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The scene where Nick (Christopher Walken) spits in Michael's (Robert De Niro) face was improvised. De Niro didn't know it would happen and nearly left the set.
De Niro claims that this was his most physically exhausting film.
De Niro prepared for his role by socializing with actual steelworkers and was introduced by his hosts as Bob. No one recognized him.
De Niro and John Savage performed their own stunts. They filmed the 30 foot drop 15 times in two days.
Meryl Streep threatened to quit when she learned that the studio wanted to replace John Cazale, due to his having cancer. He died shortly after filming was completed.
During some of the Russian Roulette scenes, a live round was put into the gun to heighten the actors' tension. The crew always made sure that the live round was never in the chamber, though.
The slapping in the Russian Roulette scenes was 100% authentic. The actors grew very agitated by this, which added to the realism. |
