Half-Assed Internet Research
Research covers the deleted Keating leukemia story, chronological filming, the cast living together, Williams’s regard for the film and Peter Weir, Cameron refusing the final desk stand, Hawke’s tense relationship with Williams, Delaware locations, a failed first production, and several cast connections.
In the discussion (15)
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:03Read transcript
- The original script reportedly had Keating dying of leukemia, which motivated his carpe diem outlook.
- Peter Weir removed the leukemia subplot, keeping Keating’s private life largely unexplained.
- The actors playing the students reportedly all lived together to forge a sense of community and friendship.
- The movie was shot chronologically so the relationships could develop in order.
- Robin Williams reportedly called it one of his favorite films and Peter Weir the best director he worked with.
- Robert Sean Leonard later played a doctor on House, matching Mr. Perry’s demand that Neil become a doctor.
- The actor who played Cameron vetoed having Cameron stand on the desk because it violated the character, and Weir agreed.
- Colin Irving, who played Chet Danbury, is identified as novelist John Irving’s son.
- Ethan Hawke believed Williams disliked him because Hawke resisted the improvisational joking while staying inside Todd’s reserve.
- Williams’s teasing reportedly generated improvised classroom material while supporting Hawke’s character.
- Josh Charles reportedly completed the bicycle ride down the hill in one take.
- The production moved from Georgia to Delaware because fake snow was too difficult or expensive.
- The studio once wanted the story made as a musical called Sultans of Strut.
- A first day of shooting collapsed when Williams, whose deal was unfinished, did not appear; the constructed sets were then burned.
- Josh Charles and James Waterston are reported as later appearing together in The Good Wife.