Gettysburg Behind the Scenes: How Jeff Daniels was Cast as Chamberlain
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- čas přidán 31. 10. 2023
- The performance of Jeff Daniels as Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in Gettysburg is one of the most renowned in the history of Civil War films. Did you know that another famous actor was the director's first choice? We sit down with Ron Maxwell to talk about the challenges of casting Chamberlain, including a Russell Crowe story!
Check out our other Gettysburg 30th Anniversary videos: • Gettysburg Movie: 30th...
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it has always been crazy to me that Jeff Daniels was in Gettysburg and also Dumb and Dumber within a year or two of each other. Talk about a wild shift in roles.
And his turn in The Newsroom is also an impressive example of his range as an actor.
When I heard that Jeff Daniels was going to film a movie called "Dumb & Dumber" after doing Gettysburg, I was crushed. How dare he?
lol. I was joking about that with my brother. The movies are just a little over a year apart so it could be possible some filming was done at the same time.
My mom was shocked. She loved Gettysburg but thought Dumb and Dumber was beneath him.
Daniels reminds me of Tom Hanks. He can shift from drama to comedy to historical movies/tv shows without skipping a beat. Both are fantastic actors that give Oscar winning performances every time they appear on the screen. Many other actors just walk through a scene and depend on their good looks, charm, and bad method acting to get through it. If it wasn't for people like that TNT guy (Mr. Tantrum and his business and profit mindset tops everything, including a great movie) we'd see more really good actors and actresses on the screen. I've known a number of excellent actors and actresses who went to other careers as they didn't want to endure the continuing pressure, disappointment, (and corruption) of the movie and TV industries. Now a days it's more about family and networking connections than talent. Too many Hollywood "Legacies" getting on the screen with only their families names; but little of their talent, on screen charisma, and acting skills. There are exceptions, but they're in the minority.
"BAYONETS!!!" That line made me shiver. Possibly the greatest moment in the movie.
In a book I read there is a guy giving a password while entering a military camp. It was "Bayonet Chamberlain" Now I know where it came from.
If I had been a Confederate and heard that order for bayonets, I would have turned around and call it a day.
LOL@@henrys4838
Pretty good, but I’m going with Gen. Trimble’s visit to Lee.
It's the little extra widening of his eyes and their laser focus on the third syllable that always gets me: "Bay - o - NETS!!!" As much "facial choreography" as acting: mind, body, voice, and spirit all perfectly aligned. One of the greatest single moments in an masterful performance.
Jeff Daniels absolutely KILLED it!!!! He went from the softly spoken philosopher to the blood thirsty killer soldier in just a few frames. THAT is acting.
Jeff was a delight to watch work. I was one of his 120 mutineers. In the most serious of speeches he could make me laugh. Frustration was evident when something in the background would make him stop and repeat his lines over and over again. I was up front and also knew what happened. From vehicles to cars everything that wasn’t there before would be cut and repeated. It genuinely made me like him. We worked together most of the day just to get that scene right.
Thank you for doing such a great job. This is my all time top favorite movie and it was the reenactors that made the movie great for me. The stars were excellent, but the reenactors showed what life was really like during the civil war.
@@LtRee96se When you watch the first scene of the 120. Look for the dirty man who kept his head cocked to the side. We were told to look exhausted in the heat; given nothing not even water and been force marched there. Being I saw quickly that no one else did that at the front area I was hoping that somehow it would be in the film. It was. Over ten times. Only in a glimpse but enough on opening night in Harrisburg that I became a mini celebrity around me in the theater. My friend who was with me is also there in that scene. We had worn our uniforms for the opening night film. It was an SRO opening. I did it as a birthday present to him but am proud to have done it.
@@user-fj7vm9fz2h I will do that for sure. You have star status for me!! God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!
Jeff Daniels channeled Joshua Lawerence Chamberlain perfectly. After watching his portrayal of Chamberlain, I went out and bought every book on Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain that I could find. He is high on my list of favorite Civil Was generals. IMO, Jeff Daniels' performance is what made Gettysburg an all time classic.
I didn’t buy the books because I couldn’t afford them……but Ivrsurely went to the library and on line to read about Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.
@@annelefevre9457 Libraries are wonderful!
