Ed Zwick had a conversation about the course of his directing the picture for his upcoming biography, “Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood”.
The 71-year-old director of Blood Diamond, who is directing Pitt, 60, in Legends of the Fall, discussed his experiences directing Pitt in an extract from his upcoming biography, “Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood”, which was published by Vanity Fair on Tuesday.
Zwick said that the 1994 movie was “in limbo” following Tom Cruise’s withdrawal from consideration to play Tristan Ludlow, citing concerns about the character’s “ethics.”
“I did not give up faith on getting Legends created, however, and was always looking for an ideal artist to portray the role of Tristan,” Zwick stated.
Pitt, Zwick said after their encounter, “had an honest love for the script and an intense connection to the role.”
“He said he had known men like Tristan while growing up in a rural area of Missouri. I knew I had the proper actor when he departed the meeting”. Zwick writes, “I was more committed than ever to pushing it over the edge.
According to Zwick, a table read caused Pitt’s opinions on the movie to shift. He remembered producer Marshall Herskovitz “talking him off the ledge” after Pitt’s agency called the studio to express his desire to depart.
Brad could be “volatile when riled,” according to Zwick, who noted that “it was the first augury of the deeper springs of emotion roiling inside Brad.”
Production difficulties arose after filming began, spending a “surplus of a million dollars in costumes” and Zwick stated, “Brad’s worry about the film’s release never completely faded away.”
While some actors struggle with authority, many directors feel intimidated when sharp actors pose thought-provoking questions that expose their lack of preparation. Zwick remarked, “Both are correct, and both are incorrect”.
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He recounted instances where he would argue with Pitt regarding the role, citing one instance where he “began giving Pitt direction out loud in front of the crew,” prompting Pitt to respond angrily and order him to “back off.” It was never intimate.
“Brad is an honest, straightforward individual who can be joyful and is enjoyable to be around,” also wrote Zwick. Waiting for Brad’s comments on this.
