Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Box

Note: This article from mid 1999 was republished on this site on May 8, 2020 upon learning of the passing of Roy Horn. 

 

Shindler’s Site: The Magic Box

by Marty Shindler

In March, Marty Shindler visited the Los Angeles set of Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Box and chatted with stars Siegfried Fischbacher and Uwe Ludwig “Roy” Horn.

MS: You have had an illustrious career, but films have not been a big part of it. What made you do this film?

Siegfried: The thought to do a film started years ago when we saw Michael Jackson[’s 3D film] Captain EO [at Disneyland] . With that film still in mind, we knew that this would be the right concept to make our live show and our life a reality on screen. We…have been entertaining for almost 30 years in Las Vegas. It would take four 747s and a cargo ship for us to take our act around the world. This movie can go everywhere and we can reach the world. We thought it would be refreshing to present our stage show this way, since many people never get to Las Vegas. We came to America as two young immigrants. The movie will send a message to people to live their dreams, as we have.

What were some of your concerns before you started?

Roy: This is our life story, portraying how we live, not just a fantasy or a dream and not just on stage. It meant that Hollywood would move into our private chamber where 55 large cats also live. The cameras and lights were coming. We were a little worried how the animals were going to react. It seems there was a higher power in it. Yes, it was like magic. Let’s face it, IMAX 3D is like magic. The combination with Siegfried & Roy is like magic.

In starting this film, you had certain expectations. Have you met or exceeded those expectations or fallen short of the expectations?

Roy: It has far exceeded our expectations, surpassing anything we dreamt. It is quite an experience having your life filmed. There has not been a life story film before in IMAX. We are pioneers for doing it. It has intrigued us. [Director] Brett [Leonard]’s concept for stylizing it allows it to be done in forty minutes.

Millions of people have seen your show in Las Vegas. Do you think this film will improve your franchise?

Siegfried: Yes, because now we can go to them. Before they had to come to us in Las Vegas.

And you do not think you could do that in traditional 35mm film?

Siegfried: You could do it, but not as effectively. What we try to do in our live show is make the audience a part of the show and the show a part of the audience. The 3D puts you right in the middle of the show, our home, and with our animals, you are a part of it. The tigers will seem like they are walking toward you. You can see every whisker and not only feel like you can touch the tigers, but smell it, too. It’s an emotional experience.

Do you think it will scare little kids?

Siegfried: It will not scare kids. It will give them more respect for nature.

Will we see many scenes of your home, The Jungle Palace?

Roy: There will be many scenes from our private life. It is our lifestyle. They always say, “cameras don’t lie.” In 3D, it will be even more magnified.

Will we see scenes from your stage act?

Siegfried: It will be all of the major illusions. The wonderful thing is, it is not just what someone in Hollywood did to spin a story together. It is what we do twice a night. And you can still see it in Las Vegas.

Are you planning on other non-stage ventures?

Siegfried: Not at present. We are stage performers, not actors. In the past we spent a year in Japan and sold out Radio City Music Hall. Las Vegas and the Mirage is our home. Due to our breeding program, it would be difficult to take the animals elsewhere.

Will you be involved in marketing the film?

Siegfried: We will be involved in many aspects. [When] the film opens in New York, of course, we will be there. We are planning to go to Berlin and other cities as well.

Would you do another LF movie? You have probably gained a lot of new creative ideas from doing this film.

Roy: Maybe. Time will tell.

What message would you like to like to leave with the audience?

Roy: The most important part of the message in the movie and our stage act is that of feelings, sharing and caring. We had a rough childhood. We broke out of the shell and found our own way. Stagecraft allowed us to flourish. People can live their dreams, be their own person and not hide behind their problems. You can overcome anything. Be inspired!

 

This article first appeared in MaxImage NKA LFExamienr circa mid 1999.

Copyright 1997-2002 by Cinergetics, LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission.