Monty Python’s Eric Idle Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ
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- čas přidán 1. 10. 2018
- Eric Idle revisits his most iconic characters, including roles in Monty Python's Flying Circus, The Rutles, The Simpsons, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Nearly Departed, Monty Python's Life of Brian, Casper, and more. "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: A Sortabiography" is in stores October 2nd.
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Monty Python’s Eric Idle Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ - Zábava
He's in his 70s and he seem to have the same energy he did 50 years ago.
He is 80 or more.
@@spaceghost8995 he was born in 1943
He's an absolute legend
@@spaceghost8995 nope early 70s
Because he didn't live on American Cheese Burgers
How come his voice hasn’t aged at all
cockney accent i guess..
@@mohammadabdulfarooqi3068 What? Cockney accent? All of them went to Cambridge or Oxford, they speak with a Posh accent, or better, RP.
@@anandadaquino3604 A "posh accent" (or at least closest to) would be the Queen's English. This guy doesn't really have much of an accent. Clear diction and minimal or no use of slang doesn't immediately mean "posh".
@@anandadaquino3604 Ericle Idle has a 100% Cockney accent. Ask any Brit, it's unmistakable. Even back in the 60s and 70s, Oxbridge wasn't always a sign of being higher class, it was just high brow education because it was heavily associated with law, medicine, history and English literature.
Eric,you'll never be nominated for or win a Razzie, because you have to suck big time to get it. Your problem:YOU DON'T SUCK! IN ANYTHING! DEAL WITH IT!!!!!! Luv ya!😍🤩😍🤩😍🤩
Life of brian was banned in norway by old blasphemy laws(that are obviously gone now)
So the cinema owners to the east (sweden) had a full swedish revenge and sold out cinemas there with the subtext: the movie that’s so funny it’s banned in norway
snurk agurk It’s also on the CD
thank god we can watch it now though.
Waiting for Monty Python parody of Mohammed...hmmm... guess his life was a parody.
Banned in Queensland as well ha ha
It was banned in many parts of the US as well.
Im not an actor, I act occasionaly.
Says the man who played at least 5 roles in a movie. (The Holy Grail)
Romalı Abi and played 6? I think In life of Brian
Not to mention the multitude of others across both the Flying Circus and the Meaning of Life
He's incredible humble about it.
I get it. He thinks of himself as a writer who knows what he would like the words to sound like. I’m a writer and actor, and I can relate 100% to that sentimate.
Well, he does act occasionally.
Eric Idle's priorities seem to be mostly, "is this fun?" Smart man.
Not to mention his motivation at 13:29
It's a good philosophy. I see people use that in other mediums like "is this a video game that is fun to play?" Or "is this a Twitch stream that I'd fun to watch?"
I know the feeling I prefer to do the fun thing
@@Snagprophet It seems suddenly so obvious as selling fun ought to be not to difficult. Question then is: so how come so many miss it?!
Mostly? :)
"It's got a great many scenes that are still offensive I am happy to say."
Remember life of brian's stan who wanted to have babies?! :) it was just strange and funny 40 yrs ago... LGBT's crowd would be super-mega-outraged today!
@@celia-ov6rm Except the Pythons never really punched down in their comedy. The Stan/Loretta joke isn't poking fun at trans people, it's poking fun at the absurdity of reality and the people who can't accept it.
@@DickEnchilada
Hence transgenders and their struggle with reality.
@@jackmenace6687 *Inhales* oooooh
They get more offensive as time goes on. That aged well. 🤣 As the kids that aged still say.
"Would you please listen, im not the messiah"
"HE IS THE MESSIAH"
"I should know, I've followed a few!"🤣🤣
"He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy!"
"Now GO AWAY!"
“Yes! We are all individuals!”
@@RDB93 "Yes! We are all different!"
"...i'm not"
"Shh!"
Every time he laughed, it was genuine! He just radiated joy and it was infectious! What a bloody icon.
I'm just now coming across this video, but... YES! 100%! I'm sitting here, giggling at his giggles!
