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BEHIND THE SCENES

Rafelson's 'pieces'
get easier all the time
By Frank Lovece felson has a reputation for cre-
ative integrity. "Whqn my old
Bob Rafelson: What's he all production company was fi-
about? nancing 'Easy Rider,' I had a
It's hard to tell. The semi- contract clause that said I
legendary co-producer of wasn't allowed to talk with the
"Easy Rider." co-creator of director. He could call me, but
"The Monkees," and director I put in writing I wouldn't in-
of "Five Easy Pieces" and theterfere in the making of his
current thriller "Black Wid- movie. How many companies
ow" makes movies once every would do that?"
four to six years. AlternatelY As a director, Rafelson like-
vague and candid about him- wise insists on being left alone
self, he both enjoys and derides to make movies his way; most
his image as one of the most of his six films are strong, per-
influential film makers of the sonal works far from the
late '60s and earlv '70s. paint-by-numbers approach of
many directors.
Until now, this has meant
making movies independently;
"Black Widow" is Rafelson's
first completed movie for a
major studio. He says he en-
countered very little back-seat
driving: "I was very pleased
with the experience."
There were, however, "silly
discussions about who should
play the Theresa Russell part.
There's always a studio execu-
tive with a list: 'Well, how
about Ann-Margret or Eliza-
beth Taylor?' I said, 'You're
kidding, they're old enough to
be Debra Winger's mother.'
'Alright: Meryl Streep; Jessica
Bob Rafelson Lange.' Right. Qne's pregnant,
the other doesn't want to work.
His officialtio states that he I said, 'I don't see Ava Gard-
dropped out of Dartmouth to ner's name.' They said, 'Don't
join the Army. Rafelson says be absurd.' 'I won't if you
he graduated from the school; won't,' " Rafelson laughs.
when pressed, he changes the The studio executives final-
subject. Once, when .he aP- ly decided to let Rafelson-the-
peared to be corrlered in an director make "Black Widow"
t'ambush" interview for as Rafelson-the.producer
French TV, he and an actress would have done: "They said,
(playing a reporter) had script- 'Go on, you're supposed to be
ed everything in advance. Call good at this, cast whoever you
him irrepressible. want.'" Rafelson, as usual,
Despite, such behavior, Ra- had the last laugh.

Release the week of March 8-14, 1987

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