MovieChat Forums > Braveheart (1995) Discussion > Mel should have grown his beard out for ...

Mel should have grown his beard out for this film

posted 3 years ago by JackalopeCash57 (92)
5 replies | jump to latest

I have always enjoyed this film - I know that the bulk of it is not accurate as to what actually took place during this chapter in history, but as a dramatic war film set during the middle ages, it totally hits the mark.

A complaint I had when I first saw it, and even moreso now is the fact that Wallace should have had a beard. I understand that facial hair wasn't a trend in the 90s and they had to keep that in mind in regards to how to have the main protagonist look - yet it still seems odd how like 99 percent of the Scottish/Irish rebels in the film all have facial hair except for the main character.

The fact that it is clear to us in 2021 that Mel can grow an epic beard really makes me wish they would have gone this route in the film

[–] Gd5150 (11851) 3 years ago

His beard is pretty epic. It screams “freedom”.

[–] avigalidou (615) 3 years ago

Mel wanted to look younger he was 38 and the real Wallace died around 35 I agree he should've grown a beard at least after Murron is killed.Mel actually wanted a younger actor to portray William Wallace and he wanted only to direct not to be the star,it was an exhausting herculean feat that he starred and directed this masterpiece at the same time.But the Studio and Alan Ladd jr. had a different opinion ..ALJ said that they couldn't find a convincing young actor some of the names they considered were Brad Pitt,Jason Patrick(Mel's choice and favorite),Ethan Hawk Christian Slater etc. Mel's performance is crucial I can't imagine anyone else doing a better job.ALJ was right to insist on Mel taking the role.I think Mel copied some Brad Pitt mannerisms in Legends of the Fall before Murron dies so he would look like a 90s 20 something hunk instead of a middle aged dude

[–] rateater (10159) 3 years ago

mel wanted jason patric to star? cool.

[–] DancingintheDark (1737) 2 years ago

Thank goodness Will Scarlet wasn’t cast as Wallace, can you imagine!
Mel owned the role in every way. Wish he would have grown that wild man beard after Murran died though.

[–] TandyMan (11214) 3 years ago

This movie is a mixed bag of many things. It wanted to be a historical period film, but it also needed to be a pretty boy Hollywood movie. For the most part I think they balanced it pretty well. But i'm always hyper aware when watching this that i'm watching a Mel Gibson movie, not a William Wallace movie.