Controversial Lilley says it’s all about the story
"I don't go into it thinking I need to push boundaries, it's about stories and characters," says Chris Lilley.
- Published by David Knox
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One thing is certain: when Angry Boys debuts it will push buttons.
But Chris Lilley is no stranger to controversy, having already been at the centre of debates about his comic tone.
ABC management was forced to defend some of the choices in Summer Heights High after the death of a high school character from recreational drug use mirrored a real life case (the scenes had been filmed well before).
There were also reactions over its depiction of intellectually disabled characters, its strong language, a “rape joke” and even claims of plagiarism. Did we leave anything out?
Producer Laura Waters is also no stranger to controvery. On top of Lilley’s headlines, she produced John Safran’s Race Relations, in which he was crucified in the Philippines, and ‘blacking up’ in Chicago.
As we’ve seen from the trailer of Angry Boys, there is surely more to come, but Lilley is doubtless prepared for it.
“To be honest, after all the crap that happened with Summer Heights High I was like, ‘I’m not going to write anything controversial or edgy ever again, I just can’t handle the blame,” he tells the Sunday Telegraph.
“But I obviously got over that, you know, let me play a black man and call a bunch of American people n*****s.
“I don’t go into it thinking I need to push boundaries, it’s about stories and characters.”
Ultimately, he says, it’s about laughter, specifically his own sense of humour.
“I find there’s no point thinking, ‘Oh people will find this funny or find that funny’. If I think it’s f*****g hilarious then I’m going to go there.
“Getting your nuts out for a photo (cue Nathan), I think, is f*****g hilarious.”
He also denies he is troubled and shy.
“I think someone wrote it once and then everyone just kept going with it. I feel like I’m so normal. So normal it’s boring. OK, I guess I’m not that normal ’cause I dress up as crazy people.”
The show is tipped to screen in May.
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- Tagged with Angry Boys, John Safran's Race Relations, Summer Heights High
9 Responses
Can’t wait…
Not everyone is out there like Charlie sheen. Some people don’t have the need to talk to every bozo in the street.
I loved Summer Hts High and will look forward to Angry Boys.
“Getting your nuts out for a photo, I think, is f*****g hilarious”
Well that speaks volumes, doesn’t it?
It’s cringe humour, like Ricky Gervaise only smuttier. Very funny but not for everyone. The only problem I have is the poor example it sets kids.
Arrogant comes to mind..I’ve observed him when out and he doesn’t seem to want to talk to people unless he regards them as his equal..he gives off vibes of “don’t come near me”…a little like Barry Humphries, he won’t talk to people he doesn’t know..
I’m still of the opinion that Lilley’s brand of satire is obvious in the extreme, and that if his shows didn’t air on the ABC, certain critics wouldn’t be fawning over them the way they do. Just sayin’…
This is going to be a great show. Like Summer Heights High, there will be controversy, but it’s all intended as comedy, so people shouldn’t take it too seriously.
Whenever I’ve met the dude he does seem ‘troubled or shy’ either that or arrogant.
Still, I’ve loved his past series and will definitely be tuning in to Angry Boys.