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How Oliver Stone Pushed Michael Douglas to an Oscar
7 Feb
Summary
- Director Oliver Stone questioned Michael Douglas' acting ability early on.
- Stone's harsh feedback was meant to push Douglas to a better performance.
- Douglas won an Oscar for his role as Gordon Gekko in 'Wall Street'.
During the filming of the 1987 film 'Wall Street,' director Oliver Stone delivered a blunt assessment to star Michael Douglas, questioning his acting and even if he was using drugs.
Stone directly confronted Douglas, stating he looked like he had never acted before. Douglas, who typically avoided watching dailies, agreed to review footage after Stone's remarks.
Upon viewing two completed scenes, Douglas felt they were strong, and Stone ultimately concurred, admitting his harsh feedback was a tactic to push for an even better performance.
Douglas expressed deep appreciation for Stone's method, acknowledging that the director prioritized the film's quality over politeness, which ultimately helped him win an Academy Award for his role as Gordon Gekko.
Stone later reflected that Douglas's surprising portrayal of the villain was a key factor in the film's critical reception and Douglas's Oscar win.
Douglas and Stone reunited for the 2010 sequel, 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,' earning Douglas a Golden Globe nomination.
