The Hilarious Anecdotes of Barry Sonnenfeld: From A-list Egos to Canadian Dreams
Ah, Hollywood. A dazzling realm where starry-eyed dreamers can get tangled in the web of celebrity egos, and Barry Sonnenfeld is no stranger to that chaos. The seasoned director, known for blockbuster hits, brings us a treasure trove of juicy gossip in his newly released memoir, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time, reviewed by the Washington Post as akin to a “gossipy Hollywood lunch.” And let’s be honest, that’s exactly the kind of unfiltered entertainment we crave!
Directing the Divas: A Tricky Business
Sonnenfeld’s remarkable career has pitted him against some of the biggest names in the industry. Who else can boast of directing the King of Pop himself? Yes, Michael Jackson was reportedly so illustrious on set that he could only be called “King of Pop” or “Number One.” I mean, can you imagine the alternatives? “Hey, Mike, it’s time for your close-up!” It’s all very regal, but it screams, “I have a crown, and you don’t!”
Firing Donald Trump: A Director’s Nightmare
And speaking of overblown egos, let’s talk about Donald Trump. In an entertaining twist of fate, Sonnenfeld reveals he once fired Trump off a Macy’s commercial. Now, that’s a title you don’t see on a resume every day! “You can’t shoot me from that side, that’s my bad side!” the former president allegedly whined. How beautifully absurd! If the camera could only capture the sheer ridiculousness of that moment—comedy gold!
Turning the Tables on a Bully
But the best moment? After dismissing Trump from the set, the director moved on to Martha Stewart. Just imagine Martha standing there ready for her hero shot while Trump sulkily taps Sonnenfeld’s shoulder, conceding to be filmed from his bad side. It’s like watching a toddler finally relinquish his toy, while the world collectively sighs with relief. “Sure, Donald! Thanks for the *generosity*,” is the kind of professionalism that would make even Lee Evans weep tears of joy!
Trading Hollywood for the Great White North
And what’s a feature on Hollywood gossip without a little political twist? Fast forward to October 2016, when the director found himself surrounded by another kind of drama. Shooting in Vancouver, Sonnenfeld remembers a fateful meeting with Christy Clark, the Premier of British Columbia. In a moment of sheer foresight, he shook her hand and jokingly noted, “You may be very important to my future.”
Just three weeks later, he was packing his bags for Canada. Can you credit him for that? Sonnenfeld, like many, sought refuge from the Trumpocalypse. He casually mentions receiving an email asking if he was ready to make the move—clearly she knew how to make a pitch that even the best Hollywood agents would envy! Now that’s a plot twist worthy of a Netflix series!
His Happy Ending
Today, Sonnenfeld is living his best life as a permanent resident on a farm in “Pemberton, British Columbia.” Imagine: from directing mega-stars to cultivating a peaceful plot of land. He turned that gossipy lunch into a hearty dinner!
Conclusion
So, as Sonnenfeld dives into the hilarities of his career, be prepared for a wild ride full of laughter, ego clashes, and maybe a sprinkle of nostalgia for the chaotic world of Hollywood. His memoir isn’t just about the glitz and glamour, it’s a sharp reminder that even in the midst of celebrity chaos, there is always room for a good laugh. And honestly, who couldn’t use a bit of laughter these days?
For the full scoop, check out the interview on Q with Tom Power. Because let’s face it—who doesn’t want to hear why he felt nervous working with Gene Hackman or how he shot that infamous fake orgasm scene from When Harry Met Sally? Brilliant!
Bravo, Barry Sonnenfeld! Here’s to more entertaining tales and less drama on set. Cheers! 🍿
31:44Barry Sonnenfeld: The best gossip from his decades in Hollywood
Barry Sonnenfeld, an esteemed director, cinematographer, and producer, has navigated the tumultuous waters of Hollywood for many years and has a treasure trove of stories about the complexities of collaborating with A-list celebrities. Last month, he unveiled his second memoir, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time, which the Washington Post characterized as an engaging “gossipy Hollywood lunch,” reflecting the colorful tapestry of his experiences in the film industry.
In a candid discussion with Q‘s Tom Power, Sonnenfeld reveals some of the most humorous and eye-opening anecdotes from his book. Notably, he shares a side-splitting encounter while directing none other than Michael Jackson, who, on set, insisted that he could only be referred to as either the King of Pop or Number One. However, when considering the spectrum of on-set antics, Sonnenfeld’s most memorable encounter with a diva-level celebrity might just be Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect at the time.
