A new film by Ridley Scott would initially be claimed for success and high box office fees, if not for accusatory articles and Kevin Spacey's accusations of sexual harassment. The director stoically suffered radical changes during the filming and promotion, so now he can openly talk about the merits and demerits of working with the main characters.
Recall that the new film is based on real events and tells about the kidnapping of the 16-year-old grandson of billionaire Jean Paul Getty III. One of the main roles, namely, the wealthy American industrialist, in the first version was played by Kevin Spacey, and in the second - by Christopher Plummer. How did you completely retake the film in 10 days, without additional funding and on the team's bare enthusiasm?
Ridley Scott was initially skeptical about history, finding it trivial and fresh, but reading Dan Friedkin's script, his opinion changed:
"At my age, you clearly understand what kind of story will catch the viewer and you, and which one will be on the list of second-rate banality. I heard about this case, but I did not think that she would impress me so. Versatile characters with a complex character and from different generations, inscribed in a complex reality. The first generation earns and goes ahead for success, the second earns wealth and spiritual emptiness, and the third becomes hostage to the first two. "
Kevin Spacey or Christopher Plummer?
And yet, why did the director, even before the trials, based solely on rumors, decided to re-shoot the scenes with Kevin Spacey and invite Christopher Plummer? Scott directly responded that, after the scandal, he expected from Spacey specific words and actions that would help him to assess the situation:
"I was not in a hurry with the decision, although similar conversations were already being conducted at the studio and with the producer. It was a colossal work of the crew, money was invested. I was waiting for a call, an open conversation from him or his representatives, which would explain the situation, but in return - silence. It was his inaction and untied my hands. I had an actor on the list who would fit into the role, but was he free and would he agree to a hard work schedule? Then there was the question related to the employment of other heroes and the rent of premises. Fortunately, my team coped and did the impossible. "
The name Spacey has always been associated with successful paintings, so, according to the director, he was the first on the list for the main role:
"After the" House of Cards "Spacey was very recognizable and we decided that with his acting data, we still get the full halls of the audience. Even then I had Plummer in mind, but Kevin's success made him number one. I'm glad that when I turned to him and asked him to replace Stacy, he dropped everything and agreed to all our terms. It was an act of a professional, and I'm still immensely grateful to him. "
The director does not regret that he put so much effort into the retake and cut out the footage from Spacey:
"He's an excellent actor - no doubt, but Plummer, as it turned out, is best suited for this role. The range of emotions, natural male charm, easy smile and ironic grin - this is a portrait of our main character, a strong and rich man. "
Naked enthusiasm of the crew
Ridley Scott argues that the team consciously went on sacrifices to themselves at the expense of:
"It was hard for me, I was angry, but if it was not for a huge experience and not my team that worked on bare enthusiasm, nothing would come of it. We were involved in the process and wanted to see the highest quality product. We would not be disturbed even by the collapsed roof, we would only transfer the survey to the next room. "
- Christopher Plummer: "I told Ridley" Yes "even before I read the script!"
- The dolls of this artist are so realistic that you just get scared!
- Ridley Scott: "I have not worked a day in my life and do not focus on problems!"
Conclusions from the sexual scandal
According to the director, scandals and accusations in harassment strongly influenced the film industry and forced to carry out a "reset": "
"We had to draw conclusions and go through all the accusatory stories. Someone got a bitter lesson, some, alas, no. These are the cruel laws of life. Now we need to move forward and professionally do our work! "