Seeing how this is based on the memoirs of producer Art Linson, what real life films are depicted in the movie? Who was the real actor who refused to change his appearance? And did the director actually do a switcheroo at Cannes?
shareNot sure about the director switcheroo... but the actor who refused to shave his beard was Alec Baldwin in The Edge.
shareI worked on a film in Pittsburg in the early 90's and Bruce Willis showed up for another film with a full on beard. It was called "Three Rivers" , but was released as "Striking Distance." Sarah Jessica Parker was in it as well. They played cops in Pittsburg and they were in boats and the beard looked awful, but they persuaded him to shave just before shooting. He was a bit difficult during that period! He wasn't heavy though, he looked great without the beard!
shareI also read that one of the reasons "Hudson Hawk" was such a bomb (cost a lot to make vs not making much $$ at B.O., at any rate) was because Willis insisted that his hairline be digitally altered in every shot. He must've not yet embraced the shaved head look, and was insecure I guess. That pushed the production budget up big-time I guess.
sharei didnt read the book but i remember reading that the actor who refused to shave his beard was based on Alec Baldwin during the filming of "The Edge". I would be curious about other triva if people know it.
shareThis movie is a work of fiction based on some things that appeared in the book, What Just Happened?
In the book Art Linson is producing The Edge with Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin as well as Great Expectations. The business with Alec's beard is in the book, but it's something that happens on location rather than a studio in L.A.
The book's title comes from when Linson and The Edge writer, David Mamet have a meeting with Tom Jacobson of Fox, and following a round of confusing questions and absurd suggestions, Linson and Mamet leave the room and Mamet asks, "What just happened?" Linson replies, "I think it went well." Mamet then asks, "What's it like when it goes bad?" Linson responds, "They tell you no in the room."
There's also casting stories included as well. They really wanted Robert DeNiro for the role Anthony Hopkins played. DeNiro declined but he did appear in Great Expectations instead. Apparently that one was alot less work.
The book was 1/2 interesting, 1/2 boring. Interesing = the tales of how Hollywood works, getting leading actors to sign on to your movie, pitches to studio heads, etc... Boring = the stories being interwoven with a conversation Linson had with some failed producer at a diner.
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