The two movies John Cleese would use to bargain his way into heaven: “Can I come in, please?”
John Cleese has named *Monty Python’s Life of Brian* and *A Fish Called Wanda* as the two films he would present at heaven’s gates, joking that they might earn him entry. The choice highlights the comedies he considers his best work, despite a long career that also includes films he regrets.
Cleese singled out *The Pink Panther 2* and *The Adventures of Pluto Nash* as misfires that his daughter reminds him about. *Life of Brian*, a biblical satire, was difficult to finance, but George Harrison helped fund its $3 million production. *A Fish Called Wanda* earned Cleese an Oscar nomination for its screenplay, which he developed over 13 drafts and built around ideas including a steamroller scene.
In short
- Cleese joked that two comedies could help him into heaven.
- He chose *Life of Brian* and *A Fish Called Wanda*.
- He named *The Pink Panther 2* and *Pluto Nash* as misfires.
Explained simply
John Cleese is a British comedian, actor and writer, best known as a member of Monty Python, the comedy group behind television sketches and films. His career has included both acclaimed comedies and films he has said he regrets making.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian is a 1979 satire set in Roman-ruled Judea, where a man is mistaken for a religious leader. The project struggled to find funding until musician George Harrison helped pay for it. A Fish Called Wanda is a 1988 crime comedy written by Cleese, who received an Oscar nomination for its screenplay.
The two films show different sides of Cleese’s work: ensemble satire and a carefully developed comic crime story. Knowing their place in his career helps explain why he singled them out among the many films he has made.