His visits with eccentric celebrities have made Louis Theroux an authority on weirdness. But here, writing for the Magazine, he says his time off from TV has made him ask whether weird is just in the eye of the beholder.
His visits with eccentric celebrities have made Louis Theroux an authority on weirdness. But here, writing for the Magazine, he says his time off from TV has made him ask whether weird is just in the eye of the beholder.
I was recently put to work making a programme that would compile some of my favourite moments from old shows of mine, with my ruminations on what had attracted me to these strange stories about off-beat subcultures and intriguing celebrities - and what I'd learned over the years.
I was recently put to work making a programme that would compile some of my favourite moments from old shows of mine, with my ruminations on what had attracted me to these strange stories about off-beat subcultures and intriguing celebrities - and what I'd learned over the years.
If you've seen any of my shows you'll know the kind of thing to expect: Jimmy Savile showing me the clothes of his dead mother - "The Duchess" - which he gets dry-cleaned once a year; a visit to the "group room" at a swinging party; a pair of neo-Nazi twin girls who sing acoustic versions of skinhead songs.
If you've seen any of my shows you'll know the kind of thing to expect: Jimmy Savile showing me the clothes of his dead mother - "The Duchess" - which he gets dry-cleaned once a year; a visit to the "group room" at a swinging party; a pair of neo-Nazi twin girls who sing acoustic versions of skinhead songs.
Louis with some of his celebrity "victims"It was, in other words, a real hodgepodge of oddities - unified only by all the stories featuring behaviour that is in some way outside the normal course of life; and also, I suppose, by the fact of my having formed relationships with all the people in these worlds.
Louis with some of his celebrity "victims"It was, in other words, a real hodgepodge of oddities - unified only by all the stories featuring behaviour that is in some way outside the normal course of life; and also, I suppose, by the fact of my having formed relationships with all the people in these worlds.
At the end of the show, I concluded with this remark: "The weirdest thing about weird people may be how normal they are."
At the end of the show, I concluded with this remark: "The weirdest thing about weird people may be how normal they are."
What did I mean by this? First, I suppose I was trying to undermine the idea of "weirdness" as a self-evident category of behaviour.
What did I mean by this? First, I suppose I was trying to undermine the idea of "weirdness" as a self-evident category of behaviour.
The truth is, like beauty, weirdness is in the eye of the beholder. Often, something is weird not for any intrinsic reason but simply because not many people are doing it. A practice that is considered eccentric or taboo in one time and place is quite normal in another.
The truth is, like beauty, weirdness is in the eye of the beholder. Often, something is weird not for any intrinsic reason but simply because not many people are doing it. A practice that is considered eccentric or taboo in one time and place is quite normal in another.
Once normal behaviour
Once normal behaviour
"Madness is a rare thing in individuals," wrote the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, "but in groups, parties, peoples, and ages it is the rule."
"Madness is a rare thing in individuals," wrote the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, "but in groups, parties, peoples, and ages it is the rule."
People sometimes ask who the weirdest person I've ever interviewed is - I'm not sure how you measure weirdness...on an odd-o-meter? Louis Theroux
People sometimes ask who the weirdest person I've ever interviewed is - I'm not sure how you measure weirdness...on an odd-o-meter? Louis Theroux
And I think this is what he was referring to - we may find, say, ancestor worship quite odd and racism deeply repellent, but in days gone by, these were both part of "normal" belief.
And I think this is what he was referring to - we may find, say, ancestor worship quite odd and racism deeply repellent, but in days gone by, these were both part of "normal" belief.
Taking a real example, people sometimes ask me who the weirdest person I've ever interviewed is. It's sort of a nonsensical question - I'm not sure how you measure weirdness (on an odd-o-meter?). But just so I've got something to say, I mention Reverend Robert Short, a "space channel".
Taking a real example, people sometimes ask me who the weirdest person I've ever interviewed is. It's sort of a nonsensical question - I'm not sure how you measure weirdness (on an odd-o-meter?). But just so I've got something to say, I mention Reverend Robert Short, a "space channel".
I met him while doing a story on UFO believers in the American South West. Most of the people in that subculture had had sightings of UFOs, or even glimpsed ETs, but Reverend Short went several better by claiming to have actual space beings who spoke through him using his vocal chords.
I met him while doing a story on UFO believers in the American South West. Most of the people in that subculture had had sightings of UFOs, or even glimpsed ETs, but Reverend Short went several better by claiming to have actual space beings who spoke through him using his vocal chords.
