10 Movie Productions That Were Just As Dramatic As The Movies Themselves

May 11, 2024, 1:40 p.m.

Movies

10 Movie Productions That Were Just As Dramatic As The Movies Themselves

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Summary Behind-the-scenes drama in filmmaking can mirror the intensity of on-screen stories.

Apocalypse Now faced setbacks like actor replacements and logistical challenges.

The Shining's demanding director pushed actors to the brink, leading to a grueling filming experience.

In the world of filmmaking, drama isn't limited to what unfolds in front of the camera. Often, there's even more drama behind the scenes. From heated rivalries between lead actors to directors pushing their cast and crew to the brink, the production process can be filled with tension, controversy, and unexpected challenges. Movies like Apocalypse Now, The Shining, and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? are notorious examples of films where the off-screen drama rivaled the intensity of the stories being told on-screen.

These behind-the-scenes conflicts, whether stemming from creative differences, personal feuds, or the relentless pursuit of perfection, have often added to the mystique and fascination surrounding these films. In some cases, the trials and tribulations experienced during production have even mirrored the themes and struggles depicted in the movies themselves. Despite the challenges, many of these films have gone on to become cinematic masterpieces, their legacies forever intertwined with the extraordinary circumstances under which they were created.

10 Apocalypse Now (1979)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Francis Ford Coppola Release Date August 15, 1979 Writers Joseph Conrad , John Milius , Francis Ford Coppola , Michael Herr Cast Marlon Brando , Martin Sheen , Robert Duvall , Frederic Forrest , Sam Bottoms , Laurence Fishburne Runtime 147 minutes

Despite being one of cinema's most prolific films, Apocalypse Now was plagued with an array of complications that tested the resolve of director Francis Ford Coppola and his crew. From the early days of filming, the project encountered a significant setback when lead actor Harvey Keitel was replaced by Martin Sheen, making it necessary to re-shoot several scenes. Months later, Sheen's near-fatal heart attack further disrupted the production, forcing Coppola to rely on body doubles and improvisation to maintain progress.

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Recreating the war-torn environment of the story presented its own set of challenges. The crew grappled with the logistics of constructing elaborate sets in the unforgiving jungle, as well as coordinating the use of real military equipment. The film's iconic helicopter attack sequence was repeatedly hindered by the unpredictable nature of the Filipino pilots, who would abruptly abandon their choreographed shots to engage in real-life conflicts. Despite Apocalypse Now’s several different cuts and versions, Coppola remained steadfast in his commitment to bringing the project to life, ultimately crafting a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

9 Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)

Directed by John Landis, Joe Dante, George Miller, and Steven Spielberg

The production of Twilight Zone: The Movie was tainted by tragedy when a helicopter crash claimed the lives of actor Vic Morrow and child actors Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen during the filming of the "Time Out" segment, directed by John Landis. The children were hired illegally, and their deaths sparked outrage among the film's creators. Director Steven Spielberg publicly condemned the incident, asserting that no movie is worth dying for, while co-director George Miller was so disturbed that he abandoned post-production of his segment.

It later came to light that the scenes involving the child actors were not part of Landis's original script, but were added after Warner Brothers executives deemed Morrow’s character too unsympathetic. The ill-fated scene called for him to rescue the children from a village under attack. However, the helicopter, struggling to navigate through pyrotechnic fireballs, spun out of control and crashed, killing all three instantly. The tragedy remains a haunting reminder of the importance of safety on film sets, and continues to haunt the film industry to this day.

8 Fitzcarraldo (1982)

Directed by Werner Herzog

Fitzcarraldo's production suffered from several misfortunes and controversies, including numerous injuries and the tragic deaths of several indigenous extras hired as laborers. There were two small plane crashes that resulted in multiple injuries, with one person left paralyzed. Also, a local Peruvian logger resorted to amputating his own foot with a chainsaw after being bitten by a venomous snake.

