Key Highlights
- Roger Reiner’s passing led to a special on his life featuring memorable scenes from “A Few Good Men.”
- Kiefer Sutherland recalls the iconic scene where Jack Nicholson whispered, “Do you want to do another one?” after Rob Reiner called cut.
- Reiner shut down shooting for the day early, surprising everyone with his satisfaction and sending them home early.
The Legacy of Rob Reiner
Roger Reiner, the visionary behind films like “Stand By Me” and “Misery,” left us in 2024. His passing prompted a special titled Rob Reiner: Scenes From A Life, which aired on CBS News. The show featured interviews with those who worked closely with him, including Kiefer Sutherland, who shared some behind-the-scenes stories from the making of “A Few Good Men.”
The scene where Jack Nicholson delivers the iconic line, “You can’t handle the truth!” is more than just a memorable moment; it’s a testament to Reiner’s directing prowess.
According to Sutherland, after Reiner called cut on that pivotal scene, he turned to Jack Nicholson and asked if they should do another one. Not always.
Unexpected Generosity
No one said anything for a while. Then Rob went up to Jack Nicholson and whispered in his ear: “Do you want to do another one?” Nicholson replied with a straight face, “Well, we’re here.” And they did it again, creating an even more extraordinary result.
Despite having planned to shoot the entire day, Reiner decided that he couldn’t ask for anything more. He shut down the set early and sent everyone home with the rest of the day off. At least, that’s the plan.
A Director’s Satisfaction
This decision was based on a deep-seated satisfaction that only a director like Reiner could have felt. Sutherland recalled how it felt to be on set as they went into overtime, only for Rob to look at everyone and say, “I couldn’t ask for anything more, so you guys all have the rest of the day off.” It was proper and earned, as recognized by the enduring legacy of that scene in pop culture.
Jack Nicholson’s role in “A Few Good Men” is relatively small, but his performance still managed to earn him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. He lost out to Gene Hackman from “Unforgiven,” which adds another layer to the film’s rich tapestry.
If you haven’t rewatched it recently, it might be time to do so—especially in memory of Rob Reiner.
The movie is available for digital rental and purchase on various online platforms and has been released on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Whether you’re a fan of Kiefer Sutherland or just appreciate great performances, “A Few Good Men” remains a must-watch, even if it’s not currently streaming.
So, the next time you watch that iconic scene, remember Rob Reiner’s generosity and his commitment to excellence in filmmaking. It might make you think twice about the lengths directors go to for their craft.
