Robert Zemeckis Interview

At what point did it occur to you that you wanted to be a film director?

Robert Zemeckis: I would say it was my junior or senior year in high school. I had a passionate interest in the technique of filmmaking. I think, because of how I was raised, I always assumed that I would be some sort of technician. I just love the process and I thought, "Maybe there's a way I can be a camera man or something."

What does that have to do with the way you were raised?

Robert Zemeckis: I say that because -- and this might sound harsh -- but the truth was that in my family there was no art. I mean, there was no music, there were no books, there was no theater. I grew up in a very working class, lower middle class, blue collar life. The only thing I had that was inspirational, was television - and it actually was.

My father, my uncles, they all had eight millimeter home movie camera systems, and I was just fascinated by the splicing and the processing and that stuff. And then it was like, like I said in the seminar, when I, for the very first time, realized that my emotions were being manipulated or I was being moved that I, you know, just realized that the power of this -- it wasn't just about stunts and action and special effects, which is why I was interested in movies very early on as a kid. Horror movies, that sort of thing. And just became driven to find out about how it could, and then very quickly I realized that if you wanted to be involved in movies, if you were a director, then you could do everything.
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So the leap was from focusing on the technology of it to realizing that you could be the guy in charge and use the technology for some ultimate purpose.

Robert Zemeckis: For me it's perfect, because it's the perfect blend of technology and artistry, and I love them both.

Given the background you've described, how were you able to make that jump?

Robert Zemeckis: I often wonder about that. It was a certain amount of luck and then being talented. I don't know why, but for some reason I have this ability to tell stories. The third thing was being absolutely driven to accomplish this goal. I don't know how healthy that part of it was, but I do know that's how it was. I was completely single-minded.

Were you driven at an early age to get out of the circumstances in which you first found yourself?

Robert Zemeckis: Yeah. That was it. Without wanting at the time to hurt anybody, 'cause my parents were doing the best job that they could. It was just a very quiet and private understanding that there was a bigger world out there, and I wanted out. I love this medium of filmmaking, so I just went after it.

So you weren't repudiating anybody. You weren't rebelling in a negative sense, but from somewhere came the notion that there could be a better and different life.

Robert Zemeckis: Right. I believe that knowledge came from television. I absolutely believe You hear so much about the problems with television, but I think that it saved my life. I can't imagine what would have happened if I didn't have that as a window to the world. I think my interests all bloom from the seed that that planted, as lame as it might have been in many circumstances. As an example, I found out that such a thing as a film school exists just by watching The Johnny Carson Show. That was pretty powerful.

How did that happen?

Robert Zemeckis: I was in my parents' living room, and I was watching The Johnny Carson Show as I did every night, you know? And Johnny had Jerry Lewis on as a guest. And he started his interview by saying, "So I understand you're teaching college." And Jerry Lewis said, "Yeah, I'm a visiting professor at the USC School of Cinema." And I said, "School of Cinema?" Never in my wildest -- I mean, school was about engineering and science, but cinema? I mean, literally, the thought never crossed my mind that something like this could have existed. And then, the next day I went to the library and looked up the USC School of Performing Arts and saw their curriculum. And it was just amazing how it opened my eyes.
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A lot of us say the first step to a great education is to turn off the television. In your case, you're glad the television was on.

Robert Zemeckis: Obviously, television isn't an education. But I don't see any purpose in turning it off for good, either.

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