Well said sir
This man is a comedic genius. Python has been more influential on comedy than any other in the last century.
Are you trying to say there was better comedy back back before 1918?
There was comedy before then of course, but mediums of entertainment have vastly changed. So I felt safer by saying the last century.
You couldn't make a comedy like this these days, these guys were balls to the perverbial wall, the closest thing we have to this is Eric Andre. Comedy is supposed to push boundaries.
WHU Forever, nonsense. There have been other, equally powerful influences, as Idle et al would say.
But they absolutely pushed comedy in directions not seen before, and have no rival in their arena.
Whilst it is true that there have been other highly influential ensembles, I still believe that Python are unparalleled when placed head to head.
He turned into such an adorable old man.
No he didn´t.
@the Prussian Nationalist I do know, you didn´t get the joke, I suppose.
@the Prussian Nationalist No, I shouldn´t.
That's what aging does to adorable young men.
@@hansdampf4695 Oh yes he did
How do know he's a king?
Because he hasn't got sh*t all over him.
Glad to know that was you Eric. It's my all time favorite Python quote.
Thanks for a million laughs.
I Think it Got copied/ spoofed!? in a Superman story, Where is time travel to a edieval muddy village and they Think must be a Prince.
Also the quote:
-"He's rather high-strung"
-"Yes he should be"
Always has me wheezing
Mine has to be “who are you who are so wise in the ways of science??”
So many memories.
I forgot he was in Honey I shrunk the Audience, which I saw in Paris…
And wasn‘t he the bleeding nice guy in that Chevy Chase flick?
Hilarious.
(him. Not Chevy Chase)
The Meaning of Life: "We didn't really know what it was about"
Isn't that the entire point?
Is God really real? Or is there some doubt?
Bruh life is what you make of it.
There is no one meaning. You can find meaning to life in anything you enjoy.
@@q-tuber7034 I don't know man. But it keeps me up at night
There's a lot of good stuff in Meaning Of Life, but I think it's a shame they didn't look a bit harder for a unifying storyline. It was in fact there in the material: a parody of Colonel Blimp, called "The decline and fall of the British Empire".
@@ThreadBomb You must have missed the part about a wafer-thin mint.
Python are the Beatles of comedy, revolutionary, iconic, unequalled.
George Harrison helped fund Life of Brian
Good call
British
@@eveeehr also both Rutles films and he even had a bit in one of them
That's been said A MILLION times
"I'm not oppressing you, Stan! You don't have a womb!"
Honestly, that """joke""" didn't hold up well
It's trying to justify transophobia with unrelated points, and they quite openly diarrhea-ed on trans people not so long ago (and please don't be irritated by this comment because i'm making this point, because Monty Python are HEAVLY politic, and you can't talk about them without talking about this kind of things)
@@alisaangeldust4440 I think it's making a mockery of how people just dont get it and use nonsense reasons
Alisa Tugger I am exteremelt disappointed and you have ruined my day
Extremely
Alisa Tugger is being offensive to people with diarrhea.
The fact he's still chuckling at the jokes really shows his passion for his craft
This is clearly a guy who's had an awful lot of fun in his life. And just hearing his laugh makes it clear he still is having fun. Good on him.
"Sir Robin ran away!"
"No!"
Long Live Python.
"Bravely ran away!"
"No!"
xD
Bravely ran away, away LMFAO
@@HUGOGARCAO "I didn't"
When danger reeled it’s ugly head he bravely ran away and fled.
Bravely ran away away!
I didn’t!
And RIP Neil Innes and Terry Jones. And Graham Chapman.
His laugh is so amazing and innocent and childlike.
He proves that one can be naughty...& not be "bad" OR "evil".
Eric Idle is a rare treasure...as are any of The Monty Python troupe.
Eric Idle is a treasure, and must be protected at all times, at any cost.
We don’t deserve him which means we must protect him with all of our capability
I love him, and his stories are top notch.
I second the motion...
Please don't make him sound like Ukraine!
Amen to that
He still has a twinkle in his eye. I love Eric Idle.
Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more.
"I was acting with Cleese who is an impeccable actor, Michael Palin, who is a very, very good actor, Chapman who was a real natural actor and Terry Jones who is a very good comic actor. . .Terry Gilliam was also there too."
Terry Gilliam (the only American in the otherwise British-only troupe) has never acted in their sketches. He's just the director.
@@EternalVirgin Terry did all the animation sketches. At least thats what i heard/read
@@markusbrownicus01 Gilliam was _in_ some sketches, but had few lines and barely acted in any real sense. Which is ok, he is good at other things.
Nonetheless, he was in sketches, albeit few with limited roles, which refutes Arif's claim that he never acted in sketches.
@@EternalVirgin clearly you never watched the series or just don't know which one is Gilliam. He did appear in several skecthes and after Cleese left, he was featured quite often. Also, the sketches were directed by Ian MacNaughton. Gilliam only co-directed Holy Grail with Terry Jones. He did do all the animations though.
Kinda disappointing the foot didn't come down on the GQ logo at the end, nonetheless great interview.
Monty Python were like the Beatles....every member a legend.
yea na john lennon sucked
Over rated.
The Beatles, that is. Monty Python will watched my space colonists on their way to Mars. But no one gonna be playing the Beatles - because the baby boomers will all be dead.
@@CorePathway let's just forget that every big musician says he is inspired by them. Hey let's believe a random guy on the internet.
who's Ringo?
@@CorePathway you’re weak, and you’re bloodline is weak, and you will be *forgotten*
I met him briefly at a conference I attended in 2001. I was starstruck and only uttered, "I didn't realize how nervous I would be meeting you", He simply said, "Oh don't be!", and then the conference folks swept it and took him away.
Idle is definitely my favourite Python, with Chapman, Cleese, Gilliam, Jones & Palin all being joint 1st as well!
Mine too, though I've never really been able to pinpoint why - they are indeed all incredibly funny and talented in their own way.
He is the UKs Gene Wilder!
It's near impossible to choose a favorite python they're all so fantastic
I love the whole gang so much but Palin is my favourite i think. And everyone loves Cleese!
You can't like one without the other five it's just not possible.
My grandfather loved British comedy and he loved Monty Python, and I get the feeling Eric Idle was his favorite of the bunch. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life was one of his favorite songs. At his funeral I did a brief eulogy and followed it up with that song. I would think that would have made him happy. Thank you for existing, Eric Idle.
I thought about that song being played at my funeral too! Thanks for sharing.
That's what I want to be played at my funeral too
Beach boys>Beatles
@@Connordaboss45 uh
That's very sweet.
Eric Idle was friends with Mark Hamill, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Harrison Ford, and George Harrison and he was a Python truly an amazing man
He's still alive...
@@DrZaius not all of them are though
You mean “Is” friends with. (Was friends with George)
And Elvis would do impressions of him. Not bad.
When danger reared its ugly head, he bravely turned around and fled. Brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Robin.
My mum died when I was 12 and one of my most prominent memories of her was talking about life of Brian and she loved it so much she had always look on the bright side of life as her funeral march
🤗💜
Monty Python was my dad's favorite and I was too young to enjoy them when he was still around but after they have become my favorite movies of all time.
"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" is a real favourite for funerals... not "radical" at all.
Surprisingly, another much requested number for sending off the departed; "Dancing Queen" by ABBA.. (it's thoughtful.. cheers people up).
@@zchurchill8904 you cant be too young to enjoy monty python movies
Eric is very modest about his own performance skills
I love how he says I’m not an actor and yet he can instantly switch to a character at any time flawlessly.
0:25 He is so humble. This is what makes a real legend to me, shouting out everyone else because acting is always collaborative
Nevertheless, they MUST BELIEVE they are the Knights who say "Ni".
Mike Page Ni
@@GranTruismo4head where is my shruberry!?
Res Publica it’s in the republic of “Ni”
I forgot to cut down the largest tree in the forest.......with a herring
@@Alaryk111 a shwubbbeewy????