Being in another dimension, the space being, "Korton", had the ability to see the future. I saw this for myself, more than once, when Reverend Short went into a trance and channelled Korton's prognostications in a loud, booming voice punctuated with lots of "ums".
Being in another dimension, the space being, "Korton", had the ability to see the future. I saw this for myself, more than once, when Reverend Short went into a trance and channelled Korton's prognostications in a loud, booming voice punctuated with lots of "ums".
Brain games
Brain games
In fact, though, as weird as this experience was - it certainly seemed weird to me at the time - later I wondered how different Reverend Short's channelling was from the oracles of Ancient Greece or shamanic practises that are still quite normal in communities all over the world.
In fact, though, as weird as this experience was - it certainly seemed weird to me at the time - later I wondered how different Reverend Short's channelling was from the oracles of Ancient Greece or shamanic practises that are still quite normal in communities all over the world.
The Rev Short (left) channeled a voice from spaceThough it's been helpful as a kind of short-hand for the sort of stories I do, the term "weirdness" actually does a disservice to the people I cover. Looking closer at what seemed - at first hand - the oddest of behaviour and I've always found a kind of logic.
The Rev Short (left) channeled a voice from spaceThough it's been helpful as a kind of short-hand for the sort of stories I do, the term "weirdness" actually does a disservice to the people I cover. Looking closer at what seemed - at first hand - the oddest of behaviour and I've always found a kind of logic.
I was recently reading a book of neurological essays called Phantoms in the Brain, which had an introduction by neurologist Oliver Sacks. He discussed brain disorders with symptoms that to me seemed very weird indeed - patients who don't recognise their own limbs as belonging to them, for example, or who sometimes think one side of their body belongs to someone else.
I was recently reading a book of neurological essays called Phantoms in the Brain, which had an introduction by neurologist Oliver Sacks. He discussed brain disorders with symptoms that to me seemed very weird indeed - patients who don't recognise their own limbs as belonging to them, for example, or who sometimes think one side of their body belongs to someone else.
But these are, he says, "quite normal defence mechanisms" which the unconscious uses to make sense of the world. "Such an understanding removes such patients from the realm of the mad or the freakish," he continues, "and restores them to the realm of discourse and reason - albeit the discourse and reason of the unconscious."
But these are, he says, "quite normal defence mechanisms" which the unconscious uses to make sense of the world. "Such an understanding removes such patients from the realm of the mad or the freakish," he continues, "and restores them to the realm of discourse and reason - albeit the discourse and reason of the unconscious."
A couple of years ago, I went back to America to track down 10 of the most intriguing people I'd ever interviewed for a book I was writing, The Call of the Weird.
A couple of years ago, I went back to America to track down 10 of the most intriguing people I'd ever interviewed for a book I was writing, The Call of the Weird.
Search for meaning
Search for meaning
One of my ideas had been that perhaps, after years of pursuing their off-beat avocations and being buffeted and knocked back by a world that saw them as strange, some of my old friends - the porn performers, the cult members, the gangsta rappers - might have thought better of their old beliefs. They might have "seen reason".
One of my ideas had been that perhaps, after years of pursuing their off-beat avocations and being buffeted and knocked back by a world that saw them as strange, some of my old friends - the porn performers, the cult members, the gangsta rappers - might have thought better of their old beliefs. They might have "seen reason".
In fact, this was almost never the case. For the most part, they were still clinging to their old faiths - they were as "weird" as ever. But what I did come to realize was this: that the strangest behaviours are always answering some very normal human need - for love, for religious meaning, for a place in the world.
In fact, this was almost never the case. For the most part, they were still clinging to their old faiths - they were as "weird" as ever. But what I did come to realize was this: that the strangest behaviours are always answering some very normal human need - for love, for religious meaning, for a place in the world.
And that the "weird beliefs" themselves never stood in the way of me making a human connection, be it however briefly, with them.
And that the "weird beliefs" themselves never stood in the way of me making a human connection, be it however briefly, with them.
