John Lydon picks his favourite movie of all time: “The corruption of it all”
John Lydon is a man who has steadfastly rejected conformity throughout his career. Whether it’s within the iconic band where he initially rose to prominence, the Sex Pistols, his subsequent project, Public Image Ltd, or even as the face of Country Life butter, Lydon remains a true iconoclast. Throughout his life, he has made it abundantly clear that he refuses to be confined or constrained by expectations.
John Lydon has provided his fans with numerous memorable moments over the years, from his bold call-out of Jimmy Savile during a BBC radio interview in the 1970s to his cleverly crafted and witty lyrics. However, he has also sparked controversy with his actions, such as praising Nigel Farage as “fantastic” and making divisive comments on gay marriage.
Indeed, Lydon embodies a complex blend of characteristics, making him somewhat of a walking contradiction. He epitomises punk ethos while also defying its conventions, and he espouses humanist values while occasionally displaying elements of oppressive ideologies. However, it’s essential to recognise that Lydon is a product of a different generation with vastly different views from our own, contributing to the complexity of his persona.
Indeed, Lydon’s preferences, whether musical, political, or otherwise, often diverge from the current norms. This is evident in his recent loss in a protracted court battle with ex-Sex Pistols bandmates Steve Jones and Paul Cook. Lydon opposed the use of the band’s songs in the upcoming Danny Boyle biopic, Pistol.
To put this into context, the band signed an agreement in the 1990s after they reformed, a document which stated that any use of their music in the media moving forward had to be agreed by a majority verdict in the band. Putting this majority verdict in full view, ex-member Glen Matlock sided with Jones and Cook, as did the estate of late bassist Sid Vicious.
It appears that Lydon’s contrarian viewpoints have brought him both challenges and triumphs throughout the years. However, in 2011, he shared another opinion that was both unconventional and uniquely insightful. In an interview with the NME, he revealed his favourite film of all time.
Given the nature of Lydon, this selection could genuinely have been anything. After all, he once said that God is probably Barry Manilow. However, the movie Lydon picked is an absolute classic, but one that gets often overlooked. Featuring a brilliant script and cast, it shows Lydon’s highly perceptive and unique outlook on the world.
He chose the 1968 historical drama The Lion in Winter. Set around the Christmas of 1183, the narrative details the political and personal turmoil of the royal circle of Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and their family.
Directed by celebrated auteur Anthony Harvey, the film starred Peter O’Toole, Katherine Hepburn and a young Anthony Hopkins. Furthermore, it saw Timothy Dalton make his film debut. The intensity of the plot is expertly carried off by the all-star cast.
At the heart of the film is the tempestuous relationship between Henry and Eleanor, portrayed with electric chemistry by O’Toole and Katharine Hepburn in the film. Their volatile dynamic is fuelled by years of betrayal, infidelity, and mutual manipulation as they engage in a battle of wits and wills to secure their respective legacies.
Of the film, Lydon said: “I think Katherine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole are amazing at that. They’re so swiney! And that corruption of it all!”
Regardless of the era, it appears that John Lydon holds a consistent disdain for the ruling classes, referring to them as ‘swiney’. This sentiment prompts curiosity about the other films that might populate the ex-Sex Pistols man’s DVD collection. It wouldn’t be surprising to find Oliver Stone’s 1991 film JFK and Alan J. Pakula’s 1974 classic The Parallax View among his favourites.
Listen to John Lydon discuss Sid Vicious below.