Monty Python’s Holy Grail, arguably their best film filled with British wit and humor. I love it and you love it.
Eric Idle: “the holy grail was the most miserable time. I mean it was fu*king awful.”
Ok then.
Great film but I think Life Of Brian is better!
Gilliam and Jones both directed it in kind of a "tag team" style and kept changing things. The budget was dismal.
Probably a safe bet to say that he's referring to the production of the film, rather than the contents of the film itself.
The weather was horrid and they were freezing cold most of the time. What did you not get?
I understand why the three-headed knight didn't make it into the musical, however, he's one of my favourites.
"Al-ways look on the bright side of life". Classic.
PickleRix Life’s a piece of sh*t, when you look at it 🤣
Life's a laugh, and death's a joke. It's true.
"Surely we couldn't write anything about JC"
That made burst out into laughter.
"Nearly Departed...which was very quickly departed." I love British humor.
0:22 Monty Python's Flying Circus: TV series (1969-1974)
3:42 The Rutles (1978)
5:27 Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
8:24 Nearly Departed: TV series (1989 -1989)
9:15 Monty Python's Life Of Brian (1979)
12:15 The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen (1988)
13:49 Casper (1995)
14:23 An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn (1997)
15:28 Journey Into Imagination: Honey i Shrunk The Audience (1994)
16:15 Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life (1983)
BERTHOLD!!!!!!
Eh?
No transformers. :/
@@BrettsPlay Just noticed that. Boo hiss. :(
Thx also great profile. Love clockwork and python! ✌️
@@BrettsPlay Collect and save, collect and save!
"Bein Italian, they'd also knitted the balls" 😂
His documentary voice sounds like David Attenborough
That was the point.....
1:56 is this why there was an Australian shark named Bruce in finding Nemo.
I think it was because the JAWS model shark was nicknamed "Bruce" by the filmmakers, but I'm just spitballing.
Matthew C. How are you spitballing?
@@MatthewC33199 Addition to that; Spielberg nicknamed the Jaws-model 'Bruce' because at the time he had a lawyer named Bruce. 😊
Cody Hutchison HELLO.
It's probably why there's an australian troll named Bruz in Middle-Earth: Shadow of War. I kid thee not...
So good to see Eric happy and laughing at the old gags.
So few can legitimately say they brought so much joy into other people's lives.
Good job Ewick!
I love Eric Idle. He's so tickled with his own jokes, just seems like a really genuine guy who would be immensely fun to hang around.
One of my all-time favorites was his Story Time in the original series, where he reads children's stories that turn horribly into adult content. Awesome.
OMG yes, i loved that show. Haven't seen it in years.
“…with a melon?!”
"uncomfortable and not enough money is good for comedy." makes sense, lack of money makes you use your wits more, makes you hone the bits better, and being uncomfortable makes one loose their inhibitions, pretty hard to be nervous when you have a wedgie.
The term is "Art through adversity" and it's completely true.
Lol then moments later he says another film he worked on sucked because it didn't have enough money.
yes, the gillam movie in spain i believe. i believe he said lack of money was only one of many problems.
Yes, that was what he was implying.
If Holy Grail would've had a decent budget they might have used real horses, which would have been really boring.
Eric is a true example of the saying that you may grow old, but never grow up.
For a writer who says he's not an actor, he really can act~ He's hilarious in Life of Brian.
What I always loved about Eric Idle, doesn't matter how weird or strange the scene was, je always played like everything is normal. That's what makes him so hilarious. The others played always a little over the top. Not Eric. He was always the Stan Laurel type.
It is so fun to see him almost giddy about these bits. The segments on religion with Graham in both the Meaning of Life and Holy Grail, with the holy hand grenade I think are some of my favorite words ever. Just a joy to see him smile.
One, two, five!
Three Sir!
I'd watch any video about eric idle. If he made a video where he separates his laundry I'd watch it.
now i want to watch that
Idle idling idolization? Surely you can't be serious?