Director Werner Herzog also faced accusations of exploiting indigenous people during the film's production, drawing comparisons to Fitzcarraldo’s titular character. Despite initially fostering a positive relationship with the Aguaruna people, Herzog's decision to construct a village on their land without consulting the tribal council led to a deterioration in relations. As tensions escalated, Herzog allegedly sought protection from the local militia, prompting Aguaruna men to burn down the film set. The incident forced Herzog to spend months searching for a new suitable location to continue filming.

7 The Birds (1963)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Alfred Hitchcock Release Date March 29, 1963 Writers Evan Hunter Cast Tippi Hedren , Suzanne Pleshette , Jessica Tandy , Veronica Cartwright , Rod Taylor Runtime 119 minutes

Actress Tippi Hedren, who starred in the iconic Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds, revealed years later that she had been subjected to sexual harassment by the renowned director during the film's production. According to Hedren and other cast and crew members, Hitchcock's behavior towards her was at times "obsessive," with the actress recounting instances where he grabbed her inappropriately and made unwanted sexual advances, which she consistently rejected. Following Hedren's rejections, she suffered an injury during the filming of the phone booth attack scene, sustaining cuts to her face from a shattering pane of glass.

Hedren claimed that she had been misled about the logistics of the final attack sequence, as mechanical birds were replaced with real ones at the last minute, leading to speculation that Hitchcock deliberately inflicted the injury as revenge for her spurning his advances. Hitchcock also reportedly restricted Hedren's ability to work by signing her to a seven-year contract. These allegations only came to light after Hitchcock's death and, although never confirmed, have been widely reported (via Variety)

6 Don’t Worry Darling (2022)

Directed by Olivia Wilde

The set of Don't Worry Darling experienced a bit of controversy before it even hit theaters in 2022. Director Olivia Wilde reportedly fired actor Shia LaBeouf, who was originally cast as the lead, due to his poor behavior and clashes with the cast and crew. However, LaBeouf denied these claims, stating that he quit despite Wilde's efforts to keep him on board.

Rumors also circulated about tensions between Wilde and lead actress Florence Pugh, with an anonymous source claiming they had a "screaming match" on set. However, these allegations were dismissed by executives, crew members, and Wilde herself, describing the set as "harmonious" (via Vulture). Media outlets and fandom correspondents have speculated that the negative coverage surrounding Wilde and the film may be largely due to sexism, with many of the rumors originating from niche, conspiratorial circles within the fandom of Wilde's then-boyfriend, Harry Styles.

Related Don't Worry Darling Cast & Controversy Guide Olivia Wilde's second directorial film, Don't Worry Darling is remembered for its many behind-the-scenes controversies, but it boasts a talented cast.

5 The Shining (1980)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Stanley Kubrick Release Date June 13, 1980 Writers Diane Johnson , Stanley Kubrick Cast Danny Lloyd , Shelley Duvall , Jack Nicholson , Scatman Crothers Runtime 146 minutes

The production of the Stephen King adaptation of The Shining was marked by the director's notoriously demanding and often controversial treatment of his cast, particularly actress Shelley Duvall. Behind-the-scenes footage reveals Kubrick's apparent attempts to push Duvall to the brink of exhaustion and isolation, seemingly to elicit a more authentic performance. Duvall, who referred to the role as the most difficult of her career, was subjected to numerous retakes and intense pressure from Kubrick, leading to a stressful and grueling filming experience.

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Kubrick's perfectionistic tendencies extended to other cast members as well. Actor Scatman Crothers reportedly broke down in tears after enduring over 80 takes of a single scene. The director's insistence on multiple retakes became a hallmark of the production, with some scenes requiring well over 100 attempts before Kubrick was satisfied. Adding to the challenges faced by the cast and crew, a massive fire broke out at Elstree Studios in London during filming. Despite Stephen King’s criticism of the adaptation and the numerous difficulties and controversies surrounding the production, The Shining remains one of the best movies of all time.

