Director Ed Zwick has been causing a stir in Hollywood with his new tell-all book, “Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood,” where he dishes on actors such as Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and more. During an interview with Janice Min of the Ankler in Los Angeles, Zwick shared some additional details that were left out of the book, including an anecdote about Matthew Broderick’s mother criticizing his work on the film “Glory.”
Zwick revealed that he passed on the opportunity to direct the Oscar-winning film “Forrest Gump” because he didn’t understand the script. He admitted that he didn’t get the story and missed out on working with the talented writer Eric Roth. Additionally, Zwick expressed concerns about the future of Hollywood studios, particularly in light of Paramount’s sale and financial issues facing other major studios.
During his conversation with Min at Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica, Zwick shared insights into working with Hollywood celebrities. He discussed how Julia Roberts left the film “Shakespeare in Love” before Gwyneth Paltrow took over the role due to chemistry issues with male co-stars and her failure to work on the appropriate accent. Zwick also detailed a threatening encounter with Harvey Weinstein over a credit dispute related to the film.
Zwick’s book also reveals behind-the-scenes stories about working with actors like Brad Pitt, whom he described as easygoing but also volatile when provoked. Their disagreements on the set of “Legends of the Fall” led to intense arguments, with crewmembers disappearing as a result. Despite the conflicts, Zwick praised Pitt’s acting ability and acknowledged that the disputes were all in service of the film.
During Zwick’s LA event, former “SNL” star Amy Poehler was spotted peeking inside and asking about the crowded room. With Zwick’s candid comments about various actors and industry dynamics, it’s no surprise that his conversation was attracting attention from onlookers. Overall, Zwick’s book and subsequent interviews offer an inside look at the highs and lows of working in Hollywood and the challenges of collaborating with A-list talent.
