I haven't seen an enormous number of these shows, and I think the first few I saw were of genuine acting giants such as De Niro and Streep. Lipton's awed reverence seems a tad over-done but not inappropriate. But as time goes on and one sees a few people more known for being movie stars rather than notably talented actors, one can't help but notice that Lipton's attitude towards his interviewees doesn't change one iota. They all get the same, "Another of my favourite films is..." treatment.
Last week I saw the Simpsons interview (which included a clip from The Simpsons satirising Lipton's sycophancy), and I have to say it left a bad taste in the mouth. Of course, his oleaginous manner didn't change in the slightest, but at least most interviewees are given the respect of talking about their work as *actors*, whereas the poor old Simpsons cast (Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Julie Kavner, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer) had to jump through their vocal hoops like so many performing monkeys, answering questions as their characters and the like. No wonder Julie Kavner left early!
Last week I saw the Simpsons interview (which included a clip from The Simpsons satirising Lipton's sycophancy), and I have to say it left a bad taste in the mouth. Of course, his oleaginous manner didn't change in the slightest, but at least most interviewees are given the respect of talking about their work as *actors*, whereas the poor old Simpsons cast (Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Julie Kavner, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer) had to jump through their vocal hoops like so many performing monkeys, answering questions as their characters and the like. No wonder Julie Kavner left early!