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Ricky Gervais says David Brent film is 'parable' about fame


Los Angeles - Ricky Gervais says Life On The Road is a "parable" about fame.

The 53-year-old comedian - who is set to reprise his role as the delusional David Brent in 'The Office' spin-off movie - has revealed the mockumentary, which sees the former paper company manager search for a record deal, is a comment on the efforts of ordinary people trying to find their 15 minutes of fame.

He told Inquirer.net: "It's a documentary about David Brent and what he is doing now. He's now a rep selling cleaning products. But, he hasn't let the idea of being a pop star go, and puts up a band with session musicians.

"He puts a tour together because he wants a record company to come along, and he thinks he's going to be signed.

"It's another parable that warns about fame and thinking that letting cameras into your house will sort your life out. It has gotten worse since The Office, which was a show about comedy, fame and ordinary people getting their 15 minutes."

He added: "I suppose the reason we are laughing at David Brent is because of his blind spot. It's the difference in how he sees himself and how the rest of the world sees him. We find that funny. He's pretentious. He's got a big ego, and we laugh at him."

While Ricky admitted he enjoys "experimenting" with new characters, by bringing back Brent he believes he is staying loyal to his earlier creations and even hinted at plans to reprise his role as wannabe actor Andy Millman in Extras in the future.

He said: "I might go back to something like Extras. And I am bringing David Brent back for a movie, so it's not like I have been body-snatched by the angel of Mother Teresa. I'm still me. I am experimenting with different things, that's all."

BBC Films Life On The Road is set for release in 2016.
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