Chamberlain was a real hero in every sense of the word! The choice to play him in Jeff Daniels was brilliant! He’s an excellent actor and even resembled Chamberlain a bit! The only downside was that the movie didn’t do well at the box office otherwise I think Daniels would have garnered an academy award nomination! Just my opinion! 😮
I agree 100% with your comment. He was superb in that role. Why Gettysburg did so poorly at the box office is one of the great mysteries to me. I walked the Gettysburg battlefield. What got me is how small of a place it is; it's not the wide open area of Kursk, the epic Tank Battle of the German-Soviet part of World War II. Besides, it was one of the few times as adults when I went to a movie with my older brother, and we actually enjoyed each other's company. You have to be into American History and History in general, something that is lacking these days. It's hard to believe it's a 30-year-old movie now.
In the Army NCO schools, we studied Chamberlain's leadership style. I came to really admire Col Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain as a leader, and as a soldier, as a scholar and someone who I would have followed without question into battle.
@@GeorgeSemel The length of the movie plus an intermission killed the box office. I saw it at the theater and enjoyed it. It is just the wrong movie length for a wide appeal. The Ken Burns documentary did very well so there was a desire for Civil war content.
Agreed. Sam Elliott as Buford was inspired as well. Really the whole cast. I didn’t watch the movie and think it was a great performance, they WERE those people. Completely sucked me in, it’s one of my favorite movies
@@patrickhenry4675 Another thing about the film is that it is a little bit repetitive, probably due to its origins as a mini-series. For instance the Armistead emotional breakdown appears a couple of times and is a little overdone. Nevertheless, it is a film that I enjoy.
There’s a scene when Chamberlain’s men have run out of bullets, but the Confederate soldiers are still advancing up the hill. Chamberlain says “Bayonette!!” It always gives me tingles up and down my spine, and usually brings me to tears, with the amount of passion and desperation in Daniels’ delivery of that one word.
I have pilgrimaged to Bowdoin College and Chambelains grave site. His grave is a simple headstone almost couldn’t find it. He wanted no monument
Great stuff. I took my family to visit the Joshua Chamberlain Museum in Brunswick, Maine so my youngest son could learn more about the man I'd named him for. At the time I didn't know that a film based upon "The Killer Angels" was being produced until one of the museum curators told me how much time Jeff Daniels had spent in the museum researching the role of Chamberlain. I was excited to learn that my favorite book was coming to the big screen, and I was also very happy that Daniels was portraying Chamberlain. I thought he'd be perfect, and I think I was right.
Chamberlain's house was across the street from Bowdin College, where he taught, and he had his office there when he was Governor of Maine ...
I read somewhere that it is his favorite role of all his movies. Also that he did extensive research and could not find one thing not to like about Chamberlain.
I was surprised in 1993 when I saw Jeff Daniels chosen to play this role, but boy did he ever nail the spirit of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. He elevated the whole movie.
Chamberlain was an amazing man. If you look at his life he was very accomplished. Jeff Daniels was an excellent choice.
He’s so right about the key moments of this outstanding movie.. chamberlains speech to the Maine mutineers is one of the bestEVER.. Buford talking to his Lt. about the having to hold to keep the high ground by end of first day.. epic..
Outstanding! I can tell you that when I went through Army staff officer training on the military decision making process, the instructors used the scene on Little Round Top as a battlefield example. In the film, Chamberlain goes through all five steps of the MDMP in an abbreviated form. He then gives orders for how they will execute the bayonet charge, just as someone yells “ Here they come!” Then comes the command “Fix, bayonets!”. It is a moving, awesome scene!
I loved Daniels in that movie. Basically in everything I saw from him.
But man, would I love to see Russell Crowes demo tape !
Crowe’s performance in Master and Commander is a good indicator of how he might have done with the Chamberlain role.
I just can't imagine him as Chamberlain...
Not only did Jeff Daniels carry the scene but, he looked more like the real Chamberland than Russel Crowe could ever accomplish. Perfect casting, Mr. Maxwell!
Yeah, Crowe doesn't fit at all, I'm surprised he was even considered.
Hard to tell without seeing him in costume with the mustache.
My family lived across the river in Topsham, my Pepere (grandfather) was born in a house across the swinging bridge in 1895 (the bridge was 2 years old).
According to my uncle, my grandfather met Chamberlain at one time.
Found us out while I was visiting the Chamberlain house.
My uncle knew a lot about the history of the house, and what it went through throughout its history it was rather shocking.
Gettysburg is among the top three historical dramas ever produced, if not the best. Band Of Brothers comes to mind, but that is beside the point. Ronald Maxwell is the reason why. He was unwilling to settle against formidable pressure to do so. This is a great video demonstrating the value of dedication to work one has chosen. By the way, throughout this short video, he refers several times the "The Second Maine"; it was the Twentieth Maine.
Jeff was a shoe in for that part! He nailed that performance! Period! Loved the story behind the scene and the stand they took for prefection and it showed in the movie and I was so moved by it too! Thanks for stinking to your craft!
