THE SECRET FILES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI BANZAI INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AND STRATEGIC INFORMATION INTEROFFICE CIRCULATION - CONFIDENTIAL File No. BB-884: Current Hong Kong Cavaliers Security Data BUCKAROO BANZAI: Extraordinary neurosurgeon. Strange, mysterious figure, born of mixed Japanese and American marriage: father Masado Banzai, pioneer in theoretical quantum mechanics, and mother Sandra Willoughby, beautiful Texas belle specializing in negative mass propulsion, both killed in 1955 jet vehicle accident, result of failed matter penetration experiment. Unchallenged by life of medicine; developed far-reaching skills in many fields of endeavor. Presidential advisor. Fluent in twelve languages. Adept with six-gun. Exploits recounted in novels, comics and movies. Interests: bujitsu; particle physics; design and construction of high-powered automobiles, including Jet Car, capable of permeating 8th dimensional matrix. Fronts hard-rocking east Texas bar band: Hong Kong Cavaliers-information on same follows. RAWHIDE: Real name unknown; of western United States origin. Owns no more than can be carried on horse. Holds advanced degrees in psychology, anthropology, entomology. Interests: human mind, Zen, piano, life-forms, cultures. RENO: Real name unknown: of Latin extraction. Dark, moody, dangerous; possesses peculiar artistic streak, sells bold pencil sketches of Cavaliers to national magazines. Postulated existence of flatusphere, atmospheric layer consisting of accumulations of methane gas derived from planet's constipation, politicians' long- winded speeches. Interests: saxophone, weaponry. Skilled with gun, knife, rope. PERFECT TOMMY: Real name unknown; of southern United States origin. Also known as Knight of the Lesser Boulevards. "Young, handsome, vain, heartless, pleasure-loving. Known to be bravely foolhardy, excessively cowardly. Forced to leave promising cryogenic propellant testing position at M.I.T. as result of scandal involving unknown woman. Sentenced to prison term in Egyptian opium bust, escaped, joined Foreign Legion disguised as Belgian. Design of Jet Car suspension led to Oscillation Overthruster experiments to penetrate matter. Interests: rhythm guitar, mirrors. NEW JERSEY: Real name Sidney Zweibel; of hard-working bourgeoisie family. Uncertain of abilities. Attended Columbia's College of Physicians and Surgeons with Buckaroo Banzai. Interests: piano. END REPORT "No matter where you go, there you are." The modern-day Gulliver's unique philosophy is about to be proven by his experimental Jet Car as it plunges through a mountain of stone-into the 8th Dimension! The legendary hero's stunning exploits are being captured on film for the new science fiction thriller, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension. The Hong Kong Cavaliers, however, are unable to portray themselves on celluloid; they are off somewhere saving the world, instead of supervising their big screen biography. California's El Mirage Valley, where shooting has commenced after extensive delays, is baking in 120-degree heat. First-time producer/director W.D. Richter squints and wipes his brow. The production unit has endured ten hours in the natural oven. Bodies are exhausted; minds are drained; visions have wilted. As Richter signals, silence sweeps over the parched lake bed floor like the devil's breath. The Jet Car's engine is revved for a take that will transport it to the eerie 8th Dimension to face an alien menace beyond description. A car in name only, the mean machine is a converted Ford pick-up, aerodynamically streamlined, with fins and a pristine wax shine. Balloon tires and a souped-up engine complete the make-over, transforming the vehicle into every red-blooded American boy's dream. But, as rubber blasts sand back toward the camera, one difference is as evident as a Model T on the Indianapolis Speedway-a 30-foot, white-hot flame shoots from the rear-mounted engine. The craft gains speed as it approaches the mountainside, gearing up to 120 mph on the broiling desert plain. A Lear Jet engine which had been previously installed was removed because it accelerated from 0 to 265 in a mere six seconds-a bit too fast even for Hollywood heroes. Now, however, the Jet Car acts more like an Edsel than a Formula I. It sputters, gasps and finally dies, coasting to an embarrassing stop before even reaching the rocky wall. The tremendous temperature has caused the machine to overheat, almost matching the attitude of the director. Richter turns to co-producer Neil Canton, who