Get ready to embark on a magical journey behind the scenes of one of the most beloved films of all time, The Princess Bride. This movie, directed by the legendary Rob Reiner and adapted from William Goldman's novel, is a true masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences young and old. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: the story behind its creation is just as enchanting as the film itself.
The Gift of a Lifetime
It all began with a gift from Rob Reiner's father, Carl Reiner, who presented him with a copy of The Princess Bride by William Goldman. Little did they know, this gift would spark a lifelong passion and set the course for one of Reiner's most celebrated works. Goldman's novel quickly became Reiner's favorite, and he found himself captivated by the author's unique storytelling.
A Dream Come True (or Not?)
After Reiner's successful ventures with This is Spinal Tap and The Sure Thing, he met with an executive who offered him a unique opportunity: the chance to make any movie he desired. With this green light, Reiner expressed his wish to adapt The Princess Bride. However, the executive's response was less than enthusiastic, saying, "Anything but that." But Reiner's determination and vision prevailed, and the rest, as they say, is cinematic history.
Funding a Dream
The funding for this ambitious project came from an unexpected source: Norman Lear, the producer of All in the Family, a show on which Reiner had acted. Lear, who had previously backed Reiner's debut, This is Spinal Tap, once again showed his faith in the director. Yet, even with this support, Reiner had to make sacrifices, cutting his own salary and those of the cast to fit the modest budget.
Author's Blessing
One of the most significant moments for Reiner was gaining the approval of author William Goldman for his vision of the movie. This endorsement was a career highlight for Reiner, solidifying his connection to the source material and ensuring the film's authenticity.
Casting the Perfect Ensemble
The casting process for The Princess Bride was a journey in itself. Reiner's keen eye for talent led him to discover the perfect actors for each role. Cary Elwes, with his charming presence and a touch of humor, was an obvious choice for Westley. Robin Wright, one of the last actresses seen for the role of Buttercup, left a lasting impression, with Goldman himself declaring, "That's what I wrote."
But it wasn't just the leads who stood out. Wallace Shawn, originally not Reiner's first choice for Vizzini, won the part with his hilarious audition. And Reiner's best friend, Billy Crystal, was given free rein to choose his character, resulting in the iconic Miracle Max.
Andre the Giant: A Perfect Fit
William Goldman had a specific vision for the character of Fezzik, and he saw it realized in Andre the Giant. Reiner agreed that no one else could embody this role as perfectly as Andre, despite his limited fluency in English. To overcome this language barrier, Reiner recorded all of Andre's lines, which the actor studied diligently.
On Location: England
The film's production took the crew across England, with Haddon Hall serving as the primary location for Prince Humperdinck's castle. Interior shots were filmed at Penshurst Palace, adding to the movie's majestic atmosphere.
A Cast That Bonded
During filming, the cast stayed at the same hotel, fostering a sense of camaraderie. They often dined and socialized together, either at the hotel or at Reiner's rented house, creating a tight-knit family atmosphere.
Injuries and Improvisation
Filming wasn't without its challenges. Cary Elwes suffered a broken toe after an ATV accident with Andre the Giant, an injury he endured throughout much of the shoot. And Billy Crystal and Carol Kane's makeup and prosthetics, inspired by Crystal's grandmother and baseball manager Casey Stengel, required an early start, with both actors beginning their days at 2 a.m. for three consecutive days of filming.
But the challenges didn't dampen the spirit of improvisation. Crystal and Kane, along with Mandy Patinkin, brought their unique humor and creativity to their roles, with Crystal's lines being almost entirely improvised. Reiner found it hard to keep a straight face, often having to leave the room due to his laughter. Patinkin, too, struggled to contain his amusement, bruising a rib in the process.
A Giant's Warmth
Despite his chronic back problems, Andre the Giant brought a unique warmth to the set. Between takes in the forest scenes, he would rest his large hands on Robin Wright's head to keep her warm, a gesture that added to the family-like atmosphere on set.
Overcoming Physical Limitations
Andre's back issues presented a unique challenge, as his character Fezzik was supposed to be a formidable physical presence. To overcome this, the production team employed creative solutions. When Fezzik carries Buttercup, Wright was actually hooked up to cables, and during the wrestling scene with Westley, Elwes walked on special ramps to simulate the weight and movement.
A Tearful Experience
For Mandy Patinkin, seeing the final cut of the movie was an emotional experience. He cried, not out of sadness, but out of sheer joy and pride at being a part of such a special project.
Marketing Woes
The studio faced a unique challenge when it came to marketing The Princess Bride. So stumped were they about how to promote it that they didn't even release a trailer! This lack of traditional marketing, however, didn't diminish the film's impact, as it went on to become a beloved classic.
A Life-Saving Film
And finally, one of the most heartwarming anecdotes Reiner received from a fan was that The Princess Bride had saved her life. This powerful impact is a testament to the film's enduring appeal and its ability to touch people's hearts.
The Princess Bride is a film that continues to enchant and inspire, and its behind-the-scenes story is just as captivating. From its humble beginnings to its impact on audiences, this movie is a true testament to the magic of cinema.
