That Time A ‘Really Dumb’ Josh Brolin Tried To Get Artsy On The Set Of Steven Spielberg’s The Goonies And The Director Had A Blunt Response

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The film “The Goonies” is widely adored by many, and for years, whispers of possible sequels have circulated due to its enduring popularity. A significant factor behind the movie’s success can be attributed to the flawless casting, with a young Josh Brolin portraying Mikey’s brother Brand.

In “The Goonies,” Josh Brolin made his debut as an actor, but contrary to this early success, he faced resistance in Hollywood right away. This was because, being the son of renowned actor James Brolin, many felt he lacked the seriousness required to be a legitimate actor and they believed he only achieved fame due to his family connections.

Consequently, Brolin immersed himself in studying acting primarily through continuous reading, demonstrating his commitment. This approach eventually sparked a conversation on the set of “The Goonies”. During this discussion, Brolin endeavored to impress the film’s producer, Steven Spielberg, by showcasing his intelligence at a tender age. When prompted by Lowe regarding his age, Brolin disclosed…

16. I suggested an interpretation, saying, “You know, the tunnels might symbolize my mother’s womb. If we shoot me climbing up the tunnel, it could portray my attempt to sever the emotional connection with my mother. Maybe I’d be crying as I do this.” I expanded on the idea, and he seemed interested, nodding along. Then I waited for his response.

Brolin shares that he delved into the works of Stanislavski, Artaud, and others to prove he was not just a celebrity offspring, but a committed actor. His goal was to discuss with Spielberg the symbolic aspects of a tale about a group of kids on a quest for hidden pirate treasure, using everything he learned in his readings. It appears that Spielberg was receptive to these ideas, but the producer seemed to favor a more straightforward approach for the movie. Brolin went on…

Then he turned to me and Spielberg suggested, “Perhaps you might as well act? Just recite the lines from the script, you’ll do great.” Instead of exclaiming, “Dick!”, I responded calmly, “Absolutely, I understand.

It’s no surprise that Josh Brolin might have felt frustrated given the situation. After all, Spielberg was essentially discarding a considerable amount of work done by the young actor and making it seem inconsequential. However, when Steven Spielberg offers insights on filmmaking, it’s wise to heed his advice. As Kevin Costner can attest, he regrets not following Spielberg’s guidance on “Waterworld.” It appears that Brolin took Spielberg’s words to heart in this instance.

Today, there’s no doubt about Josh Brolin’s acting talent. He’s appeared in big-budget movies that have garnered Academy Award nominations, and he feels that his latest film, “Dune: Part Two,” might have been overlooked for a nomination. Interestingly, he was quite immature at 16, but he’s certainly grown since then.

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2025-01-30 22:38