Page 29 - The Hollywood Reporter (January 2020)

I think it’s really important. Hate Was there anyone else whose
speech and hate crimes are on the
rise. For me, it was important for
the film to have some purpose in
the world, to say something that
will hopefully have people reflect-
ing about things afterward. So
that’s why it’s so rewarding.
The film has some interesting
champions who are passionate
about it. One is Mel Brooks.
That was incredible. First he said
something [supportive] on a chat
show about the film. Then we
were at the AFI luncheon and he
came up to present an award and
he went off script and said, “You
know, I have to say this: Taika,
you didn’t ask my permission to
put Hitler in the movie!” And then
he went on to say that Taika had
really nailed it. Taika was just in
a trance. I don’t think he could
believe what was happening. To
have someone like that who paved
the path give him a compliment
— he leaned over to me and said,
“If nothing else happens, it was
so worth it.”
T H E
for yourself as a child — that’s one of his friends came up to him
support surprised or delighted you? really exciting. We don’t get to be and said, “That is such a great
When someone from the older party to those conversations, but movie. It was about a kid learn-
generation praised it, that was knowing that they are happening ing to think for himself.” I think
very special. We screened the is really special. he was really taken by that, that
film a lot with the Jewish com- his friends could get that from
munity. And when you get Have you spoken with the boys at the movie. Because we spent a
feedback from leaders and schol- the heart of the film, Roman Griffin lot of time talking through the
ars in the community and they Davis (Jojo) and Archie Yates movie with them, and the mean-
comment on the value of retell- (Yorki), since the nominations ing of it. And then to see his
ing the story of the Holocaust in were announced? friends get there on their own,
different ways, that’s really what Roman’s back at school in no prompting — I know he was
matters, you know? That helped London. He’s really excited. I really proud to be part of it. He’s
us see the power and the impor- mean, this whole thing has been a smart kid at 12.
tance of the film. And when crazy for him and Archie. Archie
you hear stories about parents is up in Montreal, already work- Are both of them going to attend
taking their kids to Jojo Rabbit, ing on his next film. I think for the Oscars?
or kids taking their parents, them, what’s been important is I hope so. I hope the principal
and then discussing together they’ve both showed the film to lets them out of school. We’ve
what happened in World War their school friends. Roman said been asking for a lot of time off
II and about learning to think that they left the screening and from school.
If there’s ever a reason to let him
out, I think this is it.
“I think it’s important for kids to see We keep telling them about
how little bits of hate can end up going the educational value of all
these trips.
really far.” ROMAN GRIFFIN DAVIS
Interview edited for length
and clarity.
H O L L Y W O O D R E P O R T E R 2 5 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 A W A R D S 1