The Impact of Improv on Miracle Max

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How 3 words completely changed a character

InCinematic

Nov 20, 2024

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Film & Animation

Improvisation transformed Miracle Max's character

  1. Billy Crystal was cast as Miracle Max in The Princess Bride, a character who worked for the king but was fired by the king's son. This backstory sets the stage for his comedic and memorable role.
  2. Director Rob Reiner instructed Billy Crystal to 'forget the lines,' allowing Crystal to improvise most of his dialogue. This decision significantly altered the character and added a unique comedic element to the film.
  3. Rob Reiner found Crystal's improvisation so hilarious that he had to leave the room during filming to avoid disrupting the scene with his laughter. This highlights the impact of Crystal's comedic talent on set.
  4. Miracle Max's character, although only on screen for about five minutes, became one of the most memorable parts of the film due to Crystal's improvisation and comedic delivery.
  5. Billy Crystal's improvisation included the famous 'MLT' line, referring to a mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, which became a fan favorite.
  6. The character's appearance was a collaborative creation between Crystal and makeup artist Peter Montagna, inspired by a mix of Casey Stengel, an old Yankee manager, and Crystal's grandmother.
  7. The improvisation led to a challenging filming process, as the cast had to remain still and hold their breath during takes, which were extended due to the unscripted nature of the scenes.
  8. Rob Reiner's decision to allow improvisation resulted in one of the most expensive scenes in the movie due to the amount of film used, but it was crucial in creating a memorable and beloved character.

Improvisation transformed a film scene

  1. Director Rob Reiner instructed Billy Crystal to 'forget the lines' during the filming of The Princess Bride, leading to a significant change in the character and scene dynamics.
  2. Billy Crystal improvised for three hours, turning a five-minute scene into a three-day shoot, with the sound department gradually removing crew members to prevent laughter from disrupting the filming.
  3. Rob Reiner, known for his distinctive laugh, was the first to be removed from the set, followed by other actors and crew members, to maintain the integrity of the scene.
  4. Actor Mandy Patinkin, who remained on set, suffered a bruised rib from trying to suppress his laughter during Crystal's performance, marking his only injury on the film.
  5. The improvisation led to many spoiled takes due to laughter, but it also resulted in one of cinema's funniest characters, showcasing the effectiveness of Reiner's actor-friendly directing style.
  6. The film is celebrated for its perfect cast, direction, and screenplay, with memorable lines and scenes that have become iconic in cinema history.