10 Movies That Turned Out Great Despite Behind-the-Scenes Issues

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Typically, outstanding outcomes stem from thorough planning and teamwork. But in Hollywood, it’s a different story. The aspirations of directors, actors, scriptwriters, and studio executives don’t always match up, leading to disagreements during the filmmaking journey. Unfavorable circumstances can also unexpectedly arise, making smooth productions challenging. For some films, the problems are relatively minor, while for others, the situation deteriorates so severely that the production verges on collapse.

It’s fascinating how some movies with the rockiest production paths turned out to be huge successes. One might wonder, how did these miracles occur? Behind each of these films were a few resilient individuals who refused to buckle under pressure and found creative solutions on the fly, adapting to the constant shifts. For this, we audiences remain eternally grateful. In other instances, sheer luck was the only factor that managed to get these movies onto the big screen. While we enjoyed watching them, we’d rather not have experienced the chaos behind the scenes!

10
‘The Bourne Identity’ (2002)

The Bourne Identity significantly transformed the spy film genre by introducing us to a hard-boiled spy who had little interest in fancy tuxedos or martinis. This movie, which tells the story of a covert agent dealing with psychogenic amnesia and attempting to uncover details about his past life, was an enormous hit, leading to three follow-ups and garnering acclaim at the box office. However, creating it wasn’t a pleasant experience.

No One Could Write as Well as Ludlum

It might seem logical that a film adaptation of a Robert Ludlum novel, given its well-structured plot spanning just 523 pages, would be straightforward to write. However, directors Doug Liman and Tony Gilroy had significant disagreements about the storyline, leading to the hiring of William Blake Herron to rewrite Gilroy’s script. Even with this change, things didn’t improve. In fact, Liman found himself at odds with Universal executives over the film’s tone and reportedly disliked the new script written by Herron so intensely that he threatened to resign from the project.

In another location, producer Richard Gladstein departed due to personal reasons. Subsequently, Frank Marshall assumed control, butting heads with Liman as well. It’s said that Marshall eventually took over the production. Later on, Matt Damon would praise Marshall for bringing peace to the chaos, acknowledging that “we wouldn’t have a franchise” without his presence.

9
‘Gone With the Wind’ (1939)

In the setting of the American Civil War and subsequent Reconstruction period, the novel “Gone with the Wind” unfolds around Scarlett O’Hara (played by Vivien Leigh), a young woman from a Georgia plantation family, as she chases after her ideal man. Upon its debut, it not only broke box office records, maintaining this status for over 25 years, but also garnered 10 Academy Awards, making history by honoring Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American actress to receive such recognition from the Academy.

The Long Wait

The production of Gone with the Wind was delayed for two whole years because the producer, David O. Selznick, was insistent on hiring Clark Gable, then under contract at MGM, for the role of Rhett. The initial script also went through numerous revisions as it was too lengthy and the original director, George Cukor, was dismissed and replaced by Victor Fleming. Later, Fleming himself had to be temporarily replaced by Sam Wood due to fatigue. However, eventually, the project was successfully concluded.

8
‘Titanic’ (1997)

In the movie titled “Titanic,” director James Cameron reworked the real-life tragedy of the British ocean liner, which sank on its inaugural voyage in 1912, by interweaving a made-up love story. This narrative centered around a poor man named Jack, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and Rose, portrayed by Kate Winslet. The captivating tale earned the film the distinction of being the first to surpass a billion dollars in revenue. Additionally, it garnered an impressive 11 Academy Awards.

Tragedy, on Screen and the Set

James Cameron is meticulous about his projects, so he asked many of the actors to spend extended periods in water-filled tanks to accurately portray the underwater conditions of a sinking ship. Unfortunately, this led several actors to fall ill with the flu. Additionally, Cameron clashed with the studio regarding budgets and deadlines. Eventually, production stretched beyond its original schedule by a significant 138 days.

