Artists often reminisce about their previous work with a tinge of regret. Nevertheless, dissatisfaction is uncommon before the public sees the final product. In the case of ‘The Hunger Games‘ star Woody Harrelson and the 2012 film ‘Rampart,’ the situation proved unfortunate for the actor, as the process proved particularly difficult.
Usually known for his laid-back personality, Harrelson had a dramatic emotional breakdown after seeing the results of the editing room work, which completely contradicted his expectations. Months of painstaking work on a particular character, only to have the whole idea shattered right in front of Harrelson’s eyes, was quite a torture. It broke the basic trust needed to create something new for him.
Woody Harrelson Had High Expectations
It is obvious that there were very high expectations for the film. Oren Moverman, the director of ‘Rampart,’ had already worked with Woody Harrelson on a 2009 movie, ‘The Messenger.’
This collaboration helped Moverman get nominated for Best Screenplay, while the lead actor received recognition for supporting the main character and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. As they had established a productive, creative connection, the second feature was considered to be an assured hit.
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In this movie, Harrelson played an experienced LA cop under pressure during the 90s scandal involving corrupt policemen. During filming, the actor never doubted his skills.
Afterward, he stated that he would even bet anyone that it would become one of the greatest films ever made. Sadly, things took an unexpected turn once Harrelson saw the final editing and found the result unacceptable.
A Strained Relationship And Festival Acceptance
Obviously, this disappointment affected the relationship between the two colleagues. There was a turbulent period of numerous letters in which Moverman encouraged his colleague to save their longtime friendship from this project. As for the actor, it came as a total shock, given how appealing the movie was throughout filming.
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“I was depressed, depressed beyond words. Because one thing I knew for certain when I was shooting this movie was, this is a great movie. I’d have bet anybody. I knew it was a great movie,” said Woody Harrelson in an interview with Fade In.
As for the film’s reception, he was utterly surprised to learn that it drew attention and received an invitation to participate in the Toronto International Film Festival.
Harrelson even suggested that the people organizing the event had lost their minds because of this movie. Of course, the feature received a fair share of positive reviews and gained some cult status among fans.
Nevertheless, this experience did not do the relationship any good, and Harrelson stopped working with Moverman right away.
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