-going experience. We believe in Truth & Movies.

Editorial

Design