In my perspective as a dedicated movie enthusiast, working on set was like being aboard a tempestuous vessel, under the command of a director who could unleash a 300-decibel roar, reminiscent of Captain Bligh with his megaphone and walkie-talkie. He’d swoop down menacingly on us from a lofty crane that towered an intimidating 162 feet above ground. To make matters worse, a fellow crew member contaminated the soup with PCP, sending shockwaves through our ranks as we grappled with the fallout – 50 of us were ultimately rushed to the hospital.

7
‘The Godfather’ (1972)

In this rephrased version: “The Godfather, derived from Mario Puzo’s 1969 blockbuster novel of the same title, follows the evolution of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), the youngest scion of the Corleone organized crime family, as he transitions from a hesitant ex-military officer to an unyielding mob leader. Often hailed as one of cinema’s finest productions, it dominated box office sales in 1972 and secured three Oscars out of its eleven nominations.

Mafia-Like Feuds

On occasion, a Don’s leadership abilities might raise eyebrows, and similarly, some of director Francis Ford Coppola’s cast members harbored doubts about his filmmaking capabilities and even attempted to undermine him. Coppola encountered friction with Paramount Studios as well, particularly when he stood firm on casting Al Pacino for the role of Michael Corleone. The studio preferred a more recognized actor instead.

Initially, there was an incident involving Marlon Brando. Studio Paramount had reservations about casting him because of his dwindling fame and notoriety for being tough to collaborate with on set. Additionally, off-screen issues arose as real-life Cosa Nostra elements influenced the production process, going so far as demanding that the term “Mafia” be omitted from the film. However, despite these obstacles, Coppola managed to create something truly enchanting.

6
‘The Shining’ (1980)

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but express that The Shining, in my opinion, stands tall as one of Stephen King’s finest adaptations. However, it’s important to note that the author himself wasn’t fond of it, primarily due to the narrative alterations Stanley Kubrick implemented during production. The movie, which centers around a tormented novelist who succumbs to murderous urges while maintaining a winter caretaker role at a spectral hotel, was deemed worthy enough for preservation by the esteemed Library of Congress and enshrined in the United States National Film Registry.

Trapped on Set

According to actress Shelley Duvall, the film set was more terrifying than the Overlook Hotel. It’s said that director Stanley Kubrick, known for his precision, made her perform 127 takes for the “Here’s Johnny!” scene, which reportedly caused her emotional distress. Additionally, there were significant budget issues, and like with many of Kubrick’s films, the shooting timeline extended beyond a year, creating difficulties for some actors who wanted to pursue other roles.

5
‘Star Wars’ (1977)

In a make-believe universe governed by the oppressive Galactic Empire, the story of Star Wars revolves around a band of resistance fighters known as the Rebel Alliance. Their mission is to annihilate the Empire’s powerful weapon, the Death Star. This film skyrocketed into worldwide pop culture, spawning video games, literature, theme park attractions, and merchandise like toys and apparel. Interestingly, the people behind its production never anticipated such a massive success, considering the disorderly process of its creation.

Set Wars

To successfully complete his project, George Lucas faced challenges such as studio doubts, looming deadlines, and tight budgets. Developing the revolutionary special effects wasn’t effortless; instead, it required significant work. The task was entrusted to Industrial Light & Magic, a company that was still finding its footing, and the outcomes were frequently not up to par, leading to repetitions and additional expenses.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that several actors found the costumes difficult to wear due to their discomfort. To make matters worse, unpredictable weather conditions frequently interfered with filming in Tunisia. Yet, amidst these hurdles, one of Hollywood’s most successful franchises was brought to life.

4
‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

According to William Peter Blatty’s book titled “The Exorcist,” this movie narrates the chilling tale of a 12-year-old girl, daughter of an actress, being possessed by a demonic entity. Two Catholic priests then try to perform an exorcism on her in an attempt to free her from the supernatural influence. Notably, it was the first horror movie ever nominated for the prestigious Best Picture award at the Oscars, and it accumulated an impressive 10 nominations in total.

The Film Also Needed to Be Exorcised

The multitude of accidents during filming gave rise to the widespread suspicion that the movie was under a curse. Tragically, several crew members suffered injuries and some even lost their lives. To add to the misfortune, shooting had to be halted for six weeks when a bird flew into an electrical circuit breaker, causing a fire that razed all the sets to the ground. Later, another set was compromised due to an accident with the sprinkler system.

