27 Mind-Blowing Facts About The Princess Bride That Will Blow Your Mind
Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of The Princess Bride, a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Directed by the legendary Rob Reiner and written by the brilliant William Goldman, based on his novel, this movie is a masterpiece of storytelling and a testament to the power of imagination. But there's more to this beloved film than meets the eye. Prepare to uncover 27 fascinating facts that will leave you in awe and make you appreciate the magic behind the scenes.
- A Bookish Beginning: Rob Reiner's journey with The Princess Bride began with a gift from his father, Carl Reiner. He received a copy of the book by William Goldman, which quickly became his favorite read and Goldman his favorite author. This personal connection fueled Reiner's passion for bringing the story to life.
- Executive Disapproval: After Reiner's initial success with 'This is Spinal Tap' and 'The Sure Thing', an executive initially disapproved of his choice to adapt 'The Princess Bride'. But Reiner's determination prevailed.
- Norman Lear's Support: The producer of 'All in the Family', Norman Lear, funded the movie, even cutting his own and the cast's salaries to fit the budget. Lear's support was crucial to the film's realization.
- Author's Approval: Reiner's highlight was securing William Goldman's approval for his vision, a testament to the author's trust in the director.
- Westley's Perfect Casting: Reiner's search for Westley led him to Cary Elwes, who impressed him with his looks and humor in 'Lady Jane'.
- Buttercup's Last-Minute Casting: Robin Wright was cast as Buttercup just a week before filming began, and William Goldman loved her immediately.
- Vizzini's Unlikely Casting: Wallace Shawn, not Danny DeVito, was chosen for Vizzini due to his hilarious audition, despite Reiner's initial doubts.
- Imitating Reiner: Wallace Shawn's performance was heavily influenced by imitating Reiner's mannerisms.
- Character Selection: Billy Crystal and Mandy Patinkin chose their characters, Miracle Max and Inigo Montoya, respectively, after Reiner sent them the script.
- Feizzik's Inspiration: William Goldman envisioned Andre the Giant as Fezzik, and Reiner agreed, despite the challenges of casting.
- Andre's English Challenge: Andre struggled with English, so Reiner recorded his lines, and Andre memorized them.
- Film Locations: Haddon Hall and Penshurst Palace were key filming locations, transforming England into a magical setting.
- Cast Camaraderie: The cast stayed together, socializing and eating at the same hotel and Reiner's rented house during filming.
- Cary's Broken Toe: Cary Elwes injured his toe riding an ATV with Andre the Giant, affecting his performance.
- Christopher Guest's Mischief: Christopher Guest's sword-clashing noises during fight scenes with Mandy Patinkin kept ruining takes.
- Mandy's Emotional Performance: Mandy Patinkin drew on his grief for his father when playing Inigo Montoya, finding healing in the process.
- Pre-Film Preparation: Billy Crystal and Carol Kane met to develop backstories for their characters, a crucial step in their performances.
- Makeup Magic: Billy Crystal's makeup, inspired by his grandmother and Casey Stengel, took hours to apply, starting at 2 am.
- Improvements and Laughter: Both Billy Crystal and Carol Kane improvised their lines, with Reiner and Patinkin struggling to control their laughter.
- Andre's Warmth: Andre the Giant rested his hands on Robin Wright's head to keep her warm during forest shoots.
- Back Problems: Andre's chronic back problems meant he couldn't carry weight, requiring creative solutions for his on-screen roles.
- Mandy's Emotional Reaction: Mandy Patinkin cried when he first saw the movie, overwhelmed by his contribution.
- Marketing Mystery: The studio's struggle with marketing led to no trailer release, adding to the movie's mystique.
- Saving Lives: Rob Reiner shared a heartwarming anecdote about a fan whose life was saved by the movie, a testament to its impact.
These facts reveal the dedication and creativity that went into making The Princess Bride a timeless classic. From casting challenges to emotional performances, the making of this film is as captivating as the story itself. So, the next time you watch it, remember these behind-the-scenes tales and appreciate the magic that makes The Princess Bride so special.
