Oliver Stone, director of the film “Natural Born Killers,” recently revealed some behind-the-scenes drama involving Robert Downey Jr. during the movie’s production. According to Stone, Downey improvised a lewd and controversial gag involving fake blood and his shirt tails, which Stone initially found distasteful. However, after a change of heart, Stone decided to keep the gag in the film. Downey’s character in the movie is a tabloid TV journalist, and the actor himself battled addiction during the production.
“Natural Born Killers,” written by Quentin Tarantino in 1994, follows a couple on a murder spree who gain notoriety as tabloid stars. Downey plays a TV journalist who covers their story. Stone revealed that Downey was not the only one indulging in recreational drug use on set, saying that it was a chaotic environment with actors on different types of “trips.” Woody Harrelson, who also starred in the film, joked that he was the “Mother Teresa” of the group, as he was reportedly the one doing the least amount of drugs during filming.
Despite the chaotic atmosphere on set, the film was ultimately completed and released, becoming a provocative and controversial piece of cinema. Downey’s improvisation, while initially raising concerns from Stone, made it into the final cut of the movie. The film explores themes of violence, media sensationalism, and the cult of celebrity, making it a highly polarizing and thought-provoking work of art.
The production of “Natural Born Killers” was marked by intense creativity and risk-taking, as evidenced by Downey’s improvisation and the general atmosphere of drug use on set. Despite the challenges faced during filming, the movie was ultimately successful and has since become a cult classic. The cast’s willingness to push boundaries and explore dark and controversial themes contributed to the film’s lasting impact on popular culture.
In the years since its release, “Natural Born Killers” has been praised for its bold storytelling and visual style, as well as criticized for its controversial content. The film continues to be a point of discussion and debate among critics and audiences alike, highlighting the power of cinema to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. Downey’s performance, along with the rest of the cast, has been commended for their commitment to bringing the characters and story to life in a daring and unforgettable way.
Overall, the behind-the-scenes revelations about “Natural Born Killers” shed light on the intense and unconventional nature of the film’s production. The chaos and creativity that defined the making of the movie ultimately contributed to its status as a provocative and enduring piece of cinema. Downey’s improvisation and the actors’ willingness to take risks resulted in a film that continues to captivate and challenge audiences three decades after its release.
