The 1990s gave us some of cinema’s most memorable moments, and the pottery scene in ‘Ghost’ is one of those unforgettable instances. This scene, filled with romance and passion, became an emblem of true love for many. But what went on behind the scenes of this iconic movie moment? There are secrets and surprises that even the keenest eye might have missed.
Patrick Swayze, whose filmography reads like a collection of cherished classics, starred in ‘Ghost’, a standout film among his works such as ‘The Outsiders’, ‘Dirty Dancing’, and ‘Point Break’. In ‘Ghost’, Swayze played Sam, a banker whose ghost endeavors to protect his love, Molly, played by Demi Moore, with help from a psychic, Oda, portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg.
This film exquisitely balances romance, comedy, supernatural twists, and even corporate crime intrigue. It’s a movie that tugged at heartstrings, sparking sniffles in theaters from men and women alike!
Patrick Swayze’s Emotional Connection
Before ‘Ghost’ hit the screens, there was a moment during a press gathering in Beverly Hills where Patrick Swayze emerged, clad in casual jeans and a simple shirt, with his hair bleached for another role. Despite the casual appearance, his presence was commanding, and he shared a touching story about his connection to the film.
“I cried six times when I read the script for ‘Ghost’,” he openly shared. His deep attachment was rooted in personal experience, especially the passing of his father, Don, a gentle cowboy who left a profound impact on him. The narrative of love and loss resonated deeply, and Swayze felt a strong pull to the character of Sam Wheat, even though obtaining the role was challenging at first.
Initially, director Jerry Zucker was opposed to casting Swayze, famously saying, “Over my dead body will Patrick Swayze play this role.” However, Swayze’s determination to bring authenticity and romance to the role eventually won Zucker over.
Swayze’s Influence on Casting Whoopi Goldberg
Patrick Swayze’s influence extended beyond his role when he advocated for casting Whoopi Goldberg as Oda Mae Brown. He believed she was perfect for the character, based on her impressive one-woman Broadway shows, and eventually convinced the producers to offer her the part. This decision brought about a unique and memorable performance that added depth and humor to the film.
The role of Oda Mae was initially written as a genuine psychic, but producers thought it funnier for her to be a fraud who accidentally ends up hearing Sam.
The Pottery Scene and Its Surprises
The pottery scene between Sam and Molly is iconic for its delicate balance of sensuality and emotion. Initially planned to lead into a more explicit sequence, the filmmakers wisely decided that the beauty of handcrafting was sufficient. The graceful unfoldment of ‘Unchained Melody’ added magic, creating a universally acclaimed romantic experience.
Interestingly, during the filming, the pot wasn’t scripted to break. Its accidental collapse during the take led to a spontaneous and mesmerizing continuation of the scene, making it a cinematic legend.
Unforeseen Goofs and Details
The film isn’t without its unintentional quirks. For example, when Sam and Molly are covered in clay at the pottery wheel, they clean up rather rapidly for the next love scene, a small goof unnoticed by many. Also, the closing credits feature a typo with ‘Cemetery Ghost’ misspelled as ‘Cemetary Ghost’, a minor slip largely unnoticed.
The Success and Setbacks for Demi Moore
‘Ghost’ propelled Demi Moore to new heights as Hollywood’s highest-paid actress. This success, however, brought criticisms and the unkind nickname “Gimme Moore.” She found this backlash puzzling, questioning why negative attention arose right as she achieved this milestone.
Sound Magic: Creepy “Dark Shadows”
The scenes involving the ‘dark shadows’ spirits are spine-chilling partly due to the eerie sounds accompanying them, expertly crafted by playing baby cries in reverse at a slow pace. This technique added an unsettling, horror-like feel to those moments in the movie.
Finally, remembering the chase sequences in icy New York, Patrick Swayze had to chew ice before shooting. This unusual tactic kept his breath from showing on film, preserving the ghostly illusion of Sam Wheat.
Legacy of ‘Unchained Melody’
‘Unchained Melody’, a song revived by its use in ‘Ghost’, witnessed an explosion in popularity with fans clamoring for it. Radio stations struggled to keep up with demand as the soundtrack ran out, leading them to purchase The Righteous Brothers’ Greatest Hits as a substitute.
From the emotional potency captured in scenes like Sam’s farewell to the unintended yet humorous blunders, ‘Ghost’ remains a cinematic wonder, cherished for its poignant storytelling and its moments of unexpected comedy.
So next time you watch ‘Ghost’, look for these hidden gems and laugh along, enjoying both the romance and the behind-the-scenes quirks that make it a movie worth revisiting again and again.