4 Poltergeist (1982)

Directed by Tobe Hooper

Poltergeist Director Tobe Hooper Release Date June 4, 1982 Writers Steven Spielberg , Michael Grais , Mark Victor Cast Jane Adams , Rosemarie DeWitt , Jared Harris , Sam Rockwell , Nicholas Braun

The Poltergeist film series has been shrouded in rumors of a curse due to the untimely deaths of four cast members during and shortly after production. Two of these tragic losses were particularly shocking and unexpected, fueling speculation about the film’s eerie implications. Heather O'Rourke, who portrayed Carol Anne Freeling, the young focal point of the series, and Dominique Dunne, who played older sister Dana Freeling, each passed away after filming wrapped.

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Adding to the curse's lore, actress JoBeth Williams claimed that Steven Spielberg insisted on using real human skeletons as props to save money, although this claim has never been verified. Additionally, a real-life medicine man who worked on the film, allegedly performed an authentic exorcism on set after shooting wrapped (via Biography). The horror of the film's narrative seemed to permeate throughout the production and afterward.

3 Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? (1962)

Directed by Robert Aldrich

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Director Robert Aldrich Release Date October 31, 1962 Cast Bette Davis , Joan Crawford , Victor Buono Runtime 2h 14m

The intense rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, the lead actresses of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, greatly influenced the film's production and initial success. Their real-life animosity spilled onto the set, creating a contentious atmosphere that persisted even after filming wrapped. Crawford canceled her appearance on a publicity tour alongside Davis, claiming she didn't want to share the stage with her co-star.

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Tensions peaked during the 1963 Academy Awards when Crawford, who was not nominated, reportedly lobbied against Davis and offered to accept the Best Actress award on behalf of any winner unable to attend. When Anne Bancroft won for The Miracle Worker, Crawford triumphantly accepted the trophy in her absence, which Davis claimed cost their film a million dollars in potential profits. This Hollywood controversy was explored in Ryan Murphy’s Feud, and the iconic actresses' rivalry contributed significantly to the film's success and enduring legacy.

2 Rocky (1976)

Directed by John G. Avildsen

Rocky Director John G. Avildsen Release Date November 21, 1976 Writers Sylvester Stallone Cast Sylvester Stallone , Talia Shire , Burt Young , Carl Weathers , Burgess Meredith , Thayer David Runtime 119 minutes

Sylvester Stallone's rise to fame with the iconic film Rocky is a testament to his perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Before his breakthrough role, Stallone struggled as an unknown actor in New York, experiencing only minor success with The Lords Of Flatbush. Despite this, he remained broke and found himself in a desperate situation upon moving to California.

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In an interview with Michael Watson, Stallone revealed the extent of his financial struggles, admitting that he even considered selling his beloved dog to ensure the animal's well-being (via Forbes). This low point in his life served as a catalyst for the creation of the Rocky script, which he famously wrote in just three and a half days. Stallone's belief in his story and his acting abilities led him to refuse offers from studios that wanted to buy the script without casting him in the lead role. His determination paid off when United Artists agreed to his terms, allowing him to star as Rocky Balboa and bring his vision to life on the big screen.

1 The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018)

Directed by Terry Gilliam

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Terry Gilliam Release Date June 1, 2018 Writers Terry Gilliam Cast Adam Driver , Jonathan Pryce , Stellan Skarsgård Runtime 113minutes

Terry Gilliam's long-gestating passion project, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, finally saw the light of day in 2018, with Adam Driver fronting the fantasy adventure. The film's journey to the big screen was an arduous one. The making of the film spanned decades and was plagued by numerous production issues that nearly derailed the project entirely.

In 2000, Gilliam initially attempted to bring his vision to life with Johnny Depp in the lead role. However, a series of unfortunate events, including flooding, equipment damage, and actor illness, forced the production to shut down prematurely. It wasn't until 2016 that Gilliam secured financing for a new take on the story with Adam Driver in the lead role. When The Man Who Killed Don Quixote finally premiered in 2018, it marked the end of a nearly 20-year struggle to bring Gilliam's unique vision to the screen.

Source: Variety, Vulture, Biography, Forbes