Directed by Edward Zwick and starring Brad Pitt alongside Anthony Hopkins, Legends of the Fall follows the lives of three brothers in early 20th-century Montana as they navigate through love, war, and family conflict.
The film was a hit, earning $160 million worldwide along with an Oscar for Best Cinematography at the 67th Academy Award. However, despite being one of the most successful and best films of his career, Zwick almost lost the project due to its leading star’s resistance.
Brad Pitt’s Tensions with Director Edward Zwick Nearly Derail 1994 Film
In his memoir, Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood, filmmaker Edward Zwick recounted the production of the film. And he also revealed how Brad Pitt almost walked away from the movie due to increasing discomfort.
He recalled how the actor was quite invested in the story and his character initially and even agreed to a significant pay cut due to the budget overrun. However, following a table read, he considered quitting the movie just days before shooting began.
Days before shooting, we held a table read. Given the script’s dependence on narration and visuals, it didn’t play very well in the sterile conference room. I could see Brad’s growing discomfort as it went on.
Hours later, Zwick received a call from Pitt’s agent expressing his desire to leave the project. However, producer Marshall Herskovitz was able to convince the actor to stay.
The filmmaker suggested that the incident foreshadowed his deeper emotional struggles and volatility which became apparent during the production. He said in his memoir, via Vanity Fair,
It was never mentioned again, but it was the first augury of the deeper springs of emotion roiling inside Brad. He seems easygoing at first, but he can be volatile when riled, as I was to be reminded more than once as shooting began.
While he did return to play the role of Tristan in Legends of the Fall, his anxiety about the film and his character persisted, leading to further disagreements and tensions on the set.
Edward Zwick Reflected on Tense Filming of Legends of the Fall
In his memoir, the filmmaker also opened up about the tumultuous production of Legends of the Fall. While Brad Pitt agreed to return and embody the role of Tristan in the film, tensions between him and Zwick escalated due to their differing views on the character.
Brad would get edgy whenever he was about to shoot a scene that required him to display deep emotion. It was here that his ideas about Tristan differed from mine.
He also recounted a confrontation between him and the actor, when his direction provoked a heated response from Pitt. Despite these clashes, Zwick acknowledged that their passionate disagreements contributed to the film’s depth.
However, Pitt was still unpleased with the final result, feeling that his character’s madness was underplayed due to the removal of a valuable shot. Zwick acknowledged his arguments and offered his apologies. Though the duo has not collaborated since Zwick reflected positively on their shared experience and the film’s impact.
Legends of the Fall is available to stream on Paramount+.
