Barry Sonnenfeld Behind the Scenes Stories
- this article details behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the film Get Shorty, as told by director Barry Sonnenfeld.
- * John Travolta's Initial Hesitation: Travolta initially passed on the role of Chili Palmer.
- In essence, the article paints a picture of a chaotic but ultimately prosperous film production, shaped by strong personalities and Sonnenfeld's unconventional directing methods.
Key Takeaways from the Article:
this article details behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the film Get Shorty, as told by director Barry Sonnenfeld. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* John Travolta’s Initial Hesitation: Travolta initially passed on the role of Chili Palmer. It took a direct intervention from Quentin Tarantino to convince him to take the part. Sonnenfeld reveals they had Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty on their list as alternatives, but Pulp Fiction changed his mind.
* gene Hackman’s Temper: Hackman was known for his short temper, and Sonnenfeld encouraged him to direct his frustration at him, believing it stemmed from Travolta’s struggles with lines. Hackman even made a crew member cry with his outbursts! Sonnenfeld notes Mike Nichols didn’t experience the same treatment on The Birdcage.
* Sonnenfeld’s Directing Style – “Parenting”: sonnenfeld describes his directing approach as “parenting,” tailoring his methods to each actor’s needs. He allowed actors to vent their frustrations, even if insulting, believing it ultimately led to better performances. He recounts a recent experience with another actress who screamed at him, but the resulting scene was excellent.
* Rene Russo as the “Coolest”: Sonnenfeld praises Rene Russo as the easiest and most professional actor to work with on the film,contrasting her with the more challenging personalities of Travolta,Hackman,and Delroy lindo.
* Travolta’s Line Issues & Russo’s Reaction: The article highlights Travolta’s struggles with remembering lines and a humorous anecdote where he offered to “help” Russo with hers, prompting a shared look of apprehension between Russo and Sonnenfeld.
In essence, the article paints a picture of a chaotic but ultimately prosperous film production, shaped by strong personalities and Sonnenfeld’s unconventional directing methods.