Key Takeaways:
– During filming 2013’s ‘Prisoners’, Hugh Jackman surprised co-star Paul Dano by going off-script in an intense scene.
– While completely exhausted, Jackman slammed a hammer to a wall close to Dano, leaving the actor shocked.
– Despite the scary encounter, Dano praised Jackman, saying he has only the highest respect for the seasoned actor.
Actors’ Experience Filming ‘Prisoners’ Sheds Light on Jackman’s Method Acting
Hugh Jackman had an iconic moment on the set of 2013’s ‘Prisoners’. The Australian star, known for his roles as Wolverine and P.T. Barnum, went off-script, shocking co-star Paul Dano during an intense scene. Revisiting this unique experience in a recent SiriusXM interview, Jackman shared insights into the scene that reshaped perception of his method acting.
Paul Dano’s Jarring Encounter with Jackman’s Off-script Tactics
‘Prisoners’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, isn’t a well-known film in comparison to the director’s other works such as ‘Dune series and ‘Blade Runner 2049′. Yet, many viewers commended Jackman’s performance as Oscar-worthy. In one of the behind-the-scene tales, Jackman, exhausted from long hours of reshooting, went off-script during a confrontation scene with Paul Dano.
“I was absolutely exhausted. We’d done this take and deep down I was like, ‘Yeah, we crushed it’, but director Denis wanted more,” shared the 55-year-old actor.
Despite finding himself at wit’s end, Jackman trusted his instincts as an actor. To intensify the scene, he hit the hammer, which was a prop in the scene, to a wall right next to where Dano stood. Dano, understandably, was left shaken as he fell to the ground in terror.
Jackman’s Unexpected Move Leaves Dano and Audience Stunned
Though the incident was surprising, Paul Dano bore no ill-will towards Jackman, who was equally shocked at his own unpredictable action. Jackman recalls with bemusement, “How Paul Dano has ever spoken to me again, I have no idea!”
Dano Praises Jackman and Recalls ‘Prisoners’ Filming Experience
Despite the impromptu incident, Dano, who is a well-respected actor in his own right with roles in ‘The Batman’ and ‘Dumb Money’, holds Jackman in high regard. In an interview with Metro US, Dano shared about his trust in his co-stars and director Villeneuve.
“Hugh is a kind and good man. Trust is the biggest thing, no matter what kind of film you’re making. We trusted each other, and our director. Safety allows us to be more dangerous,” stated Dano.
In regards to the riveting bathroom interrogation scene, he added, “Hugh puts a hammer in the wall right next to my head after he destroyed a sink. The sink was planned, but the hammer was totally unplanned. That was a great moment that just happened.”
The film, which was re-released on Netflix in 2023, shot to the number 1 spot rapidly. ‘Prisoners (2013)’, meanwhile, remains available for streaming on FilmBox+, and for rent on Apple TV.
This unexpected behind-the-scenes tale evokes both the pressures and unexpected improvisations that can arise on set. It serves as a testament to the trusting relationship between actors and directors even in the most intense circumstances. Furthermore, it adds a new layer of appreciation to Jackman’s commitment as an actor.
