Burt Reynolds: The Movie He Quit Halfway Through

Burt Reynolds, a name synonymous with Hollywood’s golden era, boasted an extensive resume filled with memorable performances. While his charisma often shone brightly, not every project captured his full dedication. This article delves into one such instance: the movie ‘Stick,’ a film Reynolds openly admitted to abandoning halfway through production. The story behind ‘Stick’ is a tale of creative frustration, studio interference, and an actor’s disillusionment, revealing a rare glimpse into the challenges faced even by seasoned stars.

Adapted from Elmore Leonard’s novel, ‘Stick’ held great promise for Reynolds, who felt a strong connection to the source material and the Florida setting. However, studio meddling and a difficult reshoot process led to Reynolds losing faith in the project, resulting in a performance he himself deemed lackluster. Let’s explore the circumstances that led to Reynolds’ departure and the ultimate fate of ‘Stick,’ a film that remains a footnote in the actor’s otherwise illustrious career.

Reynolds’ Initial Passion for ‘Stick’

Burt Reynolds initially felt a strong connection to Elmore Leonard’s novel ‘Stick.’ He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, ‘I wanted to make that movie as soon as I read the book. I respected Leonard’s work. I felt I knew that Florida way of life, having been raised in the state. And I was that guy!’ This quote highlights Reynolds’ initial investment in the project and his belief that he was the right actor to bring the character to life. His understanding of the setting and admiration for Leonard’s writing fueled his desire to make the film a success.

Reynolds’ vision for ‘Stick’ aligned with the gritty realism of Leonard’s novels. He aimed to capture the essence of the Florida underworld and create a compelling crime drama. However, this vision would soon clash with the expectations of the studio, setting the stage for the challenges that ultimately led to Reynolds’ disillusionment.

Studio Interference and Reshoots

The production of ‘Stick’ took a turn for the worse when studio executives expressed dissatisfaction with Reynolds’ initial cut of the film. According to Reynolds, ‘I turned in my cut of the picture and truly thought I had made a good film. Word got back to me quickly that the people in the Black Tower [producers of Universal] wanted a few changes.’ This marked the beginning of a series of interventions that would ultimately derail Reynolds’ vision for the project.

The studio’s primary demand was a complete reshoot of the second half of the film. This request was a significant blow to Reynolds, who felt that his original cut accurately reflected the spirit of the novel. Faced with the daunting task of reshooting a substantial portion of the movie, Reynolds began to lose his enthusiasm for the project.

Reynolds’ Decision to ‘Phone It In’

Faced with the studio’s demands for extensive reshoots, Burt Reynolds made the decision to disengage from the creative process. He admitted, ‘I gave up on the film. I didn’t fight them. I let them get the best of me.’ This statement reveals Reynolds’ resignation and his choice to simply go through the motions rather than continue battling the studio for control of the film. This decision, though understandable given the circumstances, ultimately had a detrimental effect on the quality of the final product.

Reynolds’ disengagement stemmed from a sense of defeat and a lack of faith in the studio’s vision for the film. He felt that the reshoots would compromise the integrity of the story and dilute the essence of Elmore Leonard’s novel. Rather than expend further energy fighting for his original vision, Reynolds chose to fulfill his contractual obligations and move on.

Elmore Leonard’s Disapproval

The final blow to ‘Stick’ came with Elmore Leonard’s scathing review of the film. Reynolds recounted, ‘Leonard saw the film the day he was interviewed for a Newsweek cover and told them he hated it. After his comment, every critic attacked the film, and he wouldn’t talk to me.’ Leonard’s disapproval was a devastating blow to Reynolds, who had initially sought to honor the author’s work. The negative reaction from the creator further solidified Reynolds’ disappointment with the project.

Leonard’s criticism not only damaged the film’s reputation but also strained the relationship between the author and the actor. Reynolds expressed regret over the situation, stating, ‘When I reshot the film, I was just going through the motions. I’m not proud of what I did, but I take responsibility for my actions. All I can say–and this is not in way a defence—is if you liked the first part of ‘Stick,’ that’s what I was trying to achieve throughout.’

The Film’s Critical and Commercial Failure

As a result of the creative struggles and negative reviews, ‘Stick’ was a critical and commercial failure. The film was panned by critics for its uneven tone, weak plot, and Reynolds’ uninspired performance. Audiences also stayed away, resulting in a disappointing box office return. ‘Stick’ became a low point in Reynolds’ career, a film he would later admit to regretting.

The failure of ‘Stick’ served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of studio interference and the importance of maintaining creative control. Reynolds’ experience with the film highlighted the challenges faced by actors when their artistic vision clashes with the demands of studio executives. The film’s legacy is a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability in Hollywood.

Lessons Learned from ‘Stick’

The story of Burt Reynolds and ‘Stick’ offers valuable insights into the complexities of filmmaking and the challenges faced by actors in the Hollywood system. It underscores the importance of creative control, the potential pitfalls of studio interference, and the impact of an actor’s commitment on the final product. While ‘Stick’ may be a forgettable film in Reynolds’ filmography, its story serves as a reminder of the human element behind the silver screen.

In conclusion, ‘Stick’ represents a rare instance of Burt Reynolds losing his passion for a project, resulting in a film that failed to live up to its potential. The experience taught Reynolds valuable lessons about the importance of standing up for his artistic vision and the consequences of compromising his creative integrity. While ‘Stick’ may not be a highlight of Reynolds’ career, it remains a significant chapter in the story of a Hollywood icon.