RDJ's Controversial Stand: How He Stoked Conflict Among Zodiac Castmates with David Fincher

Summary

Downey elaborates on the demanding nature of collaborating with Fincher, emphasizing the necessity to possess persistence and a steadfast commitment to attaining perfection, even if it involves executing 40 or 50 takes.

The demanding method employed by Fincher may pose a challenge for actors, yet it ultimately leads to the creation of exceptional films such as Zodiac. An amusing anecdote is recounted by Robert Downey Jr. during the production of Zodiac, where he found himself provoking his fellow cast members by agreeing with director David Fincher. Zodiac, released in 2007, showcased Fincher fully immersing himself in the world of true crime, narrating the tale of the notorious Zodiac killer and the relentless individuals who dedicated years to unmasking his true identity - only to be met with disappointment. Among the prominent stars gracing the cast of Zodiac was Downey, portraying the character of Paul Avery, a determined Zodiac investigator and reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, who eventually abandoned his quest due to his own personal struggles.

Zodiac director Fincher is renowned for his meticulous standards, something that Downey can attest to after working closely with him. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Downey shared a humorous anecdote about Fincher's pursuit of perfection and how he once enlisted Downey's help to prove a point to the frustrated cast. Watch the clip at around 10:14 to hear what Downey had to say:

Working with David Fincher teaches you that you're more resilient than you realize. There are times when a scene loses its spark and feels routine, almost robotic. But the pursuit of excellence is what matters. There was a particular scene where Fincher wanted to capture it in a single take, and we must have done 40 or 50 attempts, leaving people quite exhausted. He called me over and asked, "Downey, do we have it yet?" After reviewing the footage, I responded, "Do you want to use this in one shot?" He replied, "Yes." And I said, "No." He agreed with me, saying, "Downey's right, we haven't got it yet. Let's delete all those takes and start afresh after lunch." The entire cast looked at me like, "What on earth…" But sometimes, you have to stand by what's right.

Fincher Admitted To Being Harsh On The Set Of Zodiac

Downey's amusing anecdote about the tense atmosphere on the set of Zodiac aligns with other instances where actors clashed with Fincher during the filming of the true-crime drama. One of Downey's co-stars, Jake Gyllenhaal, had a particularly difficult time adapting to Fincher's demanding approach, a matter that Fincher himself discussed in a 2020 interview with The New York Times. While acknowledging Gyllenhaal's career circumstances during the shooting of Zodiac, Fincher explained his belief that actors should always show up prepared and focused, regardless of any personal issues they may be facing off-set.

I don't intend to justify my behavior. There are certainly moments when I can be confrontational if I notice someone not putting in their best effort. People go through rough patches frequently, including myself. Therefore, I strive to be understanding about it. However, we are talking about significant financial investments here—four hundred thousand dollars per day. There may not be another opportunity to redo the work. I often remind actors that I won't edit around their hangovers, personal tragedies, or professional setbacks. Once they arrive on set, the sole priority is whether we effectively conveyed the story.

Fincher's ability to manipulate his actors' minds, as he did with Downey's experience, exemplifies his utilization of all available resources to convey his desired narrative. Fincher's technique proved successful in Zodiac, resulting in a genuinely timeless masterpiece. Downey comprehends Fincher's methods and acknowledges that, at times, achieving the perfect scene necessitates discarding 40 takes and starting anew after a break, regardless of any frustration it may cause among the cast.