Moreover, director William Friedkin seemed intent on creating challenges for the actors. During filming, Linda Blair (who was just 12 years old at the time) was subjected to rough handling as she was frequently pulled around with a harness to simulate her character’s demonic possession. Similarly, her on-screen mother went through the same ordeal, with her cries being utilized in the final cut of the movie.

3
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

As a devoted film aficionado, I’d say that in a desolate, post-apocalyptic wasteland devoid of water, where every precious drop is ruled by the tyrant Immortan Joe (Keays-Byrne), I found myself drawn into the world of Mad Max: Fury Road. Before long, I witnessed a formidable alliance between a man known as Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) and Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), two rebels with a common goal. When it hit the big screen, this thrilling Mad Max installment proved to be its most successful yet.

Actor Feuds

It seems that Theron and Hardy may have had some tension on set, which was exacerbated by the scorching heat in Namibia. Rumors suggest that Hardy’s intense method acting was the cause of the friction. Theron felt it was essential to complete the project quickly and return home, much like everyone else. This sentiment was echoed by co-star Zoe Kravitz.

As a film critic, I found myself immersed in a desolate landscape for an extended period of six long months. The relentless expanse of sand left me feeling weary, disoriented, and yearning for the comforts of home. Frankly, it was enough to drive anyone mad.

In this cinematic journey, the endless sea of sand became a metaphor for our collective struggle, as characters grappled with fatigue, disorientation, and homesickness. The monotony of the desert served as a stark reminder that even the most seemingly unchanging landscapes can hold profound depths of emotion.

In conclusion, this film masterfully encapsulates the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity, while also highlighting the dangers of isolation and disconnection from our roots. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking to explore the complexities of the human condition through the lens of a breathtaking, yet hauntingly familiar setting.

Thankfully, diamonds came out of this sand.

2
‘Jaws’ (1975)

The film titled “Jaws” follows the story of a police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter as they embark on a mission to capture a deadly great white shark that has been terrorizing swimmers at a coastal town in New England. Prior to the release of Star Wars, it held the record for the highest-grossing movie ever made, and is recognized for pioneering the concept of the “summer blockbuster” in Hollywood, a business model that continues to shape modern cinema today.

Venturing out to Sea Wasn’t Such a Great Idea

Due to Steven Spielberg’s choice to film out on the vast oceans, the crew often suffered from seasickness, and there was a lot of broken gear. This resulted in higher expenses. However, Spielberg acknowledged these mistakes when he spoke with Entertainment Weekly, stating:

Steven Spielberg’s preference for shooting in the open sea led to crew members getting sick from seasickness and a lot of damaged equipment, causing increased costs. But he admitted his mistakes when speaking with Entertainment Weekly.

Initially, I was unaware and inexperienced about the ocean. At that time, I was also quite ignorant about the audacity of a filmmaker who believed they could control nature’s forces. Looking back, it seems reckless to insist on filming in the Atlantic Ocean rather than a North Hollywood tank, given my young age at the time, I didn’t realize the danger and recklessness of that decision.

A number of robotic sharks encountered some issues as well, but fortunately, the director had complete creative freedom, which ultimately led to a successful resolution.

1
‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

The film “Apocalypse Now” marked an exceptional decade for Francis Ford Coppola, who had reached the pinnacle of success thanks to two installments of “The Godfather.” This movie, revolving around a captain tasked with eliminating a renegade colonel in Vietnam, was a resounding success on both visual and cultural fronts. Some critics consider it as Coppola’s magnum opus, much like “The Godfather,” and, similar to the latter, it was challenging to produce.

Apocalypse Then

Information on the challenging filming process of ‘Apocalypse Now’ can be discovered in the documentary ‘Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse’. This movie details how adverse weather conditions during the production in the Philippines (where the movie was being shot) caused damage to sets. Additionally, Coppola encountered conflicts with Marlon Brando, who often forgot his lines and put on excess weight. To make matters worse, lead actor Martin Sheen came close to experiencing a life-threatening heart attack.

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2025-01-08 04:02