covers his eyes in mock anguish. "What's with you?" the exasperated, 38-year-old director asks. Canton replies, "Do you suppose they have Aamcos in the 8th Dimension, Rick?" The unexpected has become a daily element during the making of Buckaroo Banzai, the $16-million action epic that mixes equal parts Doc Savage, The Three Musketeers and James Bond in an outrageous and unprecedented tale with enough gadgetry to make Batman slink back to his cave. Science fiction, music, horror and comedy combine with an intricate plot to generate a madcap mixture that might be best classified as "The Dead End Kids Meet Blade Runner." Originally conceived in 1973 by screenwriter Earl (New York, New York) Mac Rauch during his early days at Dartmouth College, the Buckaroo notion was shelved for several years as the author published his first novel, Dirty Pictures from the Prom, while still a freshman. His next book, Arkansas Adios, so struck Richter (a former classmate who penned scripts for Slither, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Brubaker) that he convinced the young writer to forsake a law career in favor of film. Rauch withdrew after one semester at the University of Texas and, unhappy after a brief stint selling mobile homes, was lured by Richter's Hollywood offer. The two collaborated on the vague notion of a hero with intelligence, martial arts prowess, a lucrative career and a desire to live life on the cutting edge. "Buckaroo Bandy-the name inspired by Rauch's home state of Texas-began as a wandering, guitar-playing minstrel. He did not fully evolve until the author began a screenplay with a $1500 advance from Richter. Then, Buckaroo Banzai was born! "Mac wrote 30 pages and sent them to me for approval," Richter smiles as he recalls the project's teething pains. "I changed some ideas, expecting a rewrite, and he came back with 50 pages having nothing to do with the first 30!" Rauch, using the pseudonym "John Texas" on his first draft, added the Hong Kong Cavaliers in the second and the Jet Car in the third. By 1980, Richter teamed with Neil Canton to form an independent production company, and stayed up nights to wade through the latest 300-page script. Rauch then began a treatment for studio consideration, but over-enthusiasm again slowed the process. Instead of a half-dozen pages, he produced 60! Most major studios passed on the project (perhaps confused about its concept) until Richter connected with David Begelman, then head of MGM, who agreed to serve as executive producer. The unusual script- not a bankable commodity, but bolstered by executive backing-was accepted in a leap of faith. The writers' strike stalled further developments under the threat of a heavy fine, and a year passed before another script was completed-all 198 pages of it! Rauch injected so much humor and characterization that it required whittling away again for purely practical reasons-it would have produced a four-hour movie. When the screenplay was finally ready for submission, Begelman left MGM to helm United Artists, then moved again to open shop at Sherwood Productions, where he re-purchased the rights from UA. Even with the top brass stabilized, getting Buckaroo before the cameras was about as easy as performing brain surgery with a staple gun. Sherwood, an independent company, only filmed one project at a time. The lengthy hiatus while Mr. Mom and Blame It on Rio lensed did not, however, stifle enthusiasm, and shooting commenced in Los Angeles on July 11, 1983. "Everything that could have delayed us," Canton sighs, "did delay us. Laugh if you will, but I'm convinced the evil red Lectroids from Planet 10 were conspiring against us!" "The only reason for time is so everything doesn't happen at once." Buckaroo Banzai is a student of the Eastern arts, a disciple of the belief that meditation and patience are the keys to happiness. Richter and Canton are beginning to question their character's philosophy. The desert floor is lined with chalk in a spectrum of colors to stage Team Banzai's experiment in their bid to save Earth from invading aliens. Though the lake bed is as dry as a Syrian martini, the crew rejoices as a light breeze caresses their steaming skin, relieving their fatigue ever so slightly. Someone wishes for more-and gets it. The wind blows stronger. Suddenly, relief turns to agitation as a wall of dust envelops the area, whipping the celluloid dream to pieces. Sand flicks up into disbelieving eyes and mouths. Within minutes, the raging dust-storm is venting its wrath on the scrambling movie unit. When the tempest