Filmmaking is an unpredictable journey. A director may start with a pristine vision that morphs continuously throughout the production process. One key catalyst of these transformations is the actors, who often inject unscripted creativity into their performances. While improvisations can sometimes result in a director’s prompt “cut,” there are instances when these impromptu lines superbly amplify a scene, even the entire movie. Here are some iconic lines which, despite deviating from the script, proved to be unforgettable cinematic gems.
‘You Can’t Handle the Truth!’
In the memorable courtroom confrontation in “A Few Good Men,” Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) demands the truth from Colonel Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson). Originally, Nicholson was to respond with, “You already have the truth!” However, Nicholson improvised the now legendary retort, “You can’t handle the truth!!” His added pause following the statement boosted the line’s profound impact.
‘She Talks in Her Sleep’
- Advertisement -
The original “Indiana Jones” trilogy is renowned worldwide, with each subsequent film arguably surpassing the previous. In “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” an improvised one-liner from Sean Connery, playing Indiana’s father, left the crew in fits of laughter. After Indiana (Harrison Ford) and Henry Jones (Connery) are captured, Indiana queries how his dad knew Elsa (Alison Doody) was a Nazi. Henry nonchalantly replies, “She talks in her sleep,” causing an uproarious response on set. Director Steven Spielberg reportedly exclaimed, “Well that’s in,” indicating the line would make the final cut.