by Brad Pitt, a name synonymous with Hollywood stardom and iconic performances, has graced our screens for decades. From his breakout role in “Thelma and Louise” to his Oscar-winning turn in “12 Years a Slave,” Pitt’s career has been a rollercoaster of successes and accolades. Yet, even amidst his remarkable journey, there exists a chapter that the actor himself has labeled as his career’s “lowest point” – the ill-fated film “The Devil’s Own.”
In a candid interview with Newsweek, Brad Pitt bared his soul and shared the profound impact that this particular project had on his career and life. The film, released in 1997, was a dramatic thriller that paired Pitt with another Hollywood heavyweight, Harrison Ford. It was meant to be a captivating tale of morality, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships. However, as the curtains drew to a close and the credits rolled, “The Devil’s Own” revealed itself as a critical and commercial misfire that left its star shocked, appalled, and questioning his choices.
In this article, we delve into the untold story of Brad Pitt’s career “lowest point,” exploring the rise, fall, and invaluable lessons learned from his experience with “The Devil’s Own.” It is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of authenticity that has shaped Pitt’s career and his approach to filmmaking in profound ways.
The Rise of Brad Pitt: A Hollywood Heartthrob Emerges
Before we delve into the depths of “The Devil’s Own,” it is essential to appreciate the meteoric rise of Brad Pitt in Hollywood. Born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Pitt ventured to Los Angeles in the late 1980s to chase his dream of becoming an actor. He embarked on his journey with small television roles and supporting appearances in films like “Cutting Class” (1989) and “Across the Tracks” (1990).
However, it was his role as J.D. in “Thelma and Louise” (1991) that ignited his career and turned him into an instant heartthrob. Pitt’s portrayal of the charismatic cowboy stole the hearts of audiences and established him as a rising star in Hollywood. The film’s success opened doors for him, leading to prominent roles in “A River Runs Through It” (1992) and “Kalifornia” (1993).
Throughout the early ’90s, Pitt’s magnetic charm, chiseled looks, and undeniable talent propelled him into the spotlight. His appeal extended beyond his acting abilities; he was crowned People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1995, solidifying his status as a Hollywood heartthrob.
The Devil’s Own: A High-Stakes Gamble
As Pitt’s star continued to rise, he found himself in a unique position – the opportunity to work with another Hollywood legend, Harrison Ford. The project that brought these two icons together was “The Devil’s Own.”
Directed by Alan J. Pakula, “The Devil’s Own” centered around the character of Rory Devaney (Brad Pitt), an Irish Republican Army (IRA) member seeking refuge in the United States. He is taken in by Tom O’Meara (Harrison Ford), an unsuspecting New York City police officer, who is unaware of Devaney’s true identity. The film was marketed as a gripping thriller that would explore themes of morality, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
For Brad Pitt, the prospect of sharing the screen with Harrison Ford was undoubtedly alluring. Ford was a cinematic icon, known for his roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, and a collaboration with him held the promise of exposure to a wider audience and industry recognition.
However, beneath the surface of this enticing opportunity lay the seeds of what would become a pivotal moment in Pitt’s career. The actor had reservations about the project from the outset. He reportedly expressed concerns about the script and the film’s direction, sensing that it was not the right fit for him. Yet, the allure of working with Harrison Ford and the opportunity to broaden his horizons ultimately led him to accept the role.
The “Disaster” Unfolds: Pitt’s Shocking Revelation
“The Devil’s Own” began production with high hopes and great expectations, but as the project progressed, it became increasingly evident that all was not well. Creative differences and script revisions plagued the film, leading to a turbulent and troubled production.
Brad Pitt, who had harbored doubts about the project from the beginning, soon found himself disillusioned with the direction in which “The Devil’s Own” was headed. The film’s tumultuous production and behind-the-scenes issues only compounded his apprehension.
However, it was the moment when Pitt first saw the finished film that the weight of the situation truly hit him. In his own words, he was “shocked and appalled” by what he witnessed on the screen. The final product was far from the gripping thriller it had aimed to be. Instead, it was a disjointed and underwhelming cinematic experience that left Pitt deeply dissatisfied.
