David Harbour has not only cemented his career in Hollywood but also immortalized himself as the fictional character Jim Hopper in the Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things. But prior to that, the actor’s career goes some way back to the mid-2000s, when he appeared in supporting roles.
Recalling one of his movies that brought him to the spotlight, David Harbour mentioned Ang Lee’s romantic neo-Western Brokeback Mountain, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. Speaking about his work experience with Lee, Harbour mentioned how he was asked to act “more handsome” by the director.
David Harbour’s Work Experience With Ang Lee
Way before he achieved his Stranger Things fame, David Harbour appeared in Ang Lee’s romantic neo-Western Brokeback Mountain in 2005. Starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in the adaptation of the 1997 short story by Annie Proulx, Harbour recalled his work experience with the acclaimed filmmaker.
During an interview with Yahoo, David Harbour spoke about Brokeback Mountain, which narrated the story of an intense and yet reluctant romance between two cowboys in the American West between the 1960s and 80s. While the film won three Academy Awards, Harbour claimed that it was both “funny and weird” working with Ang Lee.
“I really loved him… It was such a strange thing because I read that script, and I was like, ‘This is one of the great movies of all time. It’s a great love story. It’s a beautiful script.’ And it really was just right from the page, just stunning.”
Remembering how the movie was deemed as a big joke during promotions, David Harbour mentioned backing up the film. “I remember thinking that when you see this movie, you’ll get it, but on the page, it looks silly.” the actor shared.
Ang Lee Asked David Harbour To Act More Handsome
Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain was undoubtedly released at the wrong time, for the world was not exactly ready for such a film during the early 2000s. But David Harbour always had a deep love for the film. Especially since being in the movie, significantly changed his career. But then, the actor mentioned how Lee made a bizarre demand from him.
Initially struggling to play his role in the romantic neo-Western drama, David Harbour mentioned how he irritated Ang Lee as he took a couple of extra takes. Although it was really fun to work in the creative piece of art, Harbour mentioned a time when Lee was so frustrated that he gave a note to the actor and demanded him to act “more handsome”.
“He gave me a note as he came in for a real tight closeup at one point, and I did a couple takes of it. He wasn’t quite happy… And then finally he came over to me, came up right close to me, and went ‘More, uh, more handsome.’ And then he ran away, and I was like, ‘Bro, I think that’s a note for your casting director.’ But I took it as best I could and tried to square my jaw off. And he liked it.”
Eventually, David Harbour got his act together and did a phenomenal job alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain ended up being one of the most appreciated coming-of-age dramas that even earned the director an Oscar.
