William H. Macy Endures Hypothermic Conditions While Filming “Pleasantville” in Malibu
Malibu might be known for its sunny beach vibes, but William H. Macy has a bone to pick with the picturesque coastal town. The acclaimed actor recently revealed the freezing conditions he encountered while shooting the beloved film “Pleasantville” directed by Gary Ross in 1998.
Macy, who portrayed the role of George Parker, recounted his experience shooting a memorable scene for the fantasy comedy. In the scene, his character arrives home to find his wife missing and no dinner waiting for him. Little did Macy know that he would battle extreme weather conditions for this particular shot.
“It was two nights of shooting in Malibu in January. It was cold,” Macy explained during a 2018 interview. He further described the set, which included gigantic cranes holding massive pipes pumping thousands of gallons of water. The production team had even constructed an entire street for the scene, allowing Macy to walk nearly a block. However, the rain was so intense that within seconds, Macy’s underwear and clothing were completely soaked.
As if the freezing rain wasn’t enough, Macy had to endure countless takes of the scene. “I froze to death, and we did take after take after take, and I screamed my voice away, ‘Where’s my dinner?!'” Macy said, comparing the experience to the iconic Shakespearean play, “King Lear.”
Despite enduring freezing temperatures and drenching rain, Macy’s dedication to the film went unnoticed. When he attended the premiere, he discovered that the majority of the scene showcasing his character’s plight was trimmed down dramatically. Macy humorously recounted the moment when Gary Ross, the director, revealed that he had cut most of the scene. “Then I saw the film. I walk out of the house, I look up and go, ‘Where’s my dinner?’ Cut! That was it. The rest of it never made it into the movie,” Macy shared.
However, braving the cold and rain was not the most challenging moment for Macy on set. It was another scene where his character, George Parker, experiences an emotional awakening alongside Betty, played by Joan Allen. According to Macy, the script called for a tear to roll down his cheek, symbolizing the emergence of life within his character. Aware of his limitations, Macy approached Ross, requesting him to indicate the pivotal moment.
To his surprise, Macy’s emotional ability exceeded his own expectations. “And I burst into tears, and I wept for 12 hours. I just could not stop crying all day,” Macy revealed, concluding with a lighthearted reflection, “I guess I had some issues.”
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Pleasantville,” it is undeniable that Macy’s dedication and commitment to his craft remain unwavering, regardless of the weather conditions or emotional challenges he encounters on set.