RIP Mike

Very saddened to hear yesterday of the death of Mike Hodges at age 90. When I interviewed him in the summer he was so very alive, fiery, funny, it’s hard to imagine him not existing in that form. He was having some mobility trouble, feeling his years, and he clearly implied that this big interview was probably the last thing of its kind he’d be doing. But there still seemed no reason why he couldn’t carry on a few more years.

He was a gracious host and incredibly generous with his time, totally frank and wonderful to listen to. You can see and hear the results of our chat on the Arrow Blu-ray of CROUPIER. Very proud and grateful to have had the opportunity. Thanks to Neil Snowdon, Jonathan and Sarah Zaurin for making it possible.

Hot Mike

The back of my neck in conference with Mike Hodges.

Just got my complimentary copy of CROUPIER which includes, on disc 2, the documentary MIKE HODGES: A FILMMAKER’S LIFE, which I directed. An absolute joy and privilege to go over Mike’s extraordinary life and career with him. Thanks to Neil Snowdon for the gig and all the support, and my ace cinematographer and editor Jonathan Zaurin.

Feature

It can be revealed.

The special project I was working on in the summer is a feature-length interview film with/about Mike Hodges. MIKE HODGES – A FILM-MAKER’S LIFE. It’s included on the Blu-ray of CROUPIER, seen top left, from Arrow Films, coming in December.

It was a great job to have — I miss it. Mike was extremely generous with his time and energy. And Arrow and I are already thinking about doing more long career-covering pieces like this.