For years, award-winning superstar Sir Elton John has been trying to make the movie "Gnomeo & Juliet," an animated film inspired by William Shakespeare’s play "Romeo and Juliet" and featuring garden gnomes as the title characters. Now that dream has become a reality. John is an executive producer of the 3-D "Gnomeo & Juliet," a comedy/romance that appeals to all ages.
John and his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin contributed several of their hits to the film, including "Crocodile Rock," "Your Song," "Don’t Go Breaking My Heart" and "Saturday’s Alright (For Fighting)," as well as two original songs ("Hello, Hello" and "Love Builds a Garden") written specifically for "Gnomeo & Juliet." Here is what John and Taupin said about their moviemaking collaboration on "Gnomeo & Juliet."
What attracted you to taking part in "Gnomeo & Juliet"?
John: "Romeo and Juliet" is one of the greatest love stories of all time. And garden gnomes are huge in many countries throughout the world. We thought this would be a really good idea.
It’s very accessible and funny. And there’s a message in this film. The two gnome families, the Reds and the Blues, are diametrically opposed and are always at war with each other And in the end, peace is better than war. Two people fall in love and it brings about harmony and peace in the two warring factions.
Who will most appreciate "Gnomeo & Juliet"?
John: I don’t think you make this kind of movie for just a certain kind of audience. You make it for everybody. There are adult jokes in it; there are things kids will love. They will love the characters. They will love the gnomes, they will love the flamingo, they will love the frog. There are so many little things in it that kids will love. And it’s got very, very witty visual things in it.
What music did you contribute to the production?
John: There’s a lot of music from our catalog that’s being used — songs like "Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)," which is crucial in the lawn mower race along the back alley with Tybalt and Gnomeo. Plus, two brand new songs, including "Hello, Hello" — it’s the first time Gnomeo and Juliet get together. But I think "Love Builds a Garden" is the best song in the movie. The flamingo explains to them that even though his garden is overgrown, it once flourished because the two people that lived there loved each other. Once they stopped loving each other, the garden died. But love can bring the garden back to life.
Taupin: I had to reevaluate myself with any pop sensibilities still lurking in my decidedly un-pop brain. Cue some old Beatles circa "Magical Mystery Tour" and voila that sounded like a good starting point. Gnomes are very poppy wouldn't you agree? Colorful, energetic and ABBA-esque so it seemed only natural that the songs suit the characters. Guess I just put my pointy hat on and went out into the garden.
How did you approach the music for "Gnomeo & Juliet"?
John: It’s a collaborative experience. It’s one that I really like. I’ve always been a team player, I’ve always written with Bernie [Taupin] — he writes the lyrics and I write the melody — I like it that way. You get a good reaction and everyone’s happy and we can celebrate together.
What kind of direction did you get from the filmmakers?
Taupin: Any direction came simply from sitting around a table with the creative team and listening to their enthusiasm. I'm pretty immediate in these things so just describe what you want from me, what the scene is where you want it and leave me alone, I'll handle the rest.
Why does this music work so well for this story?
Taupin: From what I've seen certain elements of our catalogue lend themselves to the Technicolor carnage and unrequited love present in this production. Gnomes like a good tune.
How do you feel about the cast of "Gnomeo & Juliet"?
John: James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are two of the finest young actors out there. We were so lucky to get them, and they fit in perfectly. Michael Caine is a great friend of mine, one of the greatest actors out there, and I adore him — as Juliet’s father, he is perfect. We have a who’s who of actors and actresses in this movie: Maggie Smith, Patrick Stewart, Ashley Jensen, Matt Lucas — everyone.
Who is your favorite "Gnomeo and Juliet" character?
John: I think Featherstone the flamingo and Nanette the frog could really steal the film. They’re really, really excellent characters played by great actors.
What can audiences expect from "Gnomeo & Juliet"?
John: We are so proud of the film. It’s been a labor of love, it’s full of Elton John/Bernie Taupin new music and old music, and I think it’s a really brilliant, funny movie. I hope it’s a big smash. I hope it will give people pleasure for the rest of their lives. We want to make a movie that people can look on in 12 years time and say, "Well that still holds up." If we can do as good as Will [Shakespeare], we’ll be all right.
For more info: "Gnomeo & Juliet" website
RELATED LINKS ON EXAMINER.COM:
Interview with Elton John at the 2009 Tony Awards
Interview with James McAvoy and Emily Blunt for "Gnomeo & Juliet"
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