Colin Farrell Reveals Filming ‘Minority Report’ Scene Took 46 Takes Drunk
Colin Farrell recently shared a humorous yet revealing story about his experience filming the 2002 sci-fi film “Minority Report,” directed by Steven Spielberg. The film, which is adapted from Philip K. Dick’s 1956 novella, has become a classic in the genre.
Filming Challenges on Colin Farrell’s Birthday
During a guest appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Farrell recounted the events surrounding his birthday, May 31, while filming the movie. He admitted to spending the night before filming in an inebriated state, which led to one of his most challenging days on set.
- Farrell requested the production team to allow him a day off for his birthday on a $120 million project.
- Unfortunately, he had an early call time of 6 AM for filming.
A Troubling Start to the Day
Waking up late, Farrell received a call from his driver, reminding him it was already past 6 AM. Undeterred by his disheveled appearance, he was confronted by the assistant director, David H. Venghaus, who insisted he couldn’t appear on set in such a state.
In a moment of desperation, Farrell requested “six Pacifico Cervezas and a packet of 20 Red” cigarettes to help him cope. While he recognizes this behavior as unwise—especially since he entered rehab two years later—he recalls it worked well enough for the moment.
The 46 Takes of a Difficult Scene
Farrell confessed that he had “a couple of beers” before the pivotal scene, which did not go smoothly. The memorable line he struggled to deliver was, “I’m sure you’ve all grasped the fundamental paradox of pre-crime methodology.”
The relentless pursuit of perfection led to an exhausting session of 46 takes for one scene, leaving Farrell acutely aware of Tom Cruise’s displeasure.
Despite the difficult day, he maintains a strong admiration for Cruise, reflecting, “Tom wasn’t very happy with me. Tom, who I love, was not very happy!”
Colin Farrell’s revelations offer a candid look into the challenges of filming under pressure and the behind-the-scenes realities of major film productions, highlighting the human errors and personal struggles faced by actors even in high-stakes environments.