subsides, the filmmakers are pastel rainbows of chalk clinging to perspiring bodies. "I feel like I'm working in a Road Runner cartoon!" the producer says, looking somewhat like a real-life version of Wile E. Coyote. Buckaroo Banzai's extravagant array of gadgetry might have prevented the dusting, but the elusive hero is off doing better things like zapping intergalactic lizards, or playing a midnight gig at the Roxy. As a result, the film unit has been forced to use actors as substitutes for the high adventurers. Peter (Shoot the Moon) Weller portrays the super scientist and leader of the Hong Kong Cavaliers. The rollicking-and roIling musical group turned soldiers of fortune includes Lewis (Southern Comfort) Smith as Perfect Tommy, Pepe (Scarface) Serna as Reno, Clancy (Bad Boys) Brown as Rawhide and Jeff (The Big Chill) Goldblum as New Jersey. Loyal to the death, Buckaroo's men enjoy a camaraderie with their leader like that between Robin Hood and his Merry Men. In pure pulp tradition, Buckaroo also enlists the aid of a legion of loyal citizens, the Blue Blaze Irregulars, an international network of amateur avengers dedicated to stomping crime for the glory-and the thrill-of it. Among the Banzai intimates are Professor Toichi Hikita, played by Robert (Quincy) Ito, and Pinky Carruthers, the Banzai Institute guardian and Cavaliers' guitarist, portrayed by musician Billy Vera in his film debut. Ellen (Diner) Barkin stars as Penny Priddy, the surgeon's love interest; villainy is supplied by Dr. Emilio Lizardo, wittily depicted by John (Twilight Zone-The Movie) Lithgow. His right-hand man, John Bigbodte, Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems' president, is played by Christopher (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock) Lloyd. The remaining cast features Carl (Cagney and Lacey) Lumbly and Rosalind (Wrong Is Right) Cash as cryptic messengers to Team Banzai, Ronald (Raiders of the Lost Ark) Lacey as the President of the United States whom Buckaroo advises, Matt (Brubaker) Clark as his Secretary of Defense, and Yakoff (Moscow on the Hudson) Smirnoff as his National Security Advisor. Documentation has recorded Lizardo's 1938 collaboration with Buckaroo's mentor, Hikita, at Princeton to develop the Oscillation Overthruster, a colliding beam accelerator capable of penetrating matter by enhancing the electromagnetic force bonding atoms together. Because subatomic particles occupy only one-quadrillionth of an atom's total volume, a simple displacement of the unifying energy would theoretically allow atoms to pass through each other. Hikita and Lizardo's experiments failed with a unexpectedly tragic result. A mishap sucked Lizardo partially into the 8th Dimension, where he was possessed by a malevolent force. The brilliant theorist went mad, and brought the evil red Lectroids from Planet 10 to aid him in conquering Earth. The creatures, disguised as humans, landed in Grovers Mill, New Jersey, on October 30, 1938, where a young Mercury Theatre radio reporter named Orson Welles witnessed the cosmic phenomenon firsthand. Welles was hypnotized by the Lectroids (perpetuating the Martian hoax in his infamous War of the Worlds broadcast) to cover up actual events. The invaders proceeded to establish Yoyodyne, a huge industrial complex fronting as a government defense plant. Not only are they guilty of mind control and invasion without a license, they have skimmed corporate funds to build a spacecraft capable of returning to their home! While the Lectroids infested New Jersey, Hikita joined forces with Masado Banzai and his wife, Sandra, to perfect the Oscillation Overthruster. A disaster claimed the lives of the married matrix mechanists, leaving the professor with the couple's small child, named Buckaroo in honor of his father's dedication to his adopted homeland. With the prudent physicist as mentor, Buckaroo perfected his parents' project and wedded briefly, only to have his young bride killed in a baffling accident involving lethal forces from the Far East commanded by Hanoi Xan, The Spawn of Hell, The Supreme Commander of the Legion of Death, boss of The World Crime League. As the film commences, the new girlfriend, Penny Priddy, is kidnapped by Lizardo to fulfill the Lectroids' plan: all they need to re-conquer their world is the Overthruster. Unknown to Buckaroo, Penny is the twin sister of his first wife, and unwittingly possesses a secret that could cause his downfall. The scrambled theory of relativity sets Team Banzai racing around the globe in a frantic search for the woman. But, Lizardo stashes her