Key Takeaways:
– In making the 1974 classic thriller film “Chinatown”, Faye Dunaway faced difficult times with director Roman Polanski, and found a supportive ally in co-star Jack Nicholson.
– Shelley Duvall, who starred opposite Nicholson in “The Shining”, had a gruelling experience and revealed that Nicholson was not supportive during her on-set troubles.
– Despite the challenging sets, both films “Chinatown” and “The Shining” emerged as cinematic masterpieces and are available for streaming on Max and AMC+ respectively.
Nicholson Aids Dunaway Amid Stressful Chinatown Filming
While shooting Roman Polanski's investigative thriller “Chinatown”, star Faye Dunaway experienced a difficult working relationship with the director. Describing him as a ‘terror', she confessed to struggling amidst the high pressures of the set. However, co-star Jack Nicholson became a source of comfort and support, easing some of the turmoil.
Dunaway shared a specific incident in the HBO documentary “Faye”, recounting how a frustrated Polanski went as far as yanking a lock of hair from her head due to its constant fall in front of her face, causing her to storm off the set. She said, “Jack helped, though. Nicholson being there made all the difference.” Adding a touch of humor to the situation, Nicholson reportedly nicknamed her ‘Dread' – short for ‘The Dreaded Dunaway'.
Nicholson Fails to Support Shelley Duvall on The Shining Set
Contrasting Dunaway's experience is that of Shelley Duvall, who bore a gruelling ordeal during the making of Stanley Kubrick's horror flick “The Shining”. Duvall, who died on July 11, eventually revealed the harsh realities behind the scenes. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she recounted Kubrick's relentless working style, involving multiple retakes and high-pressure performance expectations. Unlike with Dunaway, Nicholson did not serve as a source of support for Duvall.
Angelica Huston, Nicholson's girlfriend at the time of the latter's filming, even perceived that Nicholson and Kubrick were ganging up on Duvall. Remarking on Duvall's state during the film's production, Huston stated that the actress seemed “a bit tortured, shook up” and seemed to lack care and attention from the set management.
Despite these contrasting experiences, both “Chinatown” and “The Shining” have solidified their iconic status in cinematic history. “Chinatown” can be streamed on Max, while “The Shining” is available on AMC+. These films, created under straining conditions, stand as testaments to their cast and crew's resilience and dedication. Through their enduring legacy, audiences can appreciate the off-camera efforts and trials that go into making such memorable cinema.
Note that these two different portraits of Jack Nicholson highlight the diverse dynamics on film sets. Where he was a support system for one co-star, he wasn't very helpful to another. This discrepancy shows that set experiences can be vastly different, even with the same actor. The importance of mental health and supportive work environments are vital issues deeply rooted in these anecdotes, deserving of ongoing discussion in the film industry.
