MM: So, coming from the underground how do you feel about your status as a possessor/trendsetter of hip culture? You were named to the “Hot List” in Rolling Stone. Is that idea weird or amusing to you?
RL: It’s pretty laughable because I don’t consider myself on the cutting-edge of culture or anything—I don’t drink coffee, I don’t watch TV. I’m completely out of it most of the time. I like movies, but that’s about it. I guess I just pick up things. It’s a role people cast, I just got thrust into it.
MM: The right ideas at the right time.
RL: Yeah, which you can’t predict or go after. It just happens. It’s both a blessing and a curse. I’m going to try to do a different kind of movie. People are like “Oh, but you’re supposed to do this kind of movie.” I’ve been lucky so far. I’ve been able to do pretty much what I want and somehow get away with it. I just try to keep people guessing a little bit.
MM: Isn’t your new film going to break out of the mold people have cast you in somewhat?
RL: Yeah, because this film has absolutely nothing to do with American culture. In a way it’s American, but it’s kind of a European film. It has no pop culture reference, no hit soundtrack. It’s just much more simple. It’s just two people. It could have been made 50, years ago, I like to think.
MM: Are you in to ’50s films?
RL: I’m into all kinds of films, from all periods. I saw this one [Before Sunrise] in slightly more classical terms, though.
MM: Are movies your main pastime?
RL: Movies and music.
MM: Who’s you’re favorite band?
RL: That’s kind of like asking what my favorite movie is. I don’t really have one. I hate answering that question. I always feel weird when it comes out in print. If you say, “Oh, who do you listen to?” and I say, “The Butthole Surfers” it makes it sound like I’m their biggest fan. It’s like when people ask who my favorite directors are, what directors influenced you, I go, “all of them.” Just name one and I’ll tell you what I think about them. That kind of thing is just easier. I think we all just take in so much just being members of the culture.
MM: True.
RL: So, what do you think I should talk about at this thing [the lecture]. What do you think college-aged people want to hear from me? I’m kind of amazed anyone wants to hear anything
from me.
Richard Linklater has once again actually made a film where people actually talk to each other.
MM: You are part of the Distinguished Speaker
Tour.
RL: Doug Copeland got me in there.
MM: You’re friends with him?
RL: Yeah.
MM: What do you think about the “Generation X” label?
RL: We both laugh about it.
MM: So, it was not his intention to get this blown-up into a universal meaning for a generation?
RL: No. It was just a good book.
MM: So, it’s kind of like the Slacker thing is for you? It got blown all out of proportion?
RL: Yeah. We both experienced similar things at about the same time. It’s a boring and old subject. It was interesting three years ago.
MM: I’m personally tired of being labeled and pigeonholed as part of “Generation X.” I guess every generation is stereotyped, though.
RL: It’s sad to me. If you look at the work, it’s really not about stereotypes—it’s the complete opposite. It’s sad to see certain things become stereotypes. It’s that ultimate media oversimplification of everything—always a little depressing to watch.
MM: The media probably considers you a spokesperson for slackers. What would you say to slackers everywhere?
RL: Work is hazardous to your health! Create your own world. Daydream. MM
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