HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher host Bill Maher discussed his controversial new documentary, "Religulous."
03/29/2008 - Bill Maher - 22nd Genesis Awards - Arrivals - Beverly Hilton Hotel - Beverly Hills, CA USA © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos
Although the film makes light of every religion on earth, Maher wants the audience to take his satirical and at times offensive commentary with a grain of salt.
Hoping the comedic value of his film will be appreciated, Maher explains, “It’s [the film] not being accusatory. It’s just saying, I’m a comedian and this is funny. If you don’t think it’s funny that a man lived in a whale for 3 days, that Noah had his first child at 500 [years old]…That it rained frogs or a man could walk on water…If you don’t think this is funny, you don’t know what comedy is. This has just been the largest comedic target lying around for 2000 years. I can’t believe nobody picked it up and used it thus far.”
Judaism, Catholicism and Scientology are featured in Maher’s film.
When asked about taking jabs at famous Scientologists Tom Cruise and John Travolta, Maher laughs, “I’ve always enjoyed both of them in movies. But they believe in things that are absolutely insane and I’m sorry that I’m the one that has to point this out!”
Maher still prefers television to making a film.
He comments, “I’m not a movie maker…People are saying, ‘This is going to be a hit and you’re going to make another movie.’ No, I am not. I’ll be happy in my little world where I do my television show once a week.
Where I can get to the office at two in the afternoon. Where I can stay up till four in the morning. That’s the world I like. That’s the world I want to live in. I don’t want to be a movie maker.”
Maher’s film isn’t the first controversial movie based on religion. In 2004, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ received much criticism, but Maher stands by Gibson’s cinematic vision saying, “Because it’s his movie. It’s his view. He’s the filmmaker. You want to make a movie, go make your own movie about Jesus.”
Always ready to talk politics, Maher spoke about the race for the White House.
Asked to choose between Barack Obama and John McCain, Maher stated, “It’s a very clear choice between biracial and bicentennial.” As for Obama’s vice president pick, Maher comments, “I’ve always liked Joe [Biden]. I think he’s a good choice. I might have gone with Hillary [Clinton] for the choice. That might have been more exciting….[But] Joe’s just solid.”
“Extra’s” interview with Bill Maher airs tonight.
USA
Your Talkback on this Story