It is uncommon for two of the most illustrious filmmakers in the business to turn down a famous actor’s request in the glittering world of Hollywood, where celebrities sometimes hold great power. However, A-list actor Matt Damon had precisely this experience when he twice found himself on the receiving end of Clint Eastwood’s unyielding work ethic.
First Encounter: Matt Damon and Clint Eastwood’s Unconventional Filmmaking Dynamic
When Matt Damon and Clint Eastwood worked together on the drama films Invictus and Hereafter in 2010, it was Matt Damon’s first exposure to Clint Eastwood’s straightforward style of filming. It was understandable that the actor, who had the challenging role of a South African in Invictus, was anxious. The first take of the shoot proceeded without a hitch. At that point, according to The Digital Fix, Eastwood uttered his catchphrase,
“Cut, print, check the gate.”
In other words, we are continuing.
Damon, though, had doubts and thought he could perform better. He plucked up the nerve to seek a retake from Clint Eastwood and was rewarded with an answer that was just as witty as Clint Eastwood’s on-screen personas. Eastwood said,
“Why? Do you intend to waste everyone’s time?”
He made it quite apparent that he did not support the habit of wasting time on pointless retakes.
It is surely a bitter pill to chew for any performer to be denied the chance to alter a scene they believed might be done better. But it seems like Damon had to learn this lesson from Clint Eastwood the hard way. Eastwood did not adopt Damon’s strict position on retakes; rather, he maintained it throughout his long and distinguished career.
Box Office Triumph: ‘Invictus’ and Clint Eastwood’s Impact on Damon
Invictus, a sports drama set on the 1995 Rugby World Cup and praised by both reviewers and viewers, starred Damon and Morgan Freeman in significant roles. The movie’s popularity was demonstrated by its gross receipts, which exceeded $122.2 million while having a production expenditure of $50–60 million.
Despite their early disagreement over retakes, Matt Damon found working with Clint Eastwood on Invictus to be a treasured experience. The actor was profoundly affected by Clint Eastwood’s commitment to his craft, which was exemplified by a focus on getting the scene perfect the first time.
Damon’s Quest to Reach Eastwood
Eastwood, who is currently 93 years old, has long upheld a set of values that go beyond the screen, such as his devotion to his family. When Matt Damon contacted Eastwood to inquire about his part in Invictus, he was unable to get through since Eastwood was away with his family at the time. Later, the actor said that Warner Bros. and Alan Horn were responsible for convincing him to accept the part of Francois Pienaar in the movie.