Josh Brolin Reflects on Steven Spielberg's Encouraging
A heartwarming anecdote from the set of The Goonies
Josh Brolin reflects on his experience filming The Goonies and shares a valuable piece of advice he received from legendary director Steven Spielberg. Spielberg crafted the story for the 1985 adventure film directed by Richard Donner, in which Brolin played a key role as one of the young adventurers on a quest to find a sunken ship full of treasure. Since his breakout performance in The Goonies, Brolin has garnered praise for his work in a range of films such as Milk, No Country For Old Men, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Dune.
As Brolin gears up to reprise his role as Gurney Halleck in Dune: Part 2, he delves into one of his earliest acting gigs while reflecting on his entire career in a recent video for GQ.
Youtube video: Josh Brolin Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ
Brolin shared that Spielberg advised him to focus on the moment and give his best performance rather than analyzing the potential symbolism in The Goonies. He emphasized the importance of simply acting and being present in the scene.
It was a really innocent and a really fun time, and I thought that's how movies were done and they weren't. I remember coming up to Spielberg at some point, 'cause I was reading Stanislavsky, and even though he didn't direct it, he was there pretty much every day and I said, "Hey, like, don't you think these tunnels are like my mother's womb, and that, like, that I'm scratching to get out of the womb, and that I need to be born again?" But it's a different-whatever I said.
He looked at me, and he goes, "Just act." And I was like, "I know, but-" And he wasn't being rude, he was just like, "Don't overcomplicate it. Just get in there, look around, listen to people, and just do your deal."
The Goonies Introduced The World To Many Future Stars
The Goonies hiding in the restaurant basement looking up - The Goonies Introduced The World To Many Future Stars
Brolin isn't the only member of the Goonies cast to become a celebrated star in the 39 years since its release. Sean Astin became the heart of Stranger Things and The Lord of the Rings with his roles as Bob Newby and Samwise Gamgee, respectively, and he has also voiced comic-book icons Shazam and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Raphael across various projects. Meanwhile, Corey Feldman would impress audiences through Stand by Me and The Lost Boys in the years following the release of The Goonies.
Meanwhile, 2022 saw Ke Huy Quan, who portrayed the technology-savvy Data in The Goonies, receive widespread recognition for his portrayal of Waymond Wang in the Academy Award-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once. He had taken a nineteen-year hiatus after a handful of roles in the '90s, with Crazy Rich Asians' 2018 success inspiring him to return to acting. With Everything Everywhere All at Once's success and recent roles in Loki and Kung Fu Panda 4, Quan has made a successful return to Hollywood.
The Goonies, a beloved movie that holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers, also played a crucial role in launching the careers of several stars. Josh Brolin's recollection offers a fascinating glimpse into his approach to acting, shaped by working with Spielberg. Despite playing various characters like intergalactic tyrants, western gunslingers, and CIA operatives, Brolin's portrayal of high-schooler Brandon Walsh continues to be a fan favorite.
Viewers can enjoy streaming The Goonies on AMC+.
Source: GQ
Editor's P/S:
Josh Brolin's reflection on his experience filming "The Goonies" and the advice he received from Steven Spielberg resonated deeply with me. The idea of focusing on the moment and giving one's best performance, without overanalyzing or seeking deeper meaning, is a valuable lesson not only in acting but in life. Spielberg's guidance encourages authenticity and presence, reminding us to appreciate the journey and embrace the experience rather than dwelling on potential symbolism.
The article also highlights the incredible impact of "The Goonies" in launching the careers of many future stars. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the transformative nature of art. From Josh Brolin to Sean Astin and Ke Huy Quan, the film continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.