Went and grabbed my book Killer Angels by Michael Shaara that's mentioned in this clip. I noted in my book that Ken Burns was inspired by Killer Angels to do his documentary on the Civil War. And oh yeah; I've got the DVDs Gods and Generals and Gettysburg that Jeff Daniels stars in.
No. Can't agree with that at all. Absolutely no.
Go study the real history of Chamberlain...go to war with brave leaders of men, and lead men into battle.
No, Jeff Daniels IS a great actor, he did do a good job.
Crowe? Would have made this a movie for all the ages. Crowe shows just that touch of fire and psychopathy that men under fire facing their own death. He can radiate that atmosphere...Daniels? NO
First, I agree with you that Jeff Daniels was the perfect casting for Col. Joshua Chamberlain. In my opinion, that was the best performance he has EVER given - bar none. He SHOULD have been nominated for an Oscar for that performance. He wasn't PLAYING Col. Joshua Chamberlain - he BECAME Col. Joshua Chamberlain. And surprisingly, he even looked like Joshua Chamberlain.
Last - I don't think you meant to type "stinking" to your craft. But that's okay - we ALL have typing errors at one time or another.
I love this particular movie but this segment is by far the best and most defining part of the whole movie.
I’ll never forget Jeff Daniel’s scene when he said “Fix Bayonets!”. It scent chills down my spine. I remember standing on that mountain top (little round top) and imagining the confederate army struggling to attack the union armies flank. When I saw Daniel’s portrail, it sent that moment that I remembered as a kid while visiting the battlefield of Gettysburg, through my soul. A Bowden college professor, turned civil war hero, Medal of Honor recipient, hero of Gettysburg. Jeff Daniels made that movie!
Chamberlain's service in the war overall was beyond praise, not to mention his postwar career. But the historicity of the Bayonet command isn't ironclad. Chamberlain had two benefits in the postwar recounting: he outlived almost everyone else. And he was a professor of rhetoric!
@@firstminnesota Wasn't he also there at the start of the war and at the close of it?
Jeff Daniels crushed that role. Even though you could see Crowe's talent in Romper Stomper I think Daniels handled Shaara's dialogue much better than Crowe would of at that point in his career.
No wonder Gettysburg is such a great movie. And this is one of my favorite scenes in the movie. Thanks for not compromising.
This is my first exposure to Maxwell 30 years after he made one of my all time favorite films.
I have no problem seeing exactly why it was so good. Maxwell put is heart, soul, and head into the project, capturing Michael Shaara's book, and more importantly, JL Chamberlain.
Read a biography of Chamberlain as I was moved to do after "Gettysburg". His story is even better than the book and the movie imply, and they do a great job with that. But there is so much, much, more.
Fantastic story. They absolutely knew what they were doing as well. I've only seen the movie once or twice a long time ago but Jeff Daniels' performance is the one that I remember when I think of it.
Chamberlain was a true scholar-warrior, and our nation has been blessed to have more than our share of them.
Looking back on it now, it is hard for me to picture Russell Crowe in that part.
Jeff Daniels filled the part fantastically. He perfectly portrayed the part of the educated, professorial man that was Chamberlin.
Riveting story. Without question, one of the finest examples of professionals at work. So many great scenes in Gettysburg, and the music, so compelling, that I get emotional just thinking about it!
I love the soundtrack. Used to listen to it every day at work.
Jeff Daniels, what a professional.
Jeff Daniels certainly fit and suits doing Joshua Chamberlain. This to me is one of his best roles. Gettysburg is one of the best films ever made.
If there's one good thing I can say about both Gettysburg and Gods and Generals, (there are a fair few) they were both perfectly casted.
Not nicely, not greatly. Perfectly. Every character felt like they were channeling their historical counterpart with just the right amount of theatrical flare.
Nope. Martin Sheen was not convincing as Lee. Robert Duvall was much better as Lee in Gods and Generals.
Patrick Gorman, although a great actor, was poorly cast as Hood. Hood was over 20 years younger than Gorman at the time Gettysburg was produced, and even more so during Gods & Generals.
'..perfectly _cast_ ..'
@@douglasiles2024 I thought his performance was a standout.
@@laurellane1721 he gave a great performance, but historically he was much too old to have been Hood.
That director is a hero too! So you bet the entire movie on your vision, your actors, and the script. God bless, because that film helped so many to see what was at stake then, and what is at stake now.
Daniel's did a Great Performance
What a great story about one of my all time favorite movies, thanks for sharing.
