Christopher Plummer Vs. The Sound Of Music: Why The Captain Von Trapp Actor Hated The Movie

Summary Christopher Plummer initially despised The Sound of Music, disliking its sentimentality and calling it "gooey."

Plummer's portrayal of Captain von Trapp was met with criticism for lack of depth, but he later came to appreciate the film's quality.

Despite his initial reservations, Plummer learned to embrace the film's universal appeal and his role in its enduring legacy.

The Sound of Music tells the heartwarming tale of the von Trapp family's musical journey to freedom, but Christopher Plummer originally hated the movie. The 1965 film is based on the story of the real-life von Trapps, and blends the enchanting Sound of Music songs with an uplifting narrative, creating an experience that has transcended generations. Its portrayal of the spirited governess Maria and her transformation of the von Trapp family through song has cemented the film as a cultural icon, showcasing the power of music and love against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps.

At the center of this heartwarming tale is Captain Georg von Trapp, one of Christopher Plummer's best roles. Plummer's role as the stern naval captain who softens under Maria's influence is pivotal, offering a compelling counterpoint to Julie Andrews' vibrant Maria. Plummer's portrayal of Captain Georg von Trapp remains a defining element of the film's enduring legacy. Yet despite its success and acclaim, Plummer harbored a complicated relationship with the movie, often expressing his distaste for its overt sentimentality.

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Christopher Plummer Thought The Sound Of Music Was "Gooey"

The Actor Also Famously Nicknamed The Film "The Sound Of Mucus"

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Christopher Plummer’s critiques of The Sound of Music were famously harsh and unapologetic. He described the film as "so awful and sentimental and gooey" (via THR) and noted the considerable effort required to inject even a "minuscule bit of humor" into his role. His dissatisfaction was so profound that he famously nicknamed the film "The Sound of Mucus" and "S&M" (via NY Times), highlighting his disdain for what he perceived as its excessive sentimentality. Plummer’s background as a serious stage actor, where subtlety and complexity are prized, clashed with the overtly sweet nature of this cinematic project.

Known for his gravitas and depth in dramatic roles, Plummer seemed to struggle with the light-hearted, unabashedly cheerful nature of the musical genre.

Plummer even shared that he "got so 'fat' from all the pastries" that his costume needed resizing (via Vanity Fair). This personal struggle with the film's environment added another layer to his discomfort. Furthermore, Plummer’s assessment of the film as "gooey" reflects a deeper artistic conviction. Known for his gravitas and depth in dramatic roles, Plummer seemed to struggle with the light-hearted, unabashedly cheerful nature of the musical genre. His difficulty with the film’s tone coupled with his serious approach to acting meant that Plummer never felt fully at ease with his character’s portrayal, despite its eventual iconic status.

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Plummer Was "Bored" With His Captain Von Trapp Character

But The Actor Eventually Learned To Appreciate The Sound Of Music

Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of Captain von Trapp was initially met with mixed reviews, as critics and the actor himself noted the character's lack of depth and complexity. Plummer described the role as "boring" and likened playing it to "flogging a dead horse" (via Boston Globe). He believed that, despite efforts to infuse the character with interest, the inherent limitations of the role stymied these attempts, leading to a performance that felt unrewarding at the time. The actor commented:

"I was a bit bored with the character. Although we worked hard enough to make him interesting, it was a bit like flogging a dead horse. And the subject matter is not mine. I mean it can't appeal to every person in the world. It's not my cup of tea."

The New York Times called Christopher Plummer's performance as Captain von Trapp "horrendous" upon its initial release.

However, as the years passed, Plummer’s perspective on his character and the film itself softened. Watching The Sound of Music later in life, he acknowledged the movie's quality. This evolution in his viewpoint illustrates a common journey among actors, where the initial dissatisfaction with a role can transform into appreciation as the broader impact of the work becomes clear. Plummer noted (via Plummer's autobiography, In Spite of Myself):

"The more I watched, the more I realized what a terrific movie it is... The very best of its genre — warm, touching, absolutely timeless... totally seduced by the damn thing — and what's more, I felt a sudden surge of pride that I'd been a part of it."

In later reflections, Plummer even expressed a newfound pride in his involvement with the film. He appreciated its role as a "bit of relief" from the more violent and frenetic entertainment typically found in modern cinema, describing it as "wonderfully, old-fashionedly universal." The Sound of Music is a genre-defining film, and this change of heart underscores an important aspect of Plummer's legacy: his ability to reconcile his personal artistic standards with the public's embrace of his performances. The actor added (via Vanity Fair):

"I do respect that it is a bit of relief from all the gunfire and car chases you see these days. It's sort of wonderfully, old-fashionedly universal. It's got the bad guys and the Alps; it's got Julie (Andrews) and sentiment in bucketloads."

Despite his initial reservations, Captain von Trapp has become a pop culture legacy, beloved by audiences around the world. This enduring affection highlights the sometimes complex relationship between an actor’s vision for a role and the audience’s reception. Over time, Plummer came to recognize the unique place The Sound of Music holds in cinematic history and its value in bringing joy to its viewers. This gradual acceptance reflects a deeper understanding and respect for the film's impact, transcending his early criticisms to embrace the role's significance in his career and in the hearts of millions.

Sources: THR, NY Times, Vanity Fair, Boston Globe, NY Times, In Spite of Myself