The Weird World of Louis Theroux featuring his most memorable encounters is on BBC Two on Sunday 28 January at 2100GMT.Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
The Weird World of Louis Theroux featuring his most memorable encounters is on BBC Two on Sunday 28 January at 2100GMT.Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
I think Louis Theroux is the most ingenious investigative reporter of our time. Clearly Sacha Baron Cohen has at some point taken serious notes. His humourous, honest, seemingly naive and unjudgemental portrail of his subjects allows us to examine some of the lesser known parts of our culture and in their reflection we glimpse a shadowy side of our own nature. When can we see some new Weird Weekends?George Cole, Cambridge
A world without weirdness would be a very dull place indeed. Imagine if absolutely everyone wore suits, did 9 -5 jobs, drove sensible cars and lived in executive housing estates - Stepford Wives! Surely it is the weirdness of people with megaphones on Tottenham Court Road who heckle the commuters which actually makes life more interesting. Weirdness adds spice to life. Paul, Coggeshall, UK
Everybody is weird Louis. I really enjoy the fact you seek out these obscure people and engage with them, its an insight to how bad this world can make people. I've got a friend who is quite wierd, his name is Steve. You should definately meet.Rochey, Cwmbran, Wales
I think it is weird that so many people conform to the norms and values of society without questioning those beliefs.davideo kidd, solihull england
Ah, but will it be coming to BBC Prime or World for us living in the edge of the EU.Phil Clarke, Vienna, Austria
I think Louis is great and agree that weirdness is entirely subjective. For example, as an atheist, I find mass worship of unknown supernatural being(s) to be off the scale of weirdness. But many people would think me weird for having such an opinion.Gary J Byrnes, Dublin, Ireland
I absolutely love this guy! What is 'weird'? One person's weird is another person's normal. I do wonder though, if there was anything Louis felt despite all of his logic, he personally felt very uncomfortable. Can't wait until Sunday!D.Trickett,
You often see these "who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party" type of questions in celebrity interviews. I've often thought Louis would be an excellent guest - just to ask him what these people he has met and interviewed are really like and what he is really thinking when he interviews them. So Louis, if you're reading this get in touch and I'll sort out some snacks!Andrew Dewson, London
We want more Louis on our screens. Well, at least I do, and the wife!Alan, Tring
I often found Louis Theroux's programmes rather distasteful: here was a man who had enjoyed an Oxbridge education meeting those who hadn't been afforded the same privilege, making snide comments and raising his eyebrow knowingly at the camera. OK, subjects such as Neo-Nazis were getting their just deserts, but more often than not they were people who merely had different interests and ways of life to the majority.Martin, Newbury, UK
When are the BBC going to commission another series of Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends. And not one with 'famous' people in, it was much more interesting when he visited none celebrity people. Who can forget the time he spent with the hermit or the South African family with their unrealistic views on race.Claire, Tyne and Wear
If there is any justice in the world, can we please have Louis meets George W Bush!? Mark Quested, Maidstone
I thought the speed seduction chap who gave his life over to the persuit of causal sex and his cat was weird. But then, I'm sure lots of people would disagree. Tom, Bristol, United Kingdom
There are millions of people who go to special buildings every Sunday to worship to a powerful being they have never heard or seen, and by their own admission they only have faith in, not evidence of. These gatherings are led by men in frocks who believe they can turn wine and bread into the blood and body of a man who died 2000 years ago. Is this any more rational than the man who believes he's in touch with aliens? What makes one belief system acceptable and the other weird? Merely how mainstream the practice is: it's all a question of consensus.Bob Bellotti, Edinburgh UK
I agree with Louis Theroux. About 10 years ago anyone would have thought you were weird if you claimed that you have married someone of the same sex and were thinking of adopting a child and bringing him or her up as a catholic as a same-sex married couple. James Suddrey, Luton
How is this news? Isn't it just an advertisement for the BBC? Is that what we pay our extravagant licence fee for, to pay for the BBC's advertisements?Jack J., London
Excellent article - look forward to the programme, being a bit weird myself, I would agree with Louis understanding of what constitutes the experience of 'being weird'. The word weird comes from an old english or Pagan word Wyrd - which means Fate; to become; the turning - like the Buddhist term Karma - actions and their effects. The wisdon of the wyrd - is the wisdom of the 'unknown'. So to all those weirdos out there live long and prosper...Lee Titterrell, Bristol, UK
