Making a film is a big deal, especially when it’s a bold idea with a lot at stake and plenty of hurdles. Directors usually invest all they’ve got into their work, often stretching themselves to their absolute limits both physically and mentally. While the end result may earn praise and awards, the road to success can be filled with tough challenges that nearly crush even the most experienced directors. We’re going to look at 10 movies that really put their directors through the wringer, highlighting the rocky roads they traveled on their way to silver screen success.
10. Fitzcarraldo (1982) – Werner Herzog
Making ‘Fitzcarraldo’ was a real tough job that tested Werner Herzog’s endurance. This movie, about a man attempting to build an opera house deep in the Amazon, required the crew to physically move a massive 320-ton steamship over a hill—no movie magic tricks here. Herzog was stubborn, and it brought on all sorts of troubles, including rough conditions in the jungle, actors constantly coming and going, and strained relations with the local indigenous people.
9. Apocalypse Now (1979) – Francis Ford Coppola
Making ‘Apocalypse Now’ was a total disaster that took more than a year to shoot in the Philippines. Coppola dealt with storms, sick actors, going way over budget, and questioning if the movie was even worth it. He wanted the film to feel real, and his obsession with perfection drove him to the brink of insanity. He once said, “We were in the jungle, there were too many of us, we had access to too much money and equipment, and gradually we went insane.”
8. Jaws (1975) – Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg on the set of Jaws, facing the mechanical shark.
Making ‘Jaws’ was a real challenge for Steven Spielberg, then just starting out. He had to deal with a mechanical shark that kept breaking down. This mess forced him to create tension in the movie through suspense rather than visuals, which actually helped make the film more successful. However, it was fraught with delays and cost overruns. Afterward, Spielberg referred to it as a nightmare and worried it would end his directing career.
7. Cleopatra (1963) – Joseph L. Mankiewicz
The production of ‘Cleopatra’ is infamous for its problems. They had to move the shoot from England to Italy and spent far more money than planned. The lead actors, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, sparked a scandal with their affair. Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz dealt with all this chaos, even getting fired and then rehired. These issues nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox, demonstrating the immense stress Mankiewicz was under.
6. Heaven’s Gate (1980) – Michael Cimino
Michael Cimino’s ‘Heaven’s Gate’ turned into a disaster as it cost way more money and time than planned, mostly due to Cimino’s obsession with detail and frequent retakes. Critics and viewers initially panned the film, which severely damaged Cimino’s career. This shows there’s a fine line between ambition and excessive perfectionism.
5. Blade Runner (1982) – Ridley Scott
The production of ‘Blade Runner’ was tumultuous. Ridley Scott faced disputes over creative control, inadequate funding, and a tight deadline, which created a tense atmosphere for everyone involved. Additionally, the complex themes and sophisticated visual effects were challenging to execute.
4. Titanic (1997) – James Cameron
James Cameron directing Titanic, amidst the challenge of recreating the historic ship.
‘Titanic’ by James Cameron involved shooting in difficult conditions and relied heavily on meticulous sets and historical details. The production faced technological challenges and high costs, but it ultimately became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
3. The Shining (1980) – Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick’s meticulous nature made the filming of ‘The Shining’ extremely demanding. His insistence on perfection led to numerous retakes of scenes, which was mentally and physically taxing for the cast and crew. This approach, however, was crucial in creating the film’s intense and unsettling atmosphere.
2. The Revenant (2015) – Alejandro González Iñárritu
‘The Revenant’ involved shooting in remote locations under challenging weather conditions, and director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s insistence on using natural light added to the difficulty. The arduous production resulted in a visually stunning film that received critical acclaim.
1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – George Miller
George Miller on the set of Mad Max: Fury Road, orchestrating the chaos.
George Miller returned to his Mad Max series with ‘Fury Road,’ which required more than ten years of intense planning and production. He aimed to create a fast-paced, eye-catching race set in a post-apocalyptic world. This involved shooting in harsh desert environments, relying heavily on practical effects and risky stunts. Miller’s commitment to his work and his skill in managing difficult-to-pull-off action scenes were key reasons the movie became one of the top-rated action hits of our times.
In conclusion, the creation of these exceptional films illustrated the filmmakers’ incredible ability to persevere and excel, despite facing immense challenges. These stories are a testament to how creativity, continuous effort, and a passion for film can triumph over adversity. Recognizing their work reminds us that great art often comes with significant sacrifices and hurdles.
