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A surprising moment on the set of “Men in Black”
A memorable incident during filming
In a recent podcast appearance on “Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa,” Barry Sonnenfeld, the director of the 1997 action-comedy “Men in Black”, shared a humorous and unexpected story from the set. The film, which starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, was a massive success, grossing $584 million worldwide and cementing Smith’s status as a global superstar. However, not all moments on set were as glamorous as the film’s box office performance.
The scene that led to an evacuation
The incident in question occurred during the filming of a high-speed car chase scene. In this sequence, Smith and Jones were required to be “hermetically sealed” inside a pod that represented their transforming car. This setup was necessary to achieve the desired special effects, but it also created a confined space for the actors.
Sonnenfeld recounted, “There are locks to prevent it from opening and falling. I say, ‘Roll camera.’ And I hear Will Smith go, ‘Oh Jesus, so sorry. Tommy, so sorry. Baz, get the ladder.’ And you hear Tommy saying, ‘That’s fine, Will. No worries, Will. Don’t worry, Will.’ Anyway, I don’t know what’s gone on, right?”
The unexpected culprit
As the crew rushed to assist, it became clear what had happened. Sonnenfeld continued, “So we race the ladder over. Yeah, Tommy reaches his leg out as the ladder is coming over, races down the stairs. And what happened was, Will Smith is a farter. It’s just some people are. And you really don’t want to be inside a very small hermetically sealed space with a Will Smith fart. You don’t even want to be sitting next to him at the Disney ranch.”
The situation was so intense that the set had to be evacuated for about three hours. Despite the disruption, Sonnenfeld spoke fondly of Smith, noting, “No, he’s, you know, a lovely guy. Just, he farts. Some do, some don’t.”
The legacy of “Men in Black”
“Men in Black” was a groundbreaking film that combined science fiction with comedy, creating a unique cinematic experience. The movie’s success led to two sequels, “Men in Black II” in 2002 and “Men in Black 3” in 2012, both directed by Sonnenfeld and starring Smith. Although neither sequel matched the box office heights of the original, they continued to build on the franchise’s legacy.
For those interested in revisiting the original film, you can watch the trailer here.
Behind the scenes insights
This anecdote offers a glimpse into the lighter side of filmmaking, where even the most professional sets can experience unexpected and humorous moments. It also highlights the camaraderie and good humor that often exist among cast and crew members, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Sonnenfeld’s story is a reminder that behind every blockbuster film, there are countless untold stories and moments that contribute to the final product. These behind-the-scenes insights enrich our understanding and appreciation of the movies we love.
Reflecting on the industry
The film industry is known for its demanding schedules and high-pressure environments. Incidents like the one Sonnenfeld described are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of filmmakers and actors. They also underscore the importance of maintaining a sense of humor and perspective, even when things don’t go as planned.
As the industry continues to evolve, stories like these remind us of the human element at the heart of filmmaking. They offer a window into the experiences and personalities that shape the movies we enjoy.
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