In his interview with Newsweek, Pitt went on to describe the film as “the most irresponsible bit of filmmaking, if you can even call it that, that I’ve ever seen.” These words, coming from an actor of Pitt’s stature and experience, were a stark indictment of the project’s shortcomings.
“The Devil’s Own” was released to theaters in March 1997, and it was met with a resounding thud. Critics panned the film, labeling it as lackluster and disjointed. Audiences, too, were unimpressed, resulting in a lukewarm reception at the box office. The film’s failure was undeniable, and it marked a significant setback in Pitt’s otherwise illustrious career.
The Valuable Lesson: Following His Instincts
Brad Pitt’s experience with “The Devil’s Own” was a pivotal moment that left an indelible mark on his career and life. While the film itself was widely regarded as a disaster, it was the lessons learned from this low point that would ultimately shape Pitt’s approach to filmmaking and his perspective on life.
The most profound lesson that Pitt gleaned from this experience was the importance of following his instincts. He had known, even before accepting the role, that “The Devil’s Own” was not the right project for him. He had sensed the script’s shortcomings and the film’s troubled production. Yet, he had allowed the allure of working with a Hollywood legend to overshadow his reservations.
In hindsight, Pitt realized that it was a mistake to compromise his instincts and accept a role that did not align with his creative sensibilities. He learned that it’s better to trust his gut and turn down a project, even if it means passing up on a big opportunity. This valuable lesson would go on to shape his career choices in the years that followed.
A More Selective Approach: Focusing on Passion Projects
Brad Pitt’s experience with “The Devil’s Own” served as a turning point in his career, leading him to adopt a more selective approach when it came to choosing roles. He made a conscious decision to prioritize projects that resonated with him on a personal and creative level.
In the aftermath of “The Devil’s Own,” Pitt shifted his focus towards passion projects – films that ignited his enthusiasm and allowed him to fully invest himself in the creative process. He became known for his eclectic and daring choices, taking on roles that challenged him as an actor and allowed him to explore diverse genres and characters.
This newfound selectivity in choosing roles led to some of the most memorable and acclaimed performances of Pitt’s career. Films like “Fight Club” (1999), “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), and “Inglourious Basterds” (2009) showcased his range as an actor and solidified his status as a versatile and respected figure in Hollywood.
Pitt’s commitment to passion projects also extended beyond acting. In 2001, he co-founded Plan B Entertainment, a film production company dedicated to producing innovative and socially relevant films. Plan B’s projects, including “12 Years a Slave” (2013), “The Big Short” (2015), and “Moonlight” (2016), have received critical acclaim and earned numerous awards, including Academy Awards for Best Picture.
Resilience in the Face of Setbacks
Brad Pitt’s journey in Hollywood is a testament to resilience in the face of setbacks. While “The Devil’s Own” was undoubtedly a low point in his career, it did not define him or deter him from pursuing his passion for acting and filmmaking.
Pitt’s ability to rebound from disappointments and use them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement exemplifies his unwavering determination. Instead of allowing the failure of one project to overshadow his entire career, he used it as a stepping stone to greater self-awareness and creative fulfillment.
In his interview with Newsweek, Pitt acknowledged the importance of learning from mistakes and using them as catalysts for personal and professional growth. This resilience has been a defining characteristic of his career, allowing him to overcome challenges, embrace his own instincts, and continue to evolve as an artist.
Conclusion: The Untold Story of Brad Pitt’s Career ‘Lowest Point’
“The Devil’s Own” may have been a career low point for Brad Pitt, but it was also a turning point that shaped his approach to filmmaking and life. His experience with the ill-fated project taught him the invaluable lesson of following his instincts, prioritizing passion projects, and maintaining resilience in the face of setbacks.
As fans of Brad Pitt, we can draw inspiration from his journey and his ability to transform adversity into opportunity. His story serves as a reminder that even in the world of Hollywood glamour, mistakes and failures are an inevitable part of the creative process. It is how we respond to these challenges and what we learn from them that ultimately defines our path to success and fulfillment.
Brad Pitt’s career has been a testament to his talent, versatility, and unwavering commitment to his craft. It is a journey marked by highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks, and above all, a relentless pursuit of authenticity and creative fulfillment. His candid reflection on “The Devil’s Own” offers a glimpse into the vulnerability and resilience that have propelled him to become one of Hollywood’s most enduring and iconic figures.