Sonnenfeld recounts, “I fired Donald Trump off of a Macy’s commercial,” recalling the complexities of that infamous day on set. “I don’t know that he’ll remember — I hope he doesn’t recall it was me who did it. But if he reads this book, crossing the border will be a challenge for me for sure.”
The 2009 television advertisement also boasted appearances from prominent figures such as Martha Stewart, Usher, and Jessica Simpson, all of whom had their own merchandise lines featured at Macy’s. Sonnenfeld reflects on the logistical challenges he faced in getting everyone aligned for the final shot.
“It was a very complicated dolly shot that culminates on Donald Trump,” he explains. “As we shot the scene, I went in for his close-up, and he blurted out, ‘You can’t shoot me from that side. That’s my bad side. You’ve got to place the camera on my good side or I’m not permitting you to shoot my close-up.'” After Trump threatened to leave, Sonnenfeld simply thanked him for his time and turned his focus to capturing Martha Stewart’s close-up instead.
In an amusing twist, Sonnenfeld advises, “Here’s the thing about bullies: Ten minutes later, as we were about to film Martha, Trump tapped my shoulder and said, ‘All right, you can shoot me from my bad side.’ I remarked, ‘We’ve moved on, Donald. Go home! We’re done here.'”
In October 2016, Sonnenfeld found himself shooting an episode of the Netflix series A Series of Unfortunate Events in Vancouver when a remarkable encounter led to an unexpected turn in his life. Though the set was secured, a woman and her son managed to gain access. “She extended her hand and introduced herself as Christy Clark, the premier of British Columbia,” he recalls. “At that moment, all I could think was, ‘You might play a significant role in my future.’”
Three weeks after, Trump ascended to the presidency, and Clark emailed Sonnenfeld, inquiring if he was prepared to make the move to Canada. Having accumulated enough working days in Vancouver, he realized it was feasible for him to immigrate legally. “Everyone was talking about relocating to Canada if Trump got elected, and we did just that,” Sonnenfeld states. “My immigration lawyer remarked, ‘Who do you know?’ And when I answered, ‘I don’t know, Christy Clark?’ he immediately responded, ‘Oh, the premier of British Columbia? That will definitely help.’ Now, we’re happy as permanent residents living on a picturesque farm in Pemberton, British Columbia.”
The full interview with Barry Sonnenfeld is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power. He dives into directing the iconic fake orgasm scene from When Harry Met Sally, reflects on his time with Tommy Lee Jones during Men in Black, and shares the nerves he felt working alongside Gene Hackman. Tune in and subscribe wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
Interview with Barry Sonnenfeld produced by Ben Edwards.
What insights does Barry Sonnenfeld provide about the challenges directors face in the film industry in his memoir *Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time*?
T’s a delightful blend of Hollywood lore and behind-the-scenes hilarity that Barry Sonnenfeld captures in his memoir, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time. From navigating the egos of pop icons to dealing with would-be moguls like Donald Trump, Sonnenfeld’s recollections bring forth not just laughter but also an insightful look into the challenges directors face in the film industry.
Throughout his career, Sonnenfeld has accumulated an array of stories that highlight both the absurdities and triumphs of Hollywood. The incident with Trump exemplifies the director’s ability to stand his ground amidst kinks and kinks in celebrity behaviour. The revelation that he had to set boundaries with one of the most recognizable figures in America, and his sarcastic quips about turning his attention to Martha Stewart, definitely paints a vivid picture of life on set.
Moreover, his move to Canada in the wake of the 2016 political climate serves as a reminder of the broader influences that shape the entertainment world. It subtly ties personal choices with the ever-changing landscape of celebrity and politics, while offering a glimpse into Sonnenfeld’s quest for peace after the turbulence of fame.
As readers digest the collection of anecdotes in Sonnenfeld’s memoir, they’re not just entertained; they’re also immersed in the rich tapestry of Hollywood’s history through the eyes of someone who has been both an insider and an observer. Each story serves as a testament to the idea that even amidst chaos, laughter and resilience can prevail.
Barry Sonnenfeld’s memoir is a treasure trove for anyone intrigued by the world of film, offering a candid, comedic, and occasionally surreal portrayal of Hollywood and the larger-than-life figures who inhabit it. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and prepare for an exhilarating ride through the ups and downs of celebrity culture and the filmmaking process. Cheers to the stories yet to be told! 🍿
