Jon S. Baird – How Can We do the Right Thing

“How can we do the right thing?” 

SB – Which film would you show in every household in the US prior to the Presidential elections? And why?

I would screen ’99 Holmes’ which is a film (unlike The Big Short) that really shows the real human impact of the financial crisis. Then people would see that they HAVE to vote for Bernie Sanders.

“What makes a life worth living?”

SB- Name a film that you think provides a perfect example of how we humans should conduct ourselves on planet Earth.

There is a really beautiful documentary called NEXT GOAL WINS, which is about how the worst soccer country in the world, ‘Western Samoa’, who fought against all the odds to overcome their unwanted title.

“Is there more to us than biology?” 

SB – We are in the Year of the Fire Monkey meaning unity, collectivity and compassion bring us together. Which film in your opinion best illustrates that we are above all else spiritual beings and not just biological beings who were born alone then die alone once?

A Clockwork Orange.

“Are the things we imagine real?” 

SB – If the future that your daughter will be part of was a film, which one would you like it to be? Would you direct it?

I loved the Christopher Nolan film Interstellar but don’t think I could have done such a great job as he did.

“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” 

SB – Which storyteller awakened you and guided you to your calling as a storyteller here on planet Earth?

I am lucky enough to have just worked with the man on VINYL – Martin Scorsese – and he is as much of a god in real life as he was in my head.

“In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”

SB – “How do you think film directors, actors, the film industry can be part of a revolution against hypocrisy? “

I think the top actors and directors should stop doing movies about comic book characters. We have such a great platform but if we continue to make that kind of product it’s just wasted in my humble opinion.

Jon is a damn talented film director. Credits include FILTH starring James McAvoy, and VINYL produced by Martin Scorsese. Next up STAN & OLLIE starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly