Get ready to embark on a magical journey behind the scenes of one of the greatest movies ever made - The Princess Bride! This beloved film, directed by the legendary Rob Reiner and adapted from William Goldman's novel, has a story just as captivating as the movie itself.
The Magic Behind the Magic
It all started with a gift from Rob Reiner's father, Carl Reiner, who gave him a copy of The Princess Bride by William Goldman. This book quickly became Rob's favorite, and Goldman his go-to author. A true testament to the power of storytelling!
After Rob's first two movies, he met an executive who offered him a unique opportunity: make whatever he wanted. But when he chose to adapt The Princess Bride, she said, "Anything but that!" Talk about a controversial decision!
Funding the movie was a challenge. Norman Lear, the producer of All in the Family, stepped in to finance it, but even he had to make sacrifices. He and the cast took pay cuts to fit the modest budget. A true labor of love!
Rob Reiner considered getting William Goldman's approval for his movie vision as one of the career highlights. It's a testament to the respect and trust between these two creative minds.
Rob Reiner's eye for talent is impressive. He cast Cary Elwes as Westley after seeing him in Lady Jane and realizing he had the perfect blend of looks and humor.
Robin Wright, who played Buttercup, was cast just a week before filming began. When William Goldman met her, he exclaimed, "That's what I wrote!" A true case of instant chemistry!
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Wallace Shawn revealed that his performance was largely inspired by imitating Rob Reiner's take on the character. A unique approach to method acting!
Rob Reiner's best friend, Billy Crystal, was given the freedom to choose his role. He picked Miracle Max, a character he would bring to life with his signature humor.
Similarly, Mandy Patinkin was asked to pick his role, and he chose Inigo Montoya. A wise choice, as he brought a depth of emotion to the character.
William Goldman had a specific vision for Fezzik, and he wanted Andre the Giant to play the part. Rob Reiner agreed, knowing no one else could match his presence.
Andre the Giant, despite not being a fluent English speaker, studied his lines meticulously. A true dedication to his craft!
Filming took place across England, with Haddon Hall serving as the main location for Prince Humperdinck's castle. A beautiful setting that added to the movie's charm!
The cast bonded during filming, often socializing and eating together at their hotel or Rob Reiner's rented house. A true sense of camaraderie!
Cary Elwes had an injury early on, breaking his toe while riding an ATV with Andre the Giant. A painful reminder that even in fantasy, accidents can happen!
Christopher Guest had a unique challenge - keeping a straight face during sword-fighting scenes with Mandy Patinkin. His mouth noises often ruined takes, adding an unexpected layer of comedy!
Mandy Patinkin drew on his personal grief for his father, who passed away when he was 18, to portray Inigo Montoya's grief and vengeance. A powerful performance that he described as "very healing."
Billy Crystal and Carol Kane prepared for their roles by creating a backstory for their married-couple characters. A thoughtful approach to character development!
Billy Crystal's Miracle Max makeup was inspired by his grandmother and former baseball manager Casey Stengel. A unique blend of personal and pop culture references!
Both Billy Crystal and Carol Kane's makeup and prosthetics took hours to apply, and they started their days at 2 am for three straight days of filming. A true dedication to their craft!
Billy Crystal and Carol Kane improvised most of their lines, leaving Rob Reiner in fits of laughter. Mandy Patinkin even bruised a rib trying to control his laughter! A truly hilarious and organic approach to acting!
Andre the Giant, despite his chronic back problems, found a way to keep Robin Wright warm during forest scenes - by resting his large hands on her head. A sweet and unexpected moment of comfort!
Andre the Giant's character required him to carry weight, but due to his back issues, this wasn't possible. So, when he holds Buttercup, she's actually hooked up to cables, and when he wrestles with Westley, Cary Elwes is walking on special ramps. A clever use of special effects!
Mandy Patinkin was so moved when he saw the movie for the first time that he cried. A true testament to the power of the story and his performance!
The studio was so unsure about how to market The Princess Bride that they didn't even release a trailer! A bold move that almost backfired, but the movie's quality spoke for itself.
And finally, Rob Reiner shared a heartwarming anecdote about a fan who credited The Princess Bride with saving her life. A powerful reminder of the impact art can have on people's lives.
So, there you have it - a behind-the-scenes look at The Princess Bride. A movie that continues to enchant audiences and leave an indelible mark on pop culture. And this is the part most people miss - the magic happens not just on screen, but in the hearts and minds of those who make it possible. What do you think? Do you have any favorite behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite movies? Share your thoughts in the comments!
