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Back in the golden times of Hollywood, directors’ seats were never secure. A director’s career could end in a split second due to the whims of producers and actors.
For instance, one of such occurrences that shocked Tinseltown’s very foundation was Philip Kaufman being dismissed fromThe Outlaw Josey Wales(1976) set. The reason behind this was that Kaufman paid too much attention to details, which was unessential according to Clint Eastwood – the leading star in this movie.
Clint Eastwood’s power play: Actor who changed the course of a film
Philip Kaufmanwas known for his dedication to accurate adaptations of source material, and he had been given the task of bringing to life Forrest Carter’s novel,Gone to Texas. However,Clint Eastwoodwas not the only star inThe Outlaw Josey Wales, but also produced it through his Malpaso Studio; he grew increasingly impatient with Kaufman’s detailed focus.
Philip would have liked to push them into the background, but Eastwood opposed this: he invested his own money in the production and believed that he had the right to direct the process. As a result, the filming was accompanied by constant bickering.
“One of the studio execs thought it was going to be a flop”: Clint Eastwood’s Riskiest Movie Decision Turned Out to be a Surprise Hit That Could Have Easily Ended His Career
The delays caused by Kaufman’s perfectionism created tension on set, with both the professionals at loggerheads over the film’s direction.A report by Startefactrevealed that the actor finally had enough and took control.
“When I saw the stool sitting there, it gave me the idea”: Only Clint Eastwood Would Have Gotten Away Without an Apology After Publicly Mocking a US President That Hollywood Absolutely Loves
Once when the director was absent from sets, theCry Machoactor shot a scene by himself and soon changed locations without Kaufman. He even managed to convince producer Robert Daley to fire the filmmaker.
The Guild strikes back: How the DGA protected its own
However, this decision came at a steep cost. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) was already weary of the wilful dismissal of directors. On hearing of theHemingway & Gellhorndirector’s suspension, they fought back.
Subsequently, a new procedure was installed, with the ‘Eastwood Rule’. This prohibited directors from being fired mid-production without due credit.
Malpaso Studio was also forced to pay Kaufman a $60,000 fine for breach of contract. Later on, it became harder for others to influence a filmmaker’s fate and only a few cases like these occurred.
“This is a really good script, but it’s politically incorrect”: Clint Eastwood Was Adamant About Making 1 Movie That Many Warned Would Badly Backfire for Hurting Sentiments
This event marked a major turning point in Hollywood history, illustrating who owns more power between actors, directors, and producers. Eastwood’s actions showed how much weight a top actor carried while DGA’s reaction signaled what happens when you cross them.
“I was just really repulsed by what I read”: Clint Eastwood’s Best Intentions to Fight Racism Backfired Badly After His $270M Movie Co-Star Openly Criticized Him Years Later
The Outlaw Josey Walesis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
Shruti Pathak
Articles Published :286
An entertainment writer with a passion for storytelling that transcends genres, Shruti Pathak is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is also a devoted poetry enthusiast, exploring the beauty of language and emotion through verse. Obsessed with the show Friends, a self-proclaimed swiftie, and inspired by classical literature these are just some characteristics that describe the novice writer. Newly joining FandomWire as an intern writer, she hopes to share her thoughts while sharpening her writing skills on various entertainment topics.
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Clint EastwoodPhilip Kaufman
