Moments of Movie Improv
It’s generally accepted that movies are written by talented people who sometimes work on scripts for years before filming begins. However, some of the most iconic and memorable moments on screen were not originally written in the script. They emerged from the spontaneous creativity and improvisational skills of talented actors who brought their characters to life in unexpected ways. These improvised scenes not only showcase the actors' brilliance but also add a layer of authenticity and spontaneity to the films we love. Let's take a journey through some of these remarkable instances where improvisation turned ordinary scenes into cinematic gems.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Heath Ledger as The Joker: In Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight," Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker is hauntingly unforgettable. One of the most famous improvised scenes occurs when The Joker claps in a jail cell, right after Commissioner Gordon has promoted Harvey Dent to Lieutenant. The clapping was not in the script; it was entirely Ledger's idea, and it added a chilling intensity to the character's unpredictability.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Robin Williams as Dr. Sean McGuire: In the emotionally charged drama "Good Will Hunting," Robin Williams delivered a poignant performance as therapist Sean Maguire. During a pivotal scene, Williams' character recounts a heartfelt story about his late wife's flatulence, which was completely improvised. His ability to seamlessly blend humor with deep emotional resonance added a layer of authenticity to the character's wisdom and vulnerability, earning Williams an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Jaws (1975)
Roy Scheider as Chief Brody: Steven Spielberg's thriller "Jaws" is filled with suspenseful moments, but one of the most iconic lines from the film was improvised by actor Roy Scheider. As Chief Brody witnesses the immense size of the shark for the first time, he famously reacts with the line, "You're gonna need a bigger boat." Scheider's spontaneous delivery captured the audience's shock and fear, turning a simple line into a lasting cinematic catchphrase.
The Shining (1980)
Jack Nicholson as Jack Toorance: Stanley Kubrick's psychological horror masterpiece "The Shining" features Jack Nicholson in a chilling portrayal of Jack Torrance. During the famous "Here's Johnny!" scene, where Jack breaks through a bathroom door with an ax, Nicholson improvised the line as a nod to Johnny Carson's famous introduction on "The Tonight Show." His manic delivery added a disturbingly humorous touch to an already intense moment, solidifying the scene as one of the film's most memorable.
Ghostbusters (1984)
- Rick Moranis as Louis Tully: Ivan Reitman’s masterpiece is known for many things, but the ensemble cast shines throughout the movie. One of the lesser characters, who turns into a major character, is Louis Tully, vies for the interest of Dana Barrett before turning into the keymaster himself. One of the movie’s funniest scene was all made up. Louis Tully's party scene where he eventually comes face to face with the Terror Dog started with Reitman’s joke of throwing the coat on the dog that’s in Tully’s bedroom. With that idea in mind, Moranis, a talented improv-er himself, made it all up as he went along. Pretty great to be able to upstage a ghost, terror dog by just making up quirks about guests’ mortgage and an invitations to play parchcheesi