by Brad Pitt recently sat down for an insightful interview with Entertainment Weekly, where he discussed various behind-the-scenes tidbits from filming Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 dark comedy Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Among the many revelations, one story stood out as exceptionally hilarious and endearing. Pitt recalled the time they were filming a tense fight scene between his character Cliff Booth and Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Rick Dalton, but DiCaprio kept messing up his punches and sending Pitt into fits of uncontrollable laughter.
Setting the Stage for the Memorable Scene
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood takes place in 1969 Los Angeles, during the height of hippie Hollywood. The story follows Rick Dalton, a struggling actor and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth, as they try to make their way in a rapidly changing industry. In one memorable scene toward the end of the film, Rick pays Cliff to help him rehearse lines and choreography for his various acting gigs. As they rehearse a fight scene, tensions start to simmer between the drinking buddies, and they hold nothing back as they start throwing genuine punches at each other. It’s meant to be an intense, hard-hitting scene between the leads. That is, until DiCaprio’s aim misses its mark.
“We Were Supposed to be Doing These Really Intense Moves”
As Pitt explains in the interview, they were supposed to be completely invested in making the fight look as real as possible. He says, “We were shooting a scene where I’m teaching Rick how to fight, and we’re supposed to be doing these really intense moves.” The choreography involved what Pitt calls “really serious punches and blocks,” meant to look gritty and aggressive. However, DiCaprio had other plans that took the scene from dramatic to downright silly.
Leo Kept “Messing Up” with His Punches
Rather than hitting and blocking Pitt as planned, DiCaprio had a tough time keeping up with the precise moves. According to Pitt, “Leo kept messing up, and I couldn’t stop laughing.” While trying his best to remember his marks and punches, DiCaprio unintentionally derailed the intensity of the scene. In an amusing turn of events, Pitt explains DiCaprio “kept throwing me off my game” as he attempted to stifle his amusement. But he couldn’t hold back his laughter for long.
DiCaprio Recalls Missing Pitt “By a Mile”
Adding to Pitt’s recollection, DiCaprio chimed in about just how inaccurate his punches were compared to the hard-hitting energy required for the scene. “At one point, Leo was supposed to throw a punch at me, but he missed me by a mile. I couldn’t help but crack up.” For two professionals accustomed to high action stunts and choreographed fight sequences, the blatant lack of precision proved irrepressibly funny in the moment. DiCaprio agrees his punch completely lacked the skill the scene demanded: “I was trying my best, but Brad was just too good. He kept throwing me off my game.”
Pitt and DiCaprio’s Uncontainable Laughter Leads to Reprimand
Amused by his co-star’s punch that went rogue, Pitt recalls that “Leo and I laughed for so long that the director, Quentin Tarantino, had to stop us. He said, ‘Guys, you need to get serious. This is a scene about fighting, not comedy!'” Even with Tarantino’s strict reminder that they needed to stay on task, Pitt confessed that he and DiCaprio “couldn’t help but laugh again as soon as the camera started rolling.” They may be professionals, but the pair couldn’t resist the hilarity of the unplanned moment.
The Lighthearted Scene Highlights Pitt and DiCaprio’s Strong Bond
While the exploding laughter wasn’t exactly productive for filming the gritty fight sequence, it did provide insight into Pitt and DiCaprio’s friendship. According to Pitt, it was “one of the funniest moments I’ve ever had on set.” Moreover, he stated that the off-screen relationship translated seamlessly on camera as well: “Our chemistry is undeniable, and it makes Once Upon a Time in Hollywood an even more enjoyable film to watch.” After many intense roles over the years, even seasoned actors like Pitt and DiCaprio know how to let loose and enjoy impromptu humor during filming.
Additional Behind-the-Scenes Moments Reinforce Their Close Camaraderie
In addition to the fight scene blunder, Brad Pitt disclosed other behind-the-scenes evidence that he and co-star DiCaprio formed an authentic, close-knit friendship. Whether playing practical jokes on each other between takes or motivating one another to perform difficult stunts, their working rapport was infused with humor and mutual encouragement. During tense scenes requiring multiple retakes, they used levity to “pep each other up and keep the energy light.” The positive support system enabled the duo to put their best into each scene while forming indelible memories.
Both On and Off-Screen, Dynamic Duo Share Unmistakable Chemistry
When audiences watch Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the exceptional chemistry between Cliff Booth and Rick Dalton leaps off the screen. As evidenced by the fight training scene gone awry, Pitt and DiCaprio effortlessly play off each other in a way only close friends can. The humor and support they exhibit behind the scenes manifest vibrantly within their fictional roles as well. Whether laughing together between takes or motivating one another to push their limits with stunts, they demonstrate a rapport one can’t fake. Thanks to their friendship, they could build an authentic, electric camaraderie sure to delight viewers.
The Hilarious Account Epitomizes What Makes the Film So Enjoyable
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood created massive critical buzz and racked up numerous accolades for its smart writing, stellar 1960s aesthetic, and captivating performances by Pitt, DiCaprio, and the star-studded cast. However, most fans agree that the film’s entertainment value lies predominately with the characters and their dynamic relationships. Specifically, audiences connected deeply with Cliff and Rick’s tumultuous but loyal friendship filled with rip-roaring humor and raw camaraderie. This hilarious account from Pitt proves that the on-screen relationship simply mirrors the real-life bond between the two leads. Their natural comedic timing and authentic chemistry anchored the film’s appeal and cemented its place as a recent cinematic gem.
The Touching Moment Gave Fans an Endearing Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Upon hearing Pitt’s captivating account, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood fans gained heartwarming insight into the real individuals behind two of Hollywood’s most beloved characters. The glimpse behind the curtain revealed Pitt and DiCaprio as genuine friends who punctuate challenging workdays with contagious laughter that even a stern director can’t contain. Moreover, it showcased their devotion to the craft; despite botched takes, they motived each other to channel the required passion and energy until successfully capturing the perfect shot. Most touchingly, fans saw the unmistakable spark between costars translates seamlessly from script to screen. Overall, Pitt’s reveal gave audiences another reason to fall in love with the film and its stars.
The Side-Splitting Story Will Undoubtedly Delight Fans for Years to Come
As Once Upon a Time in Hollywood continues amassing devoted fans worldwide, Pitt’s captivating exclusive will only heighten viewers’ appreciation for years to come. Since its 2019 premiere, audiences far and wide have applauded the masterful filmmaking, stellar 1960s Los Angeles setting, and career-defining performances by both lead actors. However, most fans agree their adoration stems predominately from Pitt and DiCaprio’s intoxicating charisma and heartwarming off-screen friendship.
This exclusive behind-the-scenes moment gives audiences intimate insight into the pair’s natural chemistry and contagious exuberance that makes their on-screen relationship so alluring. For devoted fans, it’s a rare glimpse into the hilarity and rapport that brought Cliff and Rick to life so vibrantly. Undoubtedly, as future fans discover Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Pitt’s infectious account will only enhance the movie magic and secure its status as an unforgettable cinematic gem.
