A Look Back: Robert De Niro’s Near Miss with ‘The Goodbye Girl’ and Insights from De Niro Con at Tribeca Festival
Robert De Niro, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles in films like “Goodfellas” and “Taxi Driver,” recently opened up about a significant moment in his career during the 2024 Tribeca Festival’s De Niro Con. This unique event celebrated the actor’s extensive filmography and included a special screening of the 1997 classic “Jackie Brown.” In a candid discussion with Quentin Tarantino, De Niro shared the story of how he was replaced by Richard Dreyfuss in the 1977 romantic comedy “The Goodbye Girl.”
The Initial Casting and the Early Setback
During the event, De Niro, now 80, recalled his brief stint on the set of what was then titled “Bogart Slept Here.” De Niro was cast in the lead role, but after shooting for about two weeks, he realized something was amiss. “I couldn’t have felt worse at that moment,” he admitted, reflecting on the dread and unease he felt during the production. The turning point came when he overheard crew members saying, “He’s just not funny,” a comment that stung deeply.
The Director’s Decision
The film’s director, Mike Nichols, struggled with the decision to replace De Niro but ultimately felt it was necessary for the project’s success. De Niro recounted a difficult conversation where Nichols expressed his regret and explained that he needed to go in a different direction. “Somehow he said, ‘I think we’re going to end it,'” De Niro remembered. Despite the disappointment, De Niro understood Nichols’ position and even offered to reduce his salary to continue working on the film, hoping additional rehearsals might help. However, Nichols decided to move on.
Richard Dreyfuss Steps In
Following De Niro’s departure, Richard Dreyfuss was brought in to take over the lead role. The script was reworked, and the film was retitled “The Goodbye Girl.” Directed by Herbert Ross, the film went on to receive critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. Dreyfuss’s performance was particularly praised, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Reflecting on the outcome, De Niro graciously acknowledged Dreyfuss’s success: “Richard was great, wonderful in it. And he won an Academy Award actually for that part.”
De Niro Con at Tribeca Festival
De Niro Con, part of the Tribeca Festival, runs until June 16 and celebrates the actor’s illustrious career. The event includes screenings of his notable films and conversations with industry peers. At the screening of “Jackie Brown,” De Niro discussed the film’s production and his role as Louis Gara, one of Ordell Robbie’s (Samuel L. Jackson) accomplices. “Jackie Brown,” directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a crime thriller that follows flight attendant Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) as she becomes entangled in a federal investigation into illegal gun sales.
Insights from the Screening of “Jackie Brown”
The conversation with Tarantino provided fans with a behind-the-scenes look at “Jackie Brown.” De Niro shared his experiences working alongside a stellar cast that included Pam Grier, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, Michael Bowen, and Chris Tucker. The film, based on Elmore Leonard’s novel “Rum Punch,” remains a significant work in Tarantino’s filmography and showcases De Niro’s versatility as an actor.
De Niro’s Reflection on His Career
Throughout the Tribeca Festival, De Niro’s reflections on his career highlighted his resilience and adaptability in the face of setbacks. His story about “The Goodbye Girl” serves as a reminder that even the most successful actors face challenges and disappointments. De Niro’s willingness to share these experiences with candor and humility endears him even more to his fans and underscores his status as a Hollywood legend.
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