LETTERS OF NOTE: The Battle for Brazil

Another film-related gem from Letters of Note, this time concerning the visionary ex-Python Terry Gilliam.

Back in August 1985, Gilliam was fighting a battle against the head of Universal Studios, Sid Sheinberg, over the release of his iconic sci-fi masterpiece Brazil. The film had done very well outside America, but Sheinberg was demanding drastic cuts, particularly surrounding the film's ending; Gilliam wanted to keep the bleak, pessimistic ending, while Sheinberg wanted the pretend, happy ending to remain outright.
 
Gilliam wrote to Sheinberg here pleading with him to stop interfering with his film. When Sheinberg would not relent, Gilliam took out a full-page advert in Variety here.

Daniel

Comments