Barry Sonnenfeld Says Gene Hackman Is in Constant, Self-Loathing Pain and Hates Himself

This title rephrases the original quote into a declarative statement, attributing the sentiment to Barry Sonnenfeld while preserving the emphasis on Gene Hackman’s emotional struggles. It removes quotation marks and the colon for a cleaner structure, using standard title case formatting.

Behind the Scenes of Get Shorty: Clashing Titans Gene Hackman and John Travolta
(Images included below)

During preproduction for Get Shorty, Gene Hackman suggested his character, sleazy producer Harry Zimm, sport overly white fake teeth. Director Barry Sonnenfeld added a gold chain with the Hebrew letter “Hei,” while Hackman proposed a goatee to emphasize Zimm’s delusions of artistry. When Sonnenfeld asked him to grow it for approval, Hackman snapped, “I’m not wasting time if you won’t use it!” The director assured him, but later admitted, “How hard is it to not shave?” A month later, Hackman arrived with the goatee, teeth, and chain—perfect for the role.

Gene Hackman’s transformation into Harry Zimm included a goatee and capped teeth.

Hackman’s dedication contrasted sharply with John Travolta’s laid-back approach. While Hackman memorized lines meticulously—even editing his script to strip out directorial notes like “screamed furiously”—Travolta arrived unprepared. During their first scene together, Hackman sarcastically remarked he’d spent the weekend “memorizing today’s work.” Travolta breezily replied, “That’s a waste of a weekend.” Sonnenfeld recalled, “Hackman was off-book; John probably hadn’t read the script since signing his deal.”

Hackman (left) memorized every line, while Travolta (right) struggled with his script.

Tensions peaked during a rehearsal when Hackman exploded after Sonnenfeld adjusted a scene based on feedback from his wife, Sweetie, an associate producer. “You’ll take direction from your wife?!” Hackman roared, reducing Sweetie to tears. Sonnenfeld defused the situation by calling an early lunch and confronting Hackman privately: “Yell at me, not her. I know you’re mad at John.” Hackman, who later admitted to wearing a “hair shirt” out of self-loathing, invited Sonnenfeld to his trailer for a tense but candid talk.

Sonnenfeld’s saddle-chair kept him mobile during chaotic shoots.

Travolta’s starry demeanor further irked Hackman. When Travolta delayed filming to consult Oscar tuxedo designers, Hackman fumed. Sonnenfeld resorted to cue cards to keep Travolta on track. During one scene, Hackman jabbed, “Start at the top of your cue card, John.” Travolta, oblivious to the mockery, charmed on.

Travolta’s relaxed style clashed with Hackman’s intensity.

Hackman’s fury resurfaced during a restaurant shoot when Sonnenfeld mentioned adjusting camera angles. “I’ve never worked with a more clueless director!” Hackman ranted. Sonnenfeld calmly repositioned the camera, knowing Hackman’s anger stemmed from Travolta’s delays.

Despite clashes, Sonnenfeld reflects on Hackman’s brilliance: “He and Tommy Lee Jones are alike—manly, talented, and allergic to Hollywood fuss.” Both despised the trappings of fame that Travolta adored.

The cast’s dynamic mirrored their on-screen chaos.

In the end, Sonnenfeld’s patience prevailed. Hackman’s performance shone, and Travolta’s charm won audiences—proof that even clashing titans could create comedy gold.

Adapted from Barry Sonnenfeld’s memoir, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time (2024).

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