During an interview in honor of the 30th anniversary of “Natural Born Killers,” director Oliver Stone recalled a particularly wild and lewd improvisation by Robert Downey Jr. during the film’s production. Downey dipped his white shirt in fake blood and pulled the front tails through his pants zipper, mimicking a bloody penis in reference to the controversial Lorena Bobbitt case. Stone initially reprimanded Downey for going too far, but then changed his mind and instructed him to adjust the gag slightly, ultimately allowing it to be included in the film.
The 1994 film, written by Quentin Tarantino, follows a couple on an interstate murder spree who become tabloid stars. Downey played a shiesty Australian TV journalist in the film and battled addiction during production, only feeling awake between “Action and Cut.” Stone revealed that Downey was not the only one engaging in recreational drug use on set, with Woody Harrelson joking that he was the “Mother Teresa” of the crew for doing the least amount of drugs. Despite the chaotic atmosphere, Stone praised Harrelson as the most sane actor on set.
The interview shed light on the behind-the-scenes antics and chaotic atmosphere during the production of “Natural Born Killers,” with actors indulging in different types of trips and drug use. Despite the wild behavior, Stone and the cast managed to create a controversial and provocative film that captured the twisted romance and murder spree at the heart of the story. Downey’s improvisation and commitment to his role as a TV journalist added a layer of unpredictability and chaos to the film, reflecting the overall vibe of the production.
Stone’s revelation about the actors’ behavior on set provides insight into the challenges and dynamics of filming a controversial and edgy project like “Natural Born Killers.” The combination of intense scenes, improvisation, and drug use contributed to a unique and unpredictable filming experience that ultimately influenced the tone and atmosphere of the final product. Despite the chaotic nature of the production, the cast and crew managed to come together to create a film that remains a significant part of cinema history and continues to spark conversation and controversy three decades later.
