https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackFocus
Summary:
00:00 - The video discusses the challenges director Richard Donner faced working with the child actors on the set of the 1985 film The Goonies. Donner was frustrated by the constant rewrites, unpredictable weather, and managing the rowdy group of young actors.
02:05 - The child actors, including Shawn Astin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen, and Josh Brolin, were able to bring a lot of spontaneity and genuine camaraderie to their performances. Donner encouraged them to improvise and react naturally.
05:44 - The actors' ability to think on their feet and stay in character was crucial as the plot seemed to change daily. Donner would often give them last-minute changes or new lines to memorize.
07:28 - The child actors' natural dialogue and overlapping conversations added authenticity, though it was a challenge for the sound mixer.
09:16 - Donner encouraged genuine reactions from the actors, even if it meant putting them through some emotional distress, like telling Jeff Cohen to imagine his mother dying.
11:02 - There were also allegations that the production may have manipulated actor Jeff Cohen's diet to keep him overweight for the role.
12:53 - Donner went to great lengths to get the cast's authentic reactions, like forbidding them from seeing the massive pirate ship set until the filming of that reveal scene.
14:41 - The constant challenges and long shooting schedule began to take a toll, leading to tensions and arguments among the cast members.
16:28 - Despite the difficulties, Donner was able to maintain control of the set and keep the child actors listening to him, using catchphrases like "Why am I waiting?" and "Hip hop, hip hop."
20:12 - By the end of the shoot, the cast had bonded and developed a close camaraderie, even though they had gotten on each other's nerves at times.
22:08 - The director's commentary for the film is described as chaotic and fun, with the cast members joking and reminiscing about their experiences.
24:07 - The video concludes by noting that despite the challenges, the cast's bond and energy will likely carry over to any potential Goonies sequel.