William Gibson Interviewed

William Gibson Interview
by Giuseppe Salza
http://www.sct.fr/cyber/gibson.html
Copyright Giuseppe Salza, 1994. giusal@world-net.sct.fr
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INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM GIBSON by Giuseppe Salza
This interview will be included in the book Net-Surfers (tentative title) by Giuseppe Salza, to be published by Theoria Edizioni in Italy in Spring 1995
CANNES. William Gibson was in Cannes in May 1994 to promote the filming of Johnny Mnemonic , a $26 million science fiction movie based on his short story, and starring megastar Keanu Reeves as the main character. Directed by the concept artist (and Gibson's pal) Robert Longo - with a few music video and TV credits, but for the first time in charge of a feature, the film also stars Ice-T, Dolph Lundgren, Takeshi Kitano (of the cult Sonatine ), Udo Kier, Henry Rollins and Dina Meyer. William Gibson also wrote the screenplay of his original story, which was published in the anthology Burning Chrome . Johnny Mnemonic goes into wide release in current 1995.
In this interview, William Gibson talks at length about Johnny Mnemonic , movies, SF, net culture and issues.
What are your initial impressions on how Johnny Mnemonic is turning out ?
I have just seen the pre-assembled 10-minute show reel. I think it is fantastic! It felt very good seeing the universe of Johnny Mnemonic taking a life on its own. If it had been different, I wouldn't probably be here. But it can be safe to say that Johnny Mnemonic has been the optimal screen experience so far.