BRIEF INTERVIEW ARTICLE INCLUDES JPG OF 'GREETINGS' REVIEW FROM 1968
In an article posted this past Friday, Variety's Malina Saval talks with Robert De Niro, with a focus on 1968, the year he was first mentioned in Variety, for his role in Brian De Palma's Greetings. That review (ot the first column of it) is included in the article as a separate jpg. Below is an excerpt from the De Niro interview:
Did you audition for “Greetings”?I auditioned for “The Wedding Party,” which was Brian’s first movie, which he co-directed with Wilford Leach. That was my first movie too. And then he asked me if I wanted to (do “Greetings”) … I don’t think I read for “Greetings.” And then we did “Hi, Mom!” And then we did “The Untouchables.” So we did a big jump.
When you filmed “Greetings,” did you have high hopes, or were you just hoping for distribution?
In those days, I wasn’t even sure how it worked, distribution. I forget who did pick it up, it was so long ago. But I do remember “Greetings” did somewhat well.
Do you remember reading the “Greetings” review?
I was aware of Variety, but it must have been pointed out to me.
You were busy in those days.
I also had done something in-between (the De Palma films) called “Sam’s Song” (directed by Jordan Leondopoulos), which Cannon Prods. took at the time. They sort of twisted it into a kind of quasi-porno film, because I had some nude scenes with a girl; at that time, films would be done with whatever sex or nude scenes. But it was all made with the most … with the highest artistic intent. There was a very genuine, sincere intention of the writer-director.
1968 was a tumultuous time. Do you have any memories that stand out?
Well, the Vietnam War was going on and President Johnson, so that was really … There was a lot going on.