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Director's Rule: Prep Wins Over Tough Actors
3 Jul
Summary
- Filmmaker Renny Harlin prioritizes thorough preparation to gain actor trust.
- He learned stunts and technical aspects of filmmaking for his movies.
- Harlin recounted a tense moment with Val Kilmer over wearing glasses.
Filmmaker Renny Harlin adheres to a strict rule for winning over actors: comprehensive preparation. Over a five-decade career directing nearly 40 films, Harlin has worked with numerous A-list stars, including Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone.
Harlin’s preparation extends beyond scripts, involving learning the demanding stunts his films require. He has learned mountain climbing, scuba diving, and even helicopter piloting, ensuring he understands the technical intricacies of each project. This deep preparation allows him to gain the trust of even the most experienced and demanding actors.
He recounted a notable incident with Val Kilmer on the set of 'Mindhunters' (2004). Kilmer, known for testing directors, insisted on wearing glasses for his character, despite scenes already being shot without them. Harlin firmly asserted his authority, telling Kilmer to remove the glasses, which Kilmer eventually did, acknowledging the director's control.
Harlin believes that an actor's insecurity can lead them to challenge a director if they doubt the director's knowledge. By demonstrating superior understanding and preparedness, directors can maintain control and foster a more productive environment, avoiding the 'horror stories' of actor-director conflicts.