I am serious. And don't call me shirley.
thats because eric could make something as simple as laundry funny enough to make you cry laughing if you give him five minets to come up with a bit... I'd watch too!!
You're a loony.
I honestly love his description of comedy acting vs. "emotional" acting right at the beginning; acknowledging that there are differences between the two styles, in a way that doesn't put either above the other (besides the "real" acting comment, which I interpret more as self-deprecation than genuine commentary).
He was not in the least bit scared to be mashed into a pulp
or to have his eyes gouged out and his elbows broken -
to have his kneecaps split and his body burned away -
and his limbs all hacked and mangled, brave Sir Robin!
The scary bit is that I didn't have to look up the lyrics to quote this ... so many countless hours wasted, and I loved every one of them. Thanks to all the Pythons and thank you, Eric Idle. :)
I always quote that "I'm getting better" scene. It's the only thing that cheers me up when I'm explaining why I'm sick for the 4,000th time this year.
This man has brought me endless joy... Thank you, Eric Idle.
My childhood wouldn't have been the same without Eric Idle! Brilliant comedian.
He's also the inspiration for Rincewind the wizard in the Discworld series; the man is a legend :)
You might not nessarily like Monty Python, but there is no denying that these men are brilliant!
I'd question the sanity of anyone who says they don't like Monty Python. They've got to be the most dull, dull, dull, my god, so dull person! ***read that in Michael Palin's voice if you know the sketch**
Eric was about one of my first celebrity crushes strangely enough
Eric is giving so many props to his MP costars, but I always thought he was the most talented of the crew. He made me laugh more consistently than the rest of them...even when he wasn't speaking. His magnetic presence and jovial energy were so palpable.
His David Attenborough is flawless 😂. All the Pythons are national treasures!
These guys are gods. Great stuff that's still funny half a century later.
I saw "The Meaning of Life" at the theater when it came out. The theater was packed and I never experienced an audience reaction like that before or since. We howled with laughter, literally falling out of our seats. I'm sure the people in adjacent theaters heard us and realized they'd picked the wrong movie.
I was fortunate enough to be playing in an orchestra in Brisbane, Australia when Eric came on stage and did a perfect impression if Bob Dylan, harmonica and all.
Oh how much money would it be worth to see footage of Elvis doing python...
Elvis Pepperpot!
OH MY GOD THEY DID ONE WITH ERIC IDLE
Barney Os. I came here to day thissss
I was also pleasantly surprised :D
THOSE BASTARDS!
I would watch a show about a black family haunted by a fop.
Disney made the inverse of that. Dead black family.
@@Clay3613 that's racist
That's a racist thing to say!
Are you people being serious?
@Clay3613: Now you're racist again. EVERYTHING is racist!
Eric Idle wanting a razzie award is the best thing I have heard all day 😂😂
That was the greatest David Attenborough impression.
"The first thing you do is get the mustache right."
Eric you changed my life as a kid. I stayed up late once a week to watch Python on PBS.
The Monty Python movies is by far the best thing to ever happen to the film industry; they truly are a comical masterpiece. Always loved to see the guys play multiple roles.
The wonderful thing is that they never made a movie, simply to make money.
Because if that were the goal, there would be dozens of Python films, instead of the three jewels that we cherish.
@@charlie-obrien True - at least one of them was made in a serious attempt not to lose George Harrison his house. Highly successful on that front - and several others.
My smiling muscles are hurting after this. My dad and I would watch Monty Python and the movies on a loop every time we sat down and had dinner together, for so many years. I love these guys.
I absolutely adore Eric Idle. A very talented person. I could listen to him talk for days and never be bored.
Casper: "I don't remember much about it"
Well, that really breaks that character down!
His gleefulness is infectious. By the end I was in a great mood.
Should be prescribed as the National Elf...
It was The Midnight Special that introduced me to Monty Python. I was 10 years old-Nudge Nudge and The Silly Olympics...I was SO HAPPY when PBS starting showing the series. I guess what I’m saying is Eric Idle helped change my life forever. Thank you, Eric. Love, Shelly in Arkansas.
