Barry Sonnenfeld on ‘Get Shorty,’ John Travolta, and the Art of Letting the Audience Laugh
Barry Sonnenfeld, the acclaimed director behind iconic films like Get Shorty, the Men in Black trilogy, and The Addams Family, recently shared candid insights into his career, offering a captivating look at his experiences working with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. His reflections reveal not just behind-the-scenes anecdotes, but a clear philosophy on comedy, adaptation, and the importance of trusting your instincts – and your spouse.
Navigating On-Set personalities: Travolta, Hackman, and Russo
Sonnenfeld’s career is marked by a knack for directing strong personalities. He readily discusses the challenges and rewards of working with actors like John Travolta, Gene Hackman, and Rene Russo.
He fondly remembers Russo, praising her professionalism on films like Lethal Weapon 3, Tin Cup, and The Thomas Crown Affair. “Rene is perfection,” Sonnenfeld states, contrasting her ease with the more demanding approaches of some co-stars. “I had two kinds of actors on Get Shorty; Delroy, Gene and John were all hard to work with, but Rene and Dennis were easy. I wish I could have worked with them every single time I directed.”
The dynamic on Get Shorty was particularly memorable. While Hackman could be intimidating, Travolta presented a different kind of challenge: line flubs. however, Sonnenfeld recounts a surprisingly effective – if unconventional – method Travolta used to help Russo with her lines.
* Russo struggled to remember her lines one day.
* Travolta “helped” by repeatedly dropping her script sides onto the floor.
* When Russo questioned the method, Travolta explained he was giving her “the freedom to not worry about the words.”
* russo’s insightful response – “John, knowing the words is freedom” – highlighted the importance of preparation and confidence.
Sonnenfeld clearly admired Russo’s quick wit and understanding of the craft.
The delicate Balance of Comedy: Get Shorty and Be Cool
Sonnenfeld’s directorial style hinges on a specific comedic principle: letting the situation – or the writing – be funny,rather then forcing the actors to play for laughs. Get Shorty exemplifies this approach.
“Get Shorty is the perfect example of a comedy where no one gets to be funny,” he explains. “The actors play it straight and leave it to the audience to find the comedy either as the words are funny or the situation is absurd.”
This philosophy informed his decision to decline directing the 2005 sequel, be Cool.He felt the follow-up attempted to be funny, losing the subtle brilliance of the original. Travolta ended up being the sole returning cast member, with F. Gary Grey taking the helm.Gray also directed 2019’s Men in Black: International, another sequel that didn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessors.
Adapting Elmore Leonard: Choices and Opportunities
Sonnenfeld’s career is deeply intertwined with the work of Elmore Leonard, the master of cool, laconic crime fiction. Beyond Get Shorty, he was offered the prospect to adapt another Leonard novel, Out of Sight.
Though, he ultimately chose to direct Men in Black rather. this decision came about thanks to his wife, Sweetie, who saw Steven Soderbergh’s quirky film Schizopolis and promptly recognized his talent.
“She came home and told me, ‘That’s the guy who should direct Out of Sight!'” Sonnenfeld recalls with affection. “She’s definitely the better half of this marriage.” Out of Sight went on to become a critical and commercial success, further cementing Leonard’s cinematic legacy and launching George clooney into superstardom.
Sonnenfeld’s story underscores the importance of collaboration, trusting your instincts, and recognizing talent – both in front of and behind the camera. His experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers and a fascinating glimpse into the world of Hollywood filmmaking. He demonstrates a clear understanding of what makes a film truly resonate with audiences: strong characters,clever writing,and a director who