Harmony Korine, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his unconventional and boundary-pushing movies, recently made a jaw-dropping announcement during his appearance on the iconic talk show, David Letterman.
Letterman wasted no time in diving into the intriguing conversation, asking Korine how he was doing and what was new in his life. Korine responded with a mysterious air, admitting that he had rented a rather unique outfit for the show. With Letterman’s curiosity piqued, the stage was set for an exciting and unpredictable discussion.
The conversation then turned to Korine’s previous film, “Gumo,” a low-budget indie hit that garnered critical acclaim and captivated audiences. Letterman was eager to know more about the film’s success and its financial achievements. Korine, never one to conform to societal norms, admitted that he had never bothered to ask how much money the film had made, stating that it was “a lot.”
The talk show host then drew a fascinating parallel between “Gumo” and the mega-blockbuster film “Titanic.” With a budget of $200 million, “Titanic” became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide. Korine revealed his thoughts on the film, sharing that he “liked what [he] saw of it.” However, his interest sparked when Letterman asked if he would ever consider directing a film on a similar scale.
Intriguingly, Korine expressed interest in directing a sequel to “Titanic.” But his vision for the sequel diverged from the grandiose spectacle of the original film. Korine suggested using a rowboat instead, leaving the audience amused and curious about the possibilities of a scaled-down “Titanic 2.”
Amidst the conversation about films and directing, Letterman brought attention to Korine’s debut novel, titled “A Crack-Up at the Race Riots.” In his signature humorous manner, Letterman pointed out a peculiar detail, mentioned that page 59 seemed to be clipped off, only revealing the single word “heurn.” Korine explained that his original intention was to write a novel with just one word, but it ended up being 67 pages long.
When asked about the book’s success or how much it cost, Korine, in his enigmatic style, sidestepped the question, concluding that he would likely recommend reading an older book instead. Yet, despite his reluctance to endorse his own work, Korine revealed that his publisher, Doubleday, loved the novel.
As the conversation continued, Letterman probed Korine about his creative pursuits, asking which he preferred: directing or writing novels. Displaying his penchant for both art forms, Korine expressed his love for both writing and directing, asserting that he finds joy in their unique qualities.
The interview concluded in typical Letterman fashion, with a lighthearted exchange about people who rub Korine the wrong way. Teasingly, Letterman suggested that Korine, like a Mousketeer, had trouble with certain individuals. Korine played along, admitting that he encounters people he dislikes but refrained from elaborating further to avoid potential legal repercussions.
In a rare moment, Letterman shared some advice, instructing Korine to go back to his hotel and take a long, hot shower. The topic then shifted back to Korine’s book, “A Crack-Up at the Race Riots,” with Letterman bidding farewell to the filmmaker and thanking him for being on the show.
Harmony Korine‘s appearance on David Letterman‘s talk show was filled with unexpected revelations and thought-provoking conversations. With his unique perspective and knack for pushing boundaries, Korine continues to captivate audiences and leave them eagerly anticipating his next creative endeavor.