I liked a lot of the people in Louis Theroux's shows who were just doing things they enjoyed. Without making a fuss. The weirdest person in my opinion was Louis Theroux. Has anybody investigated his private life.Paul Booth, Colne, England
Any chance of getting the rest of the Weird Weekends series on DVD?! I've got 1 and 2 but there's some classics not on there! The world needs Theroux!Phil Adams, Wirral, UK
I think you make a good point. The society you live in typically imposes what is considered 'normal' or 'weird', but these things may be percieved very differently by other societies. I reckon everybody has the potential to be thought of as 'weird' by someone else in the world. That the world is made up of so many different characters surely makes life interesting? I think it would be very 'weird' if we were all the same. Having said that, I laughed immensely when I read 'The Call of the Weird'! Louis - 'it's the way you tell 'em'.Alexis, Cambridge, UK
In the immortal words of Mark E. Smith (in 'Totally Wired'): 'You don't have to weird To be weird'Billy, Stroud Green, London, UK
I myself claim to be the true Christ and looking at it from my point of view the world cannot accept that the majority can be wrong. The evidence is easy to understand and it will stop terrprism, because it will alter fundamental views; on how we see religion. But people are not willing to say to the establised majority you all are wrong. they just say you are weired or nuts. but who is nuts, someone who hears voices, or a religion that of the majority, that accepts God speaks to us and then, ignores all the evidence.Francis Gerald, worcester
I have also considered Louis as very perceptive of people's real character, and the sould searching that they do- this article helps to understand the logic behind the man who sets out to show us that none of us are normal, and to accept people, however weird we think they are. Well written.Pam Harris, Cardiff
Mike Warnke (an american christian comedian) once said something like: If weird stuff happens where weird stuff is supposed to happen, it's not really weird stuff. Because if weird stuff happens where weird stuff is supposed to happen that would be normal, right? Only normal stuff is really weird when it happens where weird stuff is suppose to happen because normal stuff can only be normal when it happens where normal stuff is supposed to happen. Whereas weird stuff really becomes weird only when it happens where normal stuff is supposed to happen.Steven Wilson, Cambridge, UK
Everyone is weird. Thats why people are interesting.Simon D, Bristol
Every one else says I'm weird, but my mum says I'm special.David Alex Burnett, Nottingham, UK
As an aetheist, I consider the belief in and worship of all-powerful spirtual beings to be 'weird'. One suspects that in the (hopefully not to distant) future, when such beings have been scientifically disproven, people will look back at those who used to worship them and think that their beliefs were very weird. As Louis says, weirdness is in the eye of the beholder. Steven, London, UK
So good to see you back Louis, love love love your stuff. So funnyThanks, cant wait till Sunday.James Alderman, Cardiff
Weirdness can happen without you realising it. Certainly, the microscopic creatures who live on the full stop at the end of this sentence agree with me on that.Nigel Macarthur, London, England
Excellent observations made by Louis Theroux, that these people are looking for a way of making contact with the "outside world" by means of adding value to what they perceive makes them interesting to others. It is quite possible, and even likely, that most of these people Louis describes as "Weird" are unaware of what they are doing and believe every word of what they are saying. Perfect exemple of the unconscious taking over the conscious to acheive a better result in what all of us long for. A successful integration into Society and a regognition of or abilities and strengths. People need to feel special and this is their way of making it so.Alex, Montreal, Canada
Everybody is somebody's wierdoChristopher Drake, Ulverston, England
Where has Louis been hiding? We need more documentaries from Louis to help the UK understand and laugh at itself again. More please!Butternut_squash, Coventry
I couldn't agree more with Nietzsche's comment that weirdness in groups is the rule. Belief in a man up in the sky who watches everything you do and who can grant you favours seems outrageously weird to me, but acceptable to huge numbers of people throughout the world.Tom, Reading, Berkshire
Wierd comes from the Old English "wyrd" meaning "destiny". "Wierd and wonderful" still retains the original meaning, that fate is in the hands of a supernatural power. I like Louis Theroux's programmes because he has time for this other-worldly dimension in the lives of people he meets, paradoxically making them more accessible to all of us.Z Rizvi, London
Weirdness is cultural: collaborative societies ostracise the abnormal, but in doing so they also attack the pathfinders who stop it atrophying. From the witchhunts of the seventeenth century, to the pogroms of the nineteenth, to the demonisation of Muslims in the twenty-first, it's cheap capital politicians.Jel, Swansea
Louis's programmes are always very entertaining and it is interesting to read his views here. We may laugh at weirdness but it must resonate with everyone that the "weird" people are making sense of their world, just as we are of ours...Bethan, Birmingham
