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Feb 10, 2024

"I understand gulags": After Filling $84M Movie Set With Urine Jars, Robert Downey Jr. Won't Ever Work With 1 Director

byPrantik Prabal RoyAugust 19, 2023, 9:13 am Collaborations between actors and directors can result in some of the most memorable and commercially successful movies in the history of Hollywood, Things

byPrantik Prabal RoyAugust 19, 2023, 9:13 am

Collaborations between actors and directors can result in some of the most memorable and commercially successful movies in the history of Hollywood, Things aren’t always easy when two talented people come together but different working approaches.

Such was the case when Robert Downey Jr. and one famed director teamed up for a movie. Robert Downey Jr. recalls a humorous incident that happened on the Zodiac set. Working with the movie’s director, according to Downey, requires perseverance and commitment to perfection, even if it means doing 40 or 50 takes.

Also Read: “Let’s trap him in a betrayal of the mentally ill”: David Fincher Blamed Christopher Nolan for Record-Breaking $1B DC Movie Mocking Mental Illness That’s Set for Sequel

David Fincher is well known for keeping his crews on set for sometimes more than 12 hours at a stretch during his intense shooting schedules. And, Robert Downey Jr. found it tough there collaborating with Fincher for Zodiac. Downey informed the director that he “could not work like this” because he was “on his feet” for 14 hours each day.

According to rumors, Downey used leaving urine-filled jars around the set as a sort of protest. Was this a dig at how little time he had for bathroom breaks due to the tight schedule? Given that he is the son of a renowned filmmaker, Downey certainly recognizes the value of a respectful film schedule.

“I just decided, aside from several times I wanted to garrote him that I was going to give him what he wanted. I think I’m a perfect person to work for him because I understand gulags.”

Zodiac is a detective movie that tells the story of the manhunt of the real-life serial murderer known as the Zodiac Killer, whose brutality stunned the world in 1969.

Downey Jr. played the role of crime reporter Paul Avery in the film alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as political cartoonist Robert Graysmith. Zodiac earned acclaim throughout the years and is often regarded as one of the finest films the criminal genre has to offer.

Also Read: “That’s RDJ? Since, ah, WHEN?!?!”: Both Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth Were Shocked to See Robert Downey Jr.’s Jacked Biceps in $623M Movie

David Fincher has established himself as a modern cinematic master by upholding his own obsessionally exacting standards. He is known for his meticulously made movies and distinctive style. Fincher has worked with many great actors like Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Daniel Craig, and Andrew Garfield.

One of the hallmarks of Fincher’s work is his meticulous attention to detail. He is known for leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the visual elements of his films.

Fincher’s relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in his penchant for numerous takes. He has been known to shoot scenes dozens or even hundreds of times until he is satisfied with the result. This dedication can be grueling for actors and crew members but ultimately yields remarkable performances and visuals.

Before the SAG-AFTRA strike, Downey revealed how thorough Fincher can be in an interview with Vanity Fair by sharing a humorous anecdote about a time when the director wasn’t getting what he wanted.

“Working with David Fincher, you will learn that you’re more durable than you thought. A scene can devolve into where it just feels really perfunctory and you’re kind of almost on automatonic mode. But it doesn’t matter because the craft of trying to get things done, like there was a scene where he was trying to get it done in one shot and we had to have done 40 or 50 takes and people were a little bit exasperated.”

With Zodiac, Fincher’s approach paid off, and a genuine classic was delivered.

Also Read: “It’s just not going to work”: Before Chadwick Boseman, Denzel Washington Helped Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man Co-Star Land His Hollywood Dream in $22M Movie Against Director’s Wish

Source: Far Out

David FincherRobert Downey Jr.

Prantik Prabal Roy is a writer at Fandomwire. With an experience of over 4 years in content writing industry and a Master's degree in English literature, he continues to write about your favorite Hollywood celebs and keeps a close watch on their every move to provide intriguing perspectives for the readers. He likes reading, watching movies and traveling. When not working, you will find him obsessing over Leonardo DiCaprio and reading some books on space and sports.