Saul Rubinek shares his experience working with Clint Eastwood on the classic western Unforgiven. The Oscar winning film stars Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Saul Rubinek and Frances Fisher.
Saul was great in Unforgiven. His character arc from being smug and full of himself as he kept company with famous gunslingers, to the abject terror of a man who knows he's in over his head when he sees what an uncontrollable force of nature Munny is at the end, was a wonderful piece of acting.
If we're both thinking about his episode on Star Trek The next generation then I completely agree. He came off as so completely despicable, cold, and evil. Edit: as far as villains go
Oh my god he can play anything. Whenever I see his name in a cast of a show. I don't move from my chair. He can be so sweet. Or incredibly evil or very funny. He seems like somebody who would be very down to earth and fun to meet and talk to. I wish people like him would get more credit for the work they do. When I look at a cast list for a movie
"Reverence". He's just a grownup playing make-believe. Try turning your attention to the doctors and scientists who have been hard-carrying the human race for the last 100 years.
Many years ago as a kid I saw "True Romance", and I freaking loved Saul's character in that movie! Everybody brought their A-game to that movie! Stellar cast!
I've got to give Saul credit as well as Clint for listening. Unforgiven is such a great movie because it deconstructs the traditional western that had been produced by Hollywood. While doing that, it adds in a bit of the dirty and gritty underbelly of the west. The change to W.W.'s character allows the character to be a stand in for the audience and helps bring the audience along. W.W. starts out knowing the romanticized west, which most people were familiar with from movies and TV. The audience had seen enough movies/TV and W.W. had read enough books. This makes the confrontation more impactful. Because while W.W. wets himself, the audience knows that if they step out of a bar into a face full of barrels, they might not just wet themselves, they would likely soil themselves as well. This helps emphasize that things just got real and that ensures that the audience knows this isn't the west we were used to seeing. There is little black and white and far more gray area. Again, hats off to Saul for coming up with the change and hats off to Clint for going along with it.
This was an excellent interview. Actually better than an interview. Truly educational and insightful about the process, the project, and the man, Mr. Eastwood, and your perspective of it all and working with him. Thank you, Mr. Rubinek!
Yes. When I watch an interview, I don't want to hear the host much. Some hosts try to be the center of attention, and try to lead the person being interviewed. It was nice to hear mainly Saul.
I saw this film in 1995 as a young kid. Probably didn’t understand it enough to appreciate the gritty realism. I have seen it a few more times since. Each time it seems more realistic and intense. A great film that that never looses its dramatic impact.
Unforgiven is a brilliant western. Clint is a fantastic director and has been in some outstanding films that I've watched many many times. A real Hollywood legend, a real talent.
Saul is a great guy. I always wanted to meet him, and I got my chance when we ran into each other on the set of Warehouse 13. Then again at the premiere of 'A Fish Story." Which starred Eddie McClintock from Warehouse. First became aware of him as an actor back in 1993, on True Romance. He was great as the producer.
When he says Clint told him he’s in charge of the department of his character that hit deep. I have a little acting experience and that would immediately make me trust my director and communicate that they trust me. Also I forgot Clint directed Unforgiven, probably my favorite western. I recently say Bridges of Madison country and it’s now one of my favorite romances. Clint Eastwood is one of the best directors of all time. I’d say he’s in the conversation for the best.
Saul Rubinek is also in a most excellent film released in 93’ named ‘True Romance’ Directed by Tony Scott, with the screenplay written by Roger Avery and Quentin Tarantino. Rubinek is equally as good in this one as well
He’s brilliant in Prime Video’s "Hunters", & the "Jesse Stone" films directed by/starring Tom Selleck. The more films I’ve seen starring Saul Rubinek, the more I appreciate his talent. Thanks for sharing this!
A wonderful interview of a wonderful actor. Mr. Rubinek's observation of Eastwood being a jazz musician first--and that skill spilling into director duties--is spot on: all truly great band leaders recruit musicians and allow them to *shine as individuals* within the ensemble.
What a great interview, to echo everyone else, Saul has been great in everything I've seen him in, from Frazier to Trek to of course Unforgiven and beyond.
You got it Saul!!! He’s a jazz musician at heart and he lets artists blow their horn! He heard my dad with Bird when he was young. He understands artists!!!
Sounds like Saul got Clint in a time of his life before he settled into a curmudgeon who wouldn’t offer anyone a second take unless they literally screwed their lines. Sorry, I don’t think that’s someone who ‘understands artists’ as most actors want another couple takes, regardless of how innately talented they are, and they’re right to want them… and he doesn’t give it to them. One of the few that big in the industry who doesn’t. Says it’s a waste of time. As if one of the most important aspects of making a movie in the first place (shooting it) would be a waste of time to get right. And it is an approach that can work to bring out something good in some performers in some situations, but which overall has not brought out the best in his actors over the years and is probably a big factor in why his flop ratio is as high as it is even while being able to get some of the best actors/ crew in the business.
@JK-ku4ok , it isn't up to the actor to want another take. That's the director's call. If the director is happy with the take... that's it. I was on a set once where the star called "Cut!" In the middle of the take. The director was furious - and rightfully so. He called the "star" out. In front of everyone - told him to never do that again. The director said (and I agree) that it isn't the actor's job to decide whether the take is good. The actor's job is to stay in the scene until the director ends the take.
