Buzz
What factors shape the ongoing success of the film industry in today's world?
The emergence of fresh voices and collective collaboration in the arts are pivotal in shaping new content and driving innovative ideas. When multiple passionate individuals unite, it can result in extraordinary outcomes... occasionally.
However, this hasn’t always been the case, particularly in the history of filmmaking. Expect arguments, occasional physical confrontations, and some unexplained incidents in the woods...
10. Werner Herzog vs. Klaus Kinski
Collaborating with friends can be fulfilling, but it can also spiral into complete chaos! This was the case for German filmmaker Werner Herzog during his work with the famous actor Klaus Kinski. Despite their long-standing friendship, their professional relationship on set was often marked by intense tension and described as “volatile.”
Countless tales surround their numerous disagreements, particularly one involving Aguirre: The Wrath of God (1972). Herzog became so infuriated by Kinski’s refusal to follow his instructions that he went as far as holding Kinski at gunpoint to get him to comply.
Crew members have recalled their starkly different opinions on how to portray Don Lope de Aguirre. When Herzog rejected Kinski’s interpretation, the actor reportedly threw a massive tantrum. It escalated so dramatically that during a card game in a hut, Kinski fired three shots and accidentally severed the tip of an extra’s finger.
9. Polanski and Dunaway
Rumors fuel this particular on-set rivalry. During the filming of Chinatown (1974), it was alleged that Roman Polanski intentionally singled out Faye Dunaway, pushing the boundary between directorial control and outright bullying. Dunaway has since declined to comment, angrily dismissing the question with, “it’s insulting that you would even bring it up!”
During one particular scene, it’s said that Dunaway had a stray hair obstructing her face. Polanski, thinking it spoiled the shot, took matters into his own hands and plucked the hair from her head. On another occasion, when Dunaway needed to use the toilet but Polanski refused to let her, she resorted to urinating in a coffee cup and throwing it in his face.
A fantastic film, but surrounded by unfortunate circumstances.
8. Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker
Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, two droids found themselves at odds. The late Kenny Baker, who portrayed R2-D2, claimed that Anthony Daniels, the actor behind the golden droid C-3PO, had been consistently rude both on and off set. According to Baker, when he introduced himself to Daniels, the actor ignored him, turning his back and replying, “Can’t you see I’m having a conversation?”
Over the years, Daniels reportedly treated Baker rudely on several occasions, even refusing to appear with him at conventions. This behavior is hard to believe, especially when you consider the lovable dynamic between their characters on-screen.
7. Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte
What happens when you pair two actors with absolutely no chemistry on screen? You get the same off-screen—no chemistry at all.
This was exactly the case between Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte while filming I Love Trouble (1994). Roberts openly called Nolte “disgusting,” while Nolte responded by saying, “She’s not a nice person, everyone knows that.”
Nolte has gone on record saying that I Love Trouble was the worst film he had ever worked on, admitting he only took the role for the money. As a result, he was already tense on set, which did not sit well with Roberts.
6. Joan Crawford and Bette Davis
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, the sole film in which Joan Crawford and Bette Davis starred together, became the epicenter of what would grow into one of the most notorious rivalries in film history.
Crawford gained a reputation for being a difficult co-worker, often accused of being excessively vain. During the film’s promotional tour, she backed out at the last minute. Davis implied that Crawford had refused to share the spotlight with her.
Crawford, on the other hand, claimed her decision to not attend the tour stemmed from a phone conversation between the two. She had asked Davis for her thoughts on the film, and allegedly, Davis responded, “You were so right, Joan. The picture is good. And I’m terrific.”
It’s believed that events like these during and after the making of the film are what led to Crawford overshadowing Davis at the Oscars.
5. Joel Schumacher and the Cast of Batman Forever
Director Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever (1995), while performing better than its sequel at the box office, couldn’t mend the broken relationship between him and his cast, even the Caped Crusader couldn’t save things.
The first issue was with Val Kilmer, whom Schumacher described as “childish and impossible.” Schumacher later claimed that Kilmer had been involved in numerous altercations with crew members and even refused to communicate with the director for weeks after being confronted about his behavior.
Schumacher also noted that Tommy Lee Jones didn’t get along with Jim Carrey. Carrey recalls running into Jones one evening at dinner, where Jones told him, “I hate you. I really don’t like you. [ . . .] I cannot sanction your buffoonery.”
Not even the soothing sounds of Seal’s “Kiss from a Rose” could ease the tension that plagued the set.
4. Steven Spielberg and Julia Roberts
Here we are again with Julia Roberts. Surprised? Not really.
Roberts and director Steven Spielberg had a falling out on the set of Hook (1991). While the details of their dispute remain unclear, Roberts revealed in a Vanity Fair interview that some of Spielberg’s remarks “really hurt my feelings.”
Given that the film went 40 days over its planned 76-day shoot, it wouldn’t be surprising if a few heated battles occurred behind the scenes.
3. David O. Russell
Even American Hustle director David O. Russell isn’t exempt from a fiery confrontation on set. Back in 1999, he had a notorious clash with George Clooney while filming Three Kings.
Clooney later shared in an interview that he believed Russell had been verbally abusive toward several crew members. After confronting the director, Russell headbutted him. Although the situation reportedly escalated, Russell eventually apologized, with Clooney describing the experience as “the worst of my life.”
But the drama didn’t end there. Reports from the Sony Pictures Entertainment hack revealed that Amy Adams was also on the receiving end of Russell’s wrath. She claimed that working with him had made her life “a living hell,” to the point that Christian “stay off the set” Bale had to step in.
In the end, it’s clear that making a movie often requires a bit of fire—whether it’s metaphorical or literal. These ongoing feuds are often deemed avoidable, but when one strong personality clashes with another, sparks can fly—though not in a positive way.
2. Shelley Duvall and Stanley Kubrick
Throughout the filming of The Shining (1980), Shelley Duvall found herself in constant conflict with director Stanley Kubrick. The two reportedly disagreed on several aspects, including the script and Duvall's portrayal of her character.
Their tensions escalated to the point where Duvall became severely ill for weeks, even experiencing hair loss. During the infamous scene where Wendy strikes Jack Torrance with a bat, Kubrick insisted on 127 takes to capture the perfect shot.
While demanding work from a director is not unusual, Kubrick was particularly notorious for pushing his actors to their breaking points.
1. Christian Bale and Shane Hurlbut
An apology from Christian Bale speaks volumes about how intense his on-set outburst truly was. While filming Terminator Salvation (2009), Bale erupted at director of photography Shane Hurlbut after Hurlbut unknowingly obstructed Bale's eyeline during a crucial scene.
In the infamous audio recording, Bale can be heard shouting, “I’ll kick your ass. I want you kicked off the set.” When Hurlbut apologized and explained that he was simply adjusting the lighting, Bale retorted with, “You’re an amateur.”