Brave Brave Sir Robin
🎶He Boldly Ran Away🎶
🤣🤣🤣
i could watch and listen to eric all day. His take on life and the irony of it all shines through.
A comedic superstar... so naturally funny all the way. Seems like a really nice person as well.. much respect
This makes me so happy, i havent seen new videos of him, hes still good old eric idle, exactly how he was back when he was doing those sketches
Can u guys do the rest of the Python cast
May have a bit of trouble with Graham.
Would be a bit one sided with Terry Jones as well...
Maybe they could hold a séance...
@@aptaylor75 yeah he isn't doing so well these days
@@4thedoops nah, he's pining.
I wish the Pythons were producing more comedy nowadays.
One of the OGs passed away, I think they stopped because of his passing.
“Bring out your dead” I love that part
My roommate and i do/did that a lot
"I'm not dead."
"I think I'm getting better."
I've enjoyed Python (Life of Brian kind of guy myself), but I'm still surprised why I'm laughing so effing hard and literally have tears and had to take break halfway through.
Is it a trip down memory lane? Is it the non-stop friendly but flippant cadence of Idle?
Gold. Just gold.
"Not enough money is excellent for comedy." = Super Troopers
The Campfire the early seasons of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia too
Monty Python and the Holy Grail is my favorite
Eric- "The Holy Grail was the most miserable time"
*oOf*
The weather wasn't good during filming.
@@gmann6269 it’s scotland, the weather is never good
Rainy, windy, and cold, at every turn the budget and the authorities constrain their options, two clashing directors throwing tantrums, Graham Chapman's alcoholism noticeable in nearly every scene... I really like the film too, but I understand why memories of filming wouldn't be happy.
But hey, he said himself that the miserable conditions made it easier to make the movie funny
For me his most iconic character was Roger the Shrubber.
I like whenever he plays a guy who's both very formal but also a good guy. he sells it.
I shall welease woger
And Dirk McQuickley.
What about Loretta?
I design, arrange and sell shrubberies
What a fabulous man, so talented and humble at the same time.
"look...it's quite simple"...the whole swamp castle bit is just one of the finest comedic pieces in history
I don't want land, father...
@@TheRachaelLefler I'd rather ... just ... sing!
Then I built a third castle; that burned down, fell over into the swamp and then sank."
Eric looks good for a 75 year old, i mean he looks 75 but he looks healthy and happy, this must surely be a testament to the fact that laughter and comedy keeps you healthy
That and a steady diet of minstrels. And much rejoicing. (yay...)
I love Eric Idle! His songs are absolutely wonderful. Look on the bright side of life is tremendous!
His voiceacting for Rincewind in the discworld games is mindblowing
Love this man! Even when breaking down his characters he can't stop joking around! Must have been total chaos when they all where together doing "Flying Circus"!
He actually sounds exactly like David Attenborough
yeah, in voice a bit similar, but not so __?__ as that guy...not sure what to say, but Eric has a great deal less inner unhappiness by appearances
Completely different.
Eric Idle has always been my favorite Python. This was a delight.
Always been a Python fan and a Presley fan, and to hear that Elvis adored Monty Python made me feel more connected to both instantly
Love Monty Python and Idle is amazing
When you’re chewing on life’s grissle, DON’T GRUMBLE, give whistle ❤️
And life will turn out for the best......
Eeeiiinnn',
What's so amazing about Mr. Smoketoomuch isn't that he does a ten minute monologue. He does a ten minute RUN ON SENTENCE!!
It's criminal that I had to scroll so far down to unearth a comment about Smoketoomuch. His indomitable go-nowhere blathering just gets more hilarious every time I hear it... combined with that silly speech impediment (pronouncing C as B)... "These people, staying at their bontinental hotels, with their bleeding Watney's Red Barrel, and..." - "Shut up! Shut yer bloody gob!!" XD
@@hazukichanx408 I never even noticed that part!
What a silly bunt...
Monty Python is an absolute national treasure. Their movies are truly timeless.
*global