in The Pitt, a diabolic torture chamber beneath Yoyodyne. The sagacious scientists match wits and weaponry in their perilous quest, including a Shock Tower sequence with Buckaroo linked to a device which sends an electrical charge through his body if he mouths a falsehood. Suddenly, Team Banzai is thrust into a war between the evil red and the benevolent black Lectroids from Planet 10, who may have to demolish Earth to eliminate their enemies-and only Buckaroo can stop them! The complicated plot twists through reality and fantasy with more quirks than a go-go dancer on speed, and the result plays like the last four minutes of a Charlie Chan film. Bizarre humor, riveting action and unexpected horror deliver enough content for ten movies-with the insistent megavolume of the Cavaliers' assault similar to a certain George Lucas extravaganza that began long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away...! Yet, the storyline-like an A-Team episode out of Jonathan Swift-clearly takes a back seat to the Banzai world, where life is lived to its fullest, and every minute is an epic in microcosm. Buckaroo's basic goal is to avoid the dreaded monotony of a routine life; his hard-hitting days and hard-rocking nights provide that outlet. Veteran stage actor, Peter Weller was cast for his intensity, character improvisation and "killer look," even though he does not resemble the traditional Steve Reeves/Sean Connery/Harrison Ford hero. Strong and wiry, the broad-shouldered star insisted on performing his character's physical exploits-including dangling from a helicopter! "I had the best time of my life!" he grins, recalling his airborne escapade. By sheer coincidence, Weller, like his cinematic alter ego, is a student of piano and trumpet, and is disciplined in Japanese swordplay, karate and judo-a real Renaissance man in his own right. Barkin, Goldblum and Lloyd were also selected for their vitality, and provided an ensemble cast that blended together like peanut butter and jelly. Another important role was filled when Richter and Canton visited the Twilight Zone movie set, and spotted John Lithgow as the fearful plane passenger. Turning to each other, they blurted simultaneously, "Dr. Lizardo!" "If all wishes were gratified, many dreams would be destroyed." Richter and Canton have found Buckaroo Banzai's sage comments true-even if he still has not returned from his latest Earth-hopping endeavor. The Jet Car has finally been made operational, and filming is about to commence on an action sequence highlighting the vehicle's special capabilities. A patch of private property has been prepared for the maneuvers after its owners gave permission for its use. Suddenly, Richter holds up his hand, and the movie unit lurches to a standstill. It has been discovered that, after all the time involved in locating the sight, lensing will not be allowed if the Jet Car chews up the area's surface with its huge "big meat" tires. Like a cinematic Sir Walter Raleigh, the director orders planks laid down as a path for the souped-up wheels. Someone asks whether the boards will be evident in the film. "That's the nice thing about a special fx picture," he quips. "We can make anything disappear!" Buckaroo's special fx-enough to set a fireworks exhibition on end-are supplied by a veteran crew of production wizards and a $1 million budget. Supervisor Michael (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) Fink directed the operations, which included three matte paintings and 65 opticals. The film's action was mapped on storyboards under the guidance of production designer Michael (Ordinary People) Riva, resulting in tight on-location efficiency to save both time and money. Electrical animation, rotoscoping and compositing were furnished by Peter (Star Wars) Coran, and miniatures and motion control involving airplanes and helicopters were also used extensively. One of the film's prime fx sequences, the Jet Car's high-speed penetration of a mountain wall, was a logistical nightmare. Running the film backwards seemed a simple solution until it was realized that the dust cloud would trail in the wrong direction. After lengthy discussions with the mechanical fx crew, the idea of creating a wall of JeIl-O to engulf the vehicle upon impact was suggested. But, the notion was dismissed when trial runs resulted in an even more sticky predicament-and gobs of leftover gelatin. Finally, opticals were chosen as the logical alternative, the result of which bears similarity to Robert Lansing's fade-out in The 4D Man. The most spectacular visuals were accomplished