This film had four giants of acting from a similar generation in Eastwood, Hackman, Freeman, and Harris. Sometimes collecting that much talent in one place doesn't work, but they each played their parts so well in this one, that it just lifted the entire picture to another level. Saul Rubinek was also extremely good, as he is in all his roles.
Saul is a great actor. He was a Guest Star in a Star Trek TNG episode that he was great in. I might be wrong but it might have been right before Unforgiven; if not than shortly after.
I've seen him several in films and televised series. He's one of those actors that didn't hit their stride until their later acting years. Definitely underrated and deserving of more recognition.
Love this Western, came out the same time my other favorite Western came out, Tombstone. Great performances all around, especially Saul Rubinek's performance! It kind of reminded me of us, how a modern person would react if we were suddenly thrown into the Wild West. Thanks for posting this interview.
Rubinek's scenes were some of the best in the movie and what made those scenes was Eastwood cutting to Rubinek's reactions. If you ever watch the movie again, look for it.
Mr. Rubinek is one heck of a great actor. If you portray a villain and you hate him throughout the movie, you do a heck of a job. He took a pathetic slimy coward character and one ends up hating the weasel he is. That is I think the ultimate goal of an actor, to convince you either to love him or hate his character and forget he is acting. A great performance he gave in Unforgiven.
Letting the actors imagine their own take on their characters makes sense when they are Richard Harris, Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman and Saul Rubinek. These four are well expereanced professional actors.
Unforgiven is one of the greatest Westerns ever with an Epic cast of character and incredibly talented Actors and actresses. Everything about this movie is Epic.
"It's up to you, but if you want your face lit, take a step to your left." Rubinek echoes all the nice things people say about Eastwood as a director. I bet it was great working with Eastwood. No drama. Laid back, but at the same time, highly efficient.
That tracking shot of Saul as he listens to William Munney it grabs you,holds you focused on the sturm und drang of this elegy and final statement..he is the audience.
I believe Saul put together a very good character for this film. #1 His character was not like any other character, and he was authentic. #2 The thing that caught my eye was the fact that he WAS nervous, timid, and scared, but trying the best he could to hide it. He was seeing and experiencing things that he almost couldn't believe, and of course he wanted to be on the side that was winning because he wanted to STAY ALIVE. His reactions were brilliant too. I could sense him saying to himself, "Wait a minute here, I'm just a writer. I'm not a gun slinging COWBOY! Somebody, please rescue me! I caught Saul in another film, and he was JUST the OPPOSITE. Excellent work, POT-NER.
Excellent insight. And Mr Rubinek is a vital character in this story. A film well done by all involved, and most grateful for the 3rd take suggestion. One of my most prized pieces of theater in my collection as well.
Astute observation. I’d only be repeating you with my own comment. I saw it on the big screen and still have the (then newly released DVD), & watch it…biannually? Cheers!
Wow! I saw Saul Rubinek in the final vignette of the Ballad of Buster Scruggs and assumed he was a genuine Frenchman from his mannerisms and accent, but it was merely superb acting. It was a bit surprising to hear him speaking plain English in this RU-vid clip. Now I’ll have to watch Unforgiven.
I had the bucket list -dream come true opportunity to meet Clint in a small venue film festival in Paso Robles CA in 2008. I can say without reserve that he was the most gracious, friendly, down to earth celebrity to each and every attendee. He spent almost 2 hrs signing autographs, taking pics, chatting. Class act all the way, and yes, a quiet presence.
I remember him doing a "collector" in a Star Trek next Generation episode where his just pinned that type of amoral self centered monster whose money and greatness by association, with his acquisitions, enabled him to hide from what he was. A true blend of intelligence and talent.
What a great interview with a thoughtful character actor! Saul has been in so many great movies he is a pleasure to watch. I am alway amused at different actors that have worked with Eastwood doing impressions of him! The same with actors who worked with Nickerson! Two of the greatest actors of our times!
I will watch this movie every time it's on. Thanks for the insight. I've always been fascinated by Eastwood and how he always directs himself. His hands-off approach that Rubinek discusses here undoubtedly helps facilitate that.
I have always enjoyed Saul's work..I'm 75 my wife when she was alive was a casting directory in Hollywood..I know something about the movies and the process..although I was a musician and a surfer almost all my friends were writers, producers and directors and actors. Many of them surfed with me in the Cove where we lived..I get it. Saul is a very good actor.
Those are the words I live by: figure out what is expected of you, and then do more than that. People LOVE that. Everybody's expecting to be let down. When you meet & exceed expectations, people never forget you.
True! My wife hired a gut to help with various yardwork and stuff. He would work for us for 2 days a week as he had other customers. Well, after about the 5th time he worked I told my wife lets give him a raise. He was doing just that; more than expected! He has been working for us for a while now and that is just how he is, tremendous work ethic.
@@bobbys4327 Very thoughtful and considerate of you and your wife. I like to over-deliver for customers because it sets me apart, and I like to see how pleased they get when their expectations are exceeded. My customers work in a very stressful environment where smiles are few & far between. My brightening their day brightens mine. The net effect is they become addicted to me and don't want to work with anyone else. It is quite flattering. I'm not the best in the world, I just get on the customers page first, and then give them extra second. Really that's just about all that's needed to be a success. Just do a little more than required.
True Romance, one of my favorite movies and he is one of the best characters in the movie and there is a lot of good characters in that movie. If you haven’t seen it yet it watch it.
