An Afternoon with L.Q. Jones (motion picture director, producer, writer and actor)
Several months ago I met and interviewed L.Q. Jones (Motion Picture Director, Producer, Writer and Actor.) L.Q. is well known for his work in the films of Sam Peckinpah. He became a member of Peckinpah's company of actors, appearing in his Klondike series (1960–1961), Ride the High Country (1962), Major Dundee (1965), The Wild Bunch (1969), The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970), and Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid (1973). In The Wild Bunch, an American epic Western, L.Q. portrays a member of an aging outlaw gang on the Texas–Mexico border trying to exist in the changing modern world of 1913. Unlike Western characters as seen before, L.Q.’s role was that of a crude and violent man attempting to survive by any available means. (1) As a film director, L.Q.’s experience as an actor shaped a collaborative, albeit demanding style in which he empowered his actors to contribute to the story through their own talents and vision. L.Q. worked in a similar way with his crew, cinematographers, gaffers, composers, etc. He led as the captain of his ship, keeping all on course, but allowing each to shine if they were up for the task. I imagined L.Q. on location, fighting to get the scene in the can and later sitting with his post production team, including Jaime with whom L.Q. would discuss the film's score. L.Q. must have exuded confidence while also a sense of humility and appreciation for his fellow artists and craftsman - rare qualities for Hollywood and elsewhere. When speaking about working with Jaime, he offered without hesitation an appraisal of Jaime's musical background and celebrated his colleague's talent. L.Q.'s passion and excitement was contagious as he described the significance of each person, and their contribution to his films. During the interview, we paused to play one of Jaime's music cues written for "The Brotherhood of Satan," a precursor to a genre of occult films, like "The Exorcist.” As I prepared to play the cue on my computer, L.Q. leaned in, rested his elbows on his desk and listened intently. It was as if he were transported to the days when Jaime and he created together.
See at the end of this entry a Youtube link to listen to the complete track of the "Music box" with boys choir and sound effects. As my time came to a close, I understood that L.Q. remains today a life force - vivid and influential - in the motion picture industry. In fact we spoke of the many inquiries he has received to remake his sci-fi classic, “A Boy and His Dog.” The film spawned many other apocalyptic works, notably inspiring Director George Miller’s "Mad Max” film series. My hope is that the right person with the right team can pay homage to L.Q.'s seminal work.
Read: What You Didn’t Know About Mad Max: Director George Miller was inspired by the film 'A Boy & His Dog. http://www.rantnow.com/2015/04/10/16-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-mad-max-series/
I left L.Q.’s Hollywood home feeling as though he was an old friend, and grateful for his graciousness, candor, generous imparting of knowledge, and most importantly kindness. A True Gentleman and Artist. Thanks, L.Q.!
"Music box" Audio: Celeste with boys choir and sound effects from the film, "The Brotherhood of Satan"
(1) Source Wikipedia
