NRK On line Feature.
Translation by Audun Nordseth for www.sex-pistols.net.
John Lydon to play himself in a new Norwegian movie.
30 years after the Sex Pistols shocked the world, lead singer John Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten, is in Oslo to appear in a Norwegian film. "I cannot act, I'm doing everything in the free form; it is my style. They have taken a big chance to bet on me, a real big chance." says John Lydon.
Rebelling against your parents' generation is the theme of the movie Theory and Practice, where the action is based in Bærum in the late 20th century, the time the Sex Pistols had their big breakthrough.
Known to provoke
To be an actor is different for Johnny Rotten. He created scandalous headlines as the lead singer of the punk band Sex Pistols. Songs like Anarchy In The U.K. and God Save The Queen had many Britons getting their tea stuck in their throats. They became really famous in 1976, when they were on the popular television programme Today, and one of the band members fired a few juicy words towards the host. The band is considered to be the start of British punk, despite the fact that they dissolved after only a few years.
Plays himself
A cup of tea was received with great enthusiasm, while the film crew were getting ready for shooting in Oslo. " I'm English, I love my tea, that's all I want. I made this film for a cup of tea." laughed John Lydon.
The now 54 year old Johnny Rotten is in Norway to play himself in the film adaptation of the novel Theory and Practice by Nikolaj Frobenius.
It was no simple matter to get him to join in the film, but actor colleague Sven Nordin is very pleased that it went okay. "It is amazing that he has agreed to join. John Lydon is a major role model for the protagonist in the film, who starts playing in punk bands when Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols are the big heroes. Therefore, it is quite amazing and a huge bonus for us that he is with us."
Sven Nordin plays the father of a son who rebels, and seeks refuge in punk rock. Father and son have moved to the suburbs of Rykkin in Bærum, which in theory should be the perfect place to grow up. In practice it is different. It is the origin of the novel and film titled Theory and Practice.
Sex Pistols were the turning point
The film's history is based on the author's own experiences, and the music he himself played when he was young. "For me it was a real turning point in my life, the first time I heard the Sex Pistols and Johnny Rotten's furious voice." says Nikolaj Frobenius.
The author follows the film's recording eagerly. He thinks the Sex Pistols have influenced youth culture and a whole generation, and young people were inspired to go out and create their own bands and fanzines.
Article published 26th February 2010 on NRK. View the original article here.
