Movies / Features
In 2000, Paul Verhoeven Clashed With A Big Hollywood Star: "7 Months Of Nonsense"
Josh Brolin reflects on his challenging experience during the filming of Hollow Man, recalling the absurd situations they found themselves in.
During the filming of Hollow Man in 2000, director Paul Verhoeven had a significant clash with actor Josh Brolin. The science fiction thriller, with a budget of nearly $100 million, heavily relied on groundbreaking special effects. More than half of the budget was spent on these visual feats, creating extra tension on set.
Brolin shares in the podcast Happy Sad Confused that he respects Verhoeven but ended up in a "big fight." "He yelled at some extras, which I thought was unacceptable," the actor stated. According to Brolin, Verhoeven also didn't have a clear vision of the film he was making.
For Brolin, who was still trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood at the time, Hollow Man was a bizarre experience. "That f*cking movie, man… Seven months of that nonsense," he laughs. In one scene, he and co-star Kevin Bacon had to look at 'invisible monkeys' through special glasses. "Kevin said afterward: 'You have talent.' And I thought: what are you talking about? We're looking at invisible monkeys!"
Brolin suspects he got the role only because others had turned it down. Despite the frustrations, he now views it as a remarkable chapter in his career.
Although Brolin had already appeared in films such as The Goonies, he was still working on his breakthrough. Hollow Man, which starred Kevin Bacon as a scientist who becomes invisible, received mixed reviews but attracted audiences worldwide.
For Verhoeven, it was one of his last major Hollywood productions before returning to Europe to make films such as Black Book.
Despite their conflict, Brolin speaks about the collaboration without resentment. "These are things I can now just talk about," he says.
By now, he is among the top in Hollywood with roles in No Country for Old Men, Avengers: Infinity War, and Dune.
Brolin shares in the podcast Happy Sad Confused that he respects Verhoeven but ended up in a "big fight." "He yelled at some extras, which I thought was unacceptable," the actor stated. According to Brolin, Verhoeven also didn't have a clear vision of the film he was making.
Seven Months Of Absurd Scenes
For Brolin, who was still trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood at the time, Hollow Man was a bizarre experience. "That f*cking movie, man… Seven months of that nonsense," he laughs. In one scene, he and co-star Kevin Bacon had to look at 'invisible monkeys' through special glasses. "Kevin said afterward: 'You have talent.' And I thought: what are you talking about? We're looking at invisible monkeys!"
Brolin suspects he got the role only because others had turned it down. Despite the frustrations, he now views it as a remarkable chapter in his career.
From The Goonies To Hollow Man
Although Brolin had already appeared in films such as The Goonies, he was still working on his breakthrough. Hollow Man, which starred Kevin Bacon as a scientist who becomes invisible, received mixed reviews but attracted audiences worldwide.
For Verhoeven, it was one of his last major Hollywood productions before returning to Europe to make films such as Black Book.
No Hard Feelings, Just A Story
Despite their conflict, Brolin speaks about the collaboration without resentment. "These are things I can now just talk about," he says.
By now, he is among the top in Hollywood with roles in No Country for Old Men, Avengers: Infinity War, and Dune.
