Did You Know?
Jump to:
Spoilers (2)
When trying out for the role of the altar boy, Edward Norton went into the audition in character, complete with stutters and all, and this won his role.
Share this
Both Wil Wheaton and Leonardo DiCaprio turned down the part of Aaron Stempler. Wheaton turned down the role because he didn't want to put off his acting school and when his manager urged him to take the role anyway he told him "It is like Luke Skywalker when Yoda told him not to go and save his friends but to stay on Dagobah and learn to be a Jedi instead. Luke didn't listen to him and that's why he never became true Jedi master." Later Wil Wheaton regretted turning this role down, saying that this was a crucial factor why his career never got to be a successful one.
Share this
Leonardo DiCaprio was the producer's original choice for Aaron/Roy, who ultimately turned it down.
Share this
According to the Blu-ray behind-the-scenes information, the original rough cut of the film ran 3 hrs 15 min, including more detailed exposition of Aaron's small-town country life and discussions with his former junior high school teacher. The scenes were cut partly for running time and partly to avoid the producers 'tipping their hand" and alerting the audience to the ultimate ending.
Share this
According to the Blu-ray behind the scenes information, the ending exposition was running over 6 pages, and the writers realized that would take far too long. Richard Gere and Edward Norton began to improv with it - encouraged by the director and writer - and pared the scene down to less than 2 pages with a much crisper ending.
Share this
Spoilers
According to the Blu-ray behind-the-scenes information, a second ending was considered during which Marty Vail would get Aaron/Roy back into court and justice would be done, vindicating him. The idea was scrapped in favor of the egotistical Vail getting outsmarted by what appeared to be a dim country hick.
Share this
According to the Blu-ray behind-the-scenes information, it was Edward Norton's idea to stutter as "Aaron", as it appeared nowhere in the original book or script. In addition, when "Roy" shoves Vail (Richard Gere) against the prison cell wall, Gere's shocked reaction is genuine, as that was another Norton ad-lib. Yet another Norton ad-lib is Roy's slow clap at the end just before the exposition when Vail realized what had happened.
Share this
