Michael Douglas Recalls a Brutal Critique from 'Wall Street' Director During Early Production
Michael Douglas, the legendary actor known for his role as Gordon Gekko in the iconic film 'Wall Street,' reveals a memorable encounter with director Oliver Stone during the early stages of filming. In a recent interview at the TCM Classic Film Festival in New York City, Douglas, 81, recounted a moment that left a lasting impression on him. According to People, Douglas shared a story that showcases the intense and sometimes controversial nature of the film industry.
"Okay, so we were finishing the second week of filming, and there was a knock on my door. 'Hey Mike, it's Oliver. Can I come in?'" Douglas recalled. "I say, 'Yeah, come on in.' He comes in the trailer and sits down. He says to me, 'You okay?' I said, 'Yeah, I'm okay.' [He asks], 'Are you doing drugs?' I said, 'No, I'm not doing drugs.' And he said, 'Because you look like you've never acted before in your life.'"
This revelation might come as a surprise to some, as Douglas is renowned for his exceptional acting skills. However, it highlights the director's keen eye for detail and his willingness to provide constructive criticism. Douglas explained that he didn't watch the daily footage, known as 'dailies,' as he tends to focus on the negative aspects of the film.
"So I said, 'Well, I don't like to look at the dailies because I'm one of those guys that always sees what's wrong or what's not going to be in the film... so I don't pay attention to the dailies,'" Douglas remembered telling Stone. "So I said, 'I guess I'd better take a look,' and he said, 'Yeah, you better.'"
Despite the initial harsh feedback, Douglas found Stone's advice invaluable. He analyzed two scenes, including his iconic limo scene with Charlie Sheen, and was pleased with the results. "And I’m looking at them really hard, and critically, and they seemed pretty good," he said. "So I keep saying, 'I think it’s pretty good,' and [Stone said], 'Yeah, it is, isn’t it.'"
Stone's guidance helped Douglas tap into Gekko's darker traits, enhancing his performance. "He was willing for me to hate his guts for the rest of this movie to get that extra little push," Douglas explained. This collaboration not only led to Douglas' Academy Award for Best Actor in 1988 but also paved the way for a successful sequel, 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,' released in 2010.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Stone's approach to directing is undoubtedly intense, it's not uncommon for actors to receive harsh feedback during production. However, not all actors are as receptive to such criticism. Some might argue that constructive feedback can be beneficial, while others may feel it's unnecessary or even detrimental to their creative process. So, what do you think? Is it ever too much to ask for feedback during the creative process? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