Such an amazing fight by Chamberlain and the 20th Maine. Every time I watch this scene and consider what they did to stop the confederate advance, it gives me chills and makes me immensely proud of them.
What an amazing behind the scenes trivia, captivatingly told.
What a story and so well told!
I remember seeing the movie in Watertown, Ma., with my 2 young sons, 2 young nephews and my brother-in-law. We were about 25 miles from home because so few theaters were willing to show it because of the movie's length. When I saw & listened to Daniel's speech to the 2nd Maine, I was looking around for the recruiting office!
Robert Maxwell can TELL A Story. I could listen to him all day long. When he was talking about this unknown actor that he wanted, that he would die for, as Chaimberlain I started thinking...."Wait a minute, Jeff Daniels was unknown at the time of Gettysburg???" Then Maxwell says that unknown actor was ...Russell Crowe! "Wow" I thought.."that's a fantastic story" But then Maxwell blows me away and says, "But that's not then end of the story." What??? There's even more to this story???? Then he tells me a side of Jeff Daniels I had no idea that existed. Maxwell KNOWS how to tell story ..not just on film, but also just sitting in a rocking chair.
Thank God Turner held out and Daniel's got the part. He made the movie.
One of my favorite movies. Great work.
It is my No. 1.
20th Maine if I'm not mistaken. Chamberlain also had a stellar post war career.
Excellent story about a very important movie. Thank you for sharing ABT and Ron Maxwell.
Thank you, outstanding story behind the scenes. F the Executives is usually the right call and I am an executive currently.
I have used the Battle of Round Top as a way to demonstrated the different positions, their roles in working together. Chamberlain consults and confers with his scouts and seconds. These take orders to the sargeants, who position the men, bring them ammunition, etc.
That entire scene is like a ballet.
Jeff Daniels played the part of Chamberlain superbly. It was a shock to me, following the movie Gettysburg, to see "Chamberlain" in the movie Dumb and Dumber. One thing that was, to me, powerful in the book but wasn't in the movie was the council of war at Meade's headquarters after the first day's fighting. The vote on whether to stay and fight or withdraw, beginning with the most junior general (Gibbons) had me riveted.
These are _actors_ ..you're aware of that, right?
Hearing what this director went through to get the performance he wanted, I am reminded that it was a producer/executive that wanted "Over the Rainbow" cut from "The Wizard of Oz" because he thought it slowed down the film. Let the directors, direct and stop second guessing them.
Jeff Daniels had done work in the U.S. prior to Gettysburg. He played in “Terms of Endearment” and some other films before making this film.
yes to all of that, but he was talking about the actor audition just before Jeff was chosen. The actor who got turned down was Russell Crowe who was just coming to the US for the first time to work in movies and was not yet a 'name'.
thank you so much I hope there is more to come ❤
Best story about the making of a movie I've heard since I don't remember. One could make a fairly good movie about the making of the film Gettysburg.
Brilliant, informative, and insightful. I enjoyed this commentary tremendously the speeches that you referred to are eloquent and necessary in order to order men to their death. Otherwise we’re just animals going into a meat grinder. Thank you for blessing us with this movie. John 3:16
Daniel's was perfect. I can't even imagine Crowe playing Chamberlain.
I have to agree. Crowe's a great actor. But he is built bear-like. A professor? Hard to imagine.
@@firstminnesota and yet he played a economics professor in "A Beautiful Mind" ......lol
On the shelf, just the right of Maxwell, is a copy of John Wain’s biography of Samuel Johnson, one of the best and best-written biographies I have read to date. I’d pay a lot to see Maxwell helm a Life of Johnson.
I loved the interview and everything he says about producers and about Daniels. I hope the interview is included as an extra on some future release.
Thank you for this.
Wow, what a great story
Wow, this is a really, really good interview.
Couldn't agree more.
fabulous film. well cast indeed.
Now I can't stop thinking about Russell Crowe as Chamberlain 🤔
i have to get another copy of my Gettysburg... wore out the first one. But yeah those two scenes are outstanding. It is probably one of my favorite movies.
Daniels did a great job! I do think Crowe could have carried it off almost as well.
Jeff Daniels did a great job, also his George Washington crossing the Potomac. However, I like Jeff in the Dumb and Dumber movies. This shows what a great range as an actor Jeff has.
Thought that was the Delaware that Washington crossed
Great story! Jeff D was born to play Lawrence Chamberlain. Period...
I would love to see those screen tests that Russel Crowe did
One amazing. Part of this beautiful movie!!!
Gives me pride to see Heroes giving their souls forv equality!!!
