The biggest “regret” of Jonathan Demme’s career
Even the most accomplished of artists pass away while thinking of things they would have done differently, especially when it comes to the projects that define their legacies. That’s precisely why the best are often haunted by the relentless pursuit of excellence to the very end. Acclaimed American auteur Jonathan Demme was certainly no different.
Known as the creative visionary behind masterpieces like The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia, Demme explored various genre frameworks such as comedies, dramas and thrillers while incorporating his unique style. Earning critical acclaim and widespread recognition along the way, the Something Wild filmmaker established himself as one of the finest of his generation.
However, despite all the success Demme achieved throughout his pioneering career, the director still harboured a few regrets when it came to his journey as an artist. The biggest one that plagued him for decades actually involved none other than Nick Nolte.
During a conversation with BBC, the filmmaker was asked about things he regretted the most, and his initial answer was on the philosophical side. He claimed: “I deeply regret the epidemic proliferation of man’s inhumanity to man in today’s world, but I don’t think that’s the level you’re talking on, is it?”
When the interviewer clarified that the inquiry was directed towards Demme’s career, he opened up about the missed opportunity involving Nick Nolte. In 1985, he was actually attached as the director for Nolte’s 1987 neo-western Extreme Prejudice but that didn’t pan out. However, that wasn’t the regret the filmmaker mentioned.
Demme said: “Well, certainly, a deep regret that comes to mind as I sit here is the fact that I could never get Nick Nolte to read the brilliant screenplay that Ron Nyswaner had written called Love Hurts. The fact is without Nick Nolte – who would’ve been great as the central character in what would’ve been a wonderful film that I would have directed after Melvin & Howard – I was unable to get the film off the ground. I never got to make this film that I was passionately desirous to make, and so I really regret my inability to get that actor to read it.”
Ron Nyswaner’s screenplay eventually found its way to the big screen in the form of a Bud Yorkin-directed project starring the likes of Jeff Daniels and Cynthia Sikes. It revolves around a terrible husband whose womanising habits fire back, leading him to confront the mistakes that have defined his past.
Watch the trailer below.