in creating a plausible 8th Dimension, using a technique previously untapped for film. Electroscan micro-photography captured images of surfaces as diverse as potato skins and a rat's tongue; the microscopic views were then enlarged to provide uncanny backdrops for Team Banzai's action. "A blow-up of a singe leaf showed countless bizarre ruts, bumps and veins," Canton comments. "It was like viewing another world!' The otherworldly images, however, are reserved strictly for the transdimensional jaunt; costume designer Agnes (Return of the Jedi) Rodgers and set decorator Linda (Blade Runner) DeScenna provided the film's look on the home front. Academy Award-winning crew members include cinematographer Fred (The Towering Inferno) Koenekamp and film editor David (Cabaret) Bretherton. Surprises will be provided by the planet-hopping hero. "Don't forget," Canton asserts, "this is a guy who can take a sophisticated neurosurgical instrument, and adapt it to adjust a lug nut on his Jet Car!" The no-nonsense filming routine added to, rather than detracted from, the on-set creativity, although a short vacation in the 8th Dimension might have been appreciated. Buckaroo was shot at various LA locations and factories such as Bethlehem Steel and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, both to reduce expenses and provide a realistic background for the good doctor's deeds of deliverance. Additional scenes were lensed in El Mirage Valley, 90 minutes from the city, and MGM soundstages. Shooting lasted twelve weeks from July until October, and the comradeship on set provided the ideal filming atmosphere. Cast and crew christened themselves "Team Banzai" in honor of their cinematic mentor. and regularly contributed 'bits" to the madcap epic. "We started the film with certain concepts in mind," Canton explains, "but they often changed because we did them another way. That's the fun of filmmaking!" "Treat me good, I'll treat you better. Treat me bad, I'll treat you worse." As Richter and Canton sit in the editing room viewing spool after spool of celluloid, they realize they have given Team Banzai the red carpet treatment. Buckaroo's cult movie potential is readily apparent, and Rauch's screenplay is so chockful of memorable lines, it reads like a book of quotes. "A T-shirt company asked us for several key lines to print," Canton explains. "There were so many, I didn't know where to begin!" Besides shirts, Buckaroo will spawn an avalanche of pajamas, toys, games, jackets, headbands and a Marvel comic book. "Buckaroo is famous within the movie," the producer says, "so he should have exposure outside the movie, too. Besides, he's threatened to use the Oscillation Over-thruster on me if we don't do him justice!" Additionally, a novelization by Rauch blends the wunderkind warrior's current conflict with other past and future events to expand the Team Banzai mythos. The paperback Cavaliers feature an expanded line-up including Big Norse, Flyboy, the Swede and Pecos to make it more than a mere screen translation. The tale also provides a stimulus for projected sequels. Rauch has agreed to continue charting the daredevil brain surgeon's action-filled forays. A tentative plotline involving the evil of Hanoi Xan is under consideration, and the studio has arranged for a multi-picture deal with most of Team Banzai, but further developments hinge upon Buckaroo's ability-Overthruster or not-to break the boxoff ice barrier. As dubbing continues, a cacophony of eerie, metallic sounds jar the senses; it is difficult to discern music from sound fx. Grammy Award-winning music supervisor Bones (Roadie) Howe, a veteran producer for Elvis Presley, Juice Newton and other acts, has collaborated with Michael Boddicker, a synthesizer performer for Sheena Easton and Michael Jackson who also performed in An Officer and A Gentleman, Hard to Hold and Flashdance. Boddicker makes his composing debut on the Buckaroo soundtrack; his one-man performance rivals an 80-piece orchestra. A staggering 60 minutes of music and sound fx enhance the film's dramatic impact. "The first time I heard the Buckaroo Theme," Canton winks, "I got goose bumps! I think the picture will affect everyone differently-some will laugh, some will scream, some will cry. But, everyone who likes a unique science fiction-comedy-adventure-romance-action-drama with a real-world flavor will enjoy it. But, as Buckaroo might say, "Do it all- and always expect the unexpected!" * By Brendan Strasser (Originally appeared in Prevue Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 17 - Nov/Dec 1984)