Richard Dreyfuss, a familiar face in Steven Spielberg’s filmography, went to unorthodox lengths to land a role in one of their collaborations. While Dreyfuss’s performance in Jaws cemented his status as a leading actor, it wasn’t a smooth sail to win the role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Steven Spielberg explored various options by seeking an actor with a touch of eccentricity to portray the role. Initially considering names like Steve McQueen, Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, and Jack Nicholson, Spielberg had his eyes set on an actor who could embody Neary’s beloved yet unconventional character.
Amidst the competition, Richard Dreyfuss emerged as a frontrunner by strategically advocating for himself. Going beyond traditional auditioning, Dreyfuss adopted a bold approach.
Steven Spielberg’s Search for Neary for Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Despite the massive success of Jaws, Steven Spielberg didn’t initially lean towards Richard Dreyfuss for his next venture. Steve McQueen initially topped his list but declined the offer. Other big names like Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, and Jack Nicholson were considered, each bringing their own flair to the table.
Spielberg was particularly drawn to Jack Nicholson’s performance in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, believing his intensity would translate well to Neary’s unconventional persona. However, Nicholson reportedly declined the role, possibly fearing being overshadowed by the movie’s special effects.
Spielberg recalled how Dreyfuss persistently pursued the role, consistently badgering him about it.
“Dreyfuss talked me into casting him. He listened to about 155 days’ worth of Close Encounters. He even contributed ideas,” Spielberg said. (Via Far Out Magazine)
While others hesitated or opted out, Dreyfuss saw the opportunity and seized it with gusto. Recognizing the challenge of portraying a character amidst fantastical elements, he embarked on a relentless campaign to secure the role.
Richard Dreyfuss’s Campaign Involved Subtle Yet Effective Tactics
Undeterred, Dreyfuss took a unique approach to secure the role. He would casually stroll by Spielberg’s office, dropping comments roasting the stars whose names were on the table.
He told The Guardian in 2020: “I swore an oath to myself that I would badmouth every actor in Hollywood. I would walk by his office and say: ‘Pacino’s crazy. De Niro has no sense of humor’.”
Through relentless persuasion, Dreyfuss eventually convinced Spielberg to cast him.
“I launched myself into a campaign to get the part…I eventually convinced him to cast me.” (Far Out Magazine)
Isn’t it interesting to see how even an actor like Dreyfuss had to do some extra for roles in the competitive environment of Hollywood? Close Encounters of the Third Kind tells the story of Roy Neary, an everyday blue-collar worker in Indiana, whose life changes after an encounter with a UFO.
The movie became one of the most successful of Spielberg’s filmography and earned wide acclaim and praise. The movie currently has a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.6 score on IMDb.
You can watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind on Apple TV.