Jeff Daniels was perfect as Joshua Chamberlain. No other "Name" would have been right for that role....Makes one wonder if being Chamberlain might have hurt him for future castings.
brilliant story
Jeff Daniels should have won the Oscar for Chamberlain. He was better than “inspired” as Ron Maxwell says here. And Sam Eliiott gave an Oscar worth performance as Buford in a small, supporting role. What a perfect film!
I expected Daniels to get a nomination, really a crime that he didn't.
I took an adult continuing education class on the Civil War and the teacher was a reenactor who was in that film, along with The Blue and the Gray and a few more. He told us all the reenactors just loved Sam Elliott.
Jeff Daniels is totally a fine actor
JD brought JC's killer steel to the meeting with the Hollywood suit. That, he channeled for the one take the following day.
Having been mauled at Chancelorville [sp], my grt-grandfather's regiment arrived late day 2 and was in reserve on day 3.
Loved Gettysburg and Gods & Generals. They should have made The Last Full Measure as well to complete the trilogy. Spent three days in Gettysburg two years ago. Stood atop of Little Round Top and looked down the hill at what the Confederates had to endure trying to take that hill. Unbelievable bravery of both sides.
Great casting, great film
GREAT!!! GREAT!!!
They needed each other to achieve what they set out to do. Good job.
Know the Truth
Ephesians 6:12
Be Blessed !
Daniels also played Washington darn good in that one!
Man i wished they found a part for Russell Crowe since he was still unknown then. Anything honestly
Smart enough to know better, wise enough to just kick the door in and just win.
I never thought that highly of Jeff Daniels, but I thought he was excellent in this role.
I would move to Easy To Find Hills.
Knowing what I know and have seen of Russell Crowe I'm sure he could have pulled off Chamberlain but at the time I can understand how risky it would have been. Hollywood is not notorious for having a backbone. Standing up for your beliefs against the simps and yes men is a rare occurrence and should be celebrated and recognized.
Is this a repost, because I watched this yesterday, but this video was posted an hour ago!
I think so cause I watched it last night.
It says at the very beginning of the video "This is a re-upload without the music"
As perfect as Daniels’ Chamberlain is, I can’t be the only one who’s curious as to how Russel Crow would have played him.
Very few could have done his character justice. I think Tom Hanks would have been memorable, though it's hard to imagine civil war era facial hair on him !
The Civil War was the peak of facial hair. They got *creative*@@AdamsOlympia
No!
Crowe doesn't look anything like Chamberlain. it wouldn't have been a good fit.
Wow...
Chamberlain was the perfect embodiment of the "citizen soldier" ideal. Anyone who played him had big shoes to fill. I just can't see Russell Crowe in the role.
Well, I guess they took it to the Max and Ron with it.
is the test with crowe available?
If Maxwell, Daniels, Conway and Howell failed to bring the steel, Gettysburg would have been a very good movie, but not a great movie. Chamberlain's speech to the 2nd Maine was that critical to the movie.
20th Maine.
Twentieth Maine!!!
Making a movie, and getting a movie made..are two different things.
And then, there was that plane up in the sky.
Did Crowe get lost trying to find the Hidden Hills. Perhaps you do as well on foggy days. Does the Mail or Amazon find you consistently?
Gettysburg showed what a great actor Jeff Daniels is when one considers the same man played a buffoon in Dumb and Dumber.
Russel Crowe would be perfect ad Ulysses S Grant
Russell Crowe would have been great but The part was Jeff's for sure. The book The killer angels has some wonderful parts that didn't make the movie.
"hey Jeff, you can play Chamberlain". "thanks"
Great spot. Whatever happened to the petulant executive? Head of WB probably
Or the new Disney films...
Wow. No wonder...
I'd like to see the screen test of Russell Crowe.
Us too!
I admired Jeff Daniela so much in the movie Gettysburg. I feel bad he would say all those “F” words in real life. I wanted him to be better than that!.
I kept wondering who the Australian actor (although Kiwis will claim him for their own) was, thinking it must be someone well known now.
Russell Crowe.
@@brysonwest93 I know it was - but when he first mentioned it I was wondering. New Zealanders will tell you he is a Kiwi because that is where he was born, and spent half his childhood.
most American officers watch this film as instruction. Gettysburg movie will defend the free world well into the future.
It was the 20th Maine. Not the 2nd Maine regiment.
The 2nd Maine was the group of mutineers who were delivered to Chamberlain's safekeeping.
@philipcolumbus3054, Chamberlain was addressing what was left of the 2nd Maine trying to convince him not to sit out, and, help out the 20th Maine(remember, the 2nd Maine men wanted to mutiny and go home).😊😊😊😊