Following the passing of the acclaimed actor Robert Duvall at age 95 on Sunday, Bruce Beresford, the Australian director of 1983’s Tender Mercies, shared his personal remembrances of working with Duvall exclusively with The Hollywood Reporter. The film, which earned Duvall the Best Actor Oscar in 1984, remains a highlight in the actor’s career. Beresford, known for acclaimed films such as Breaker Morant and Driving Miss Daisy, described Duvall as surly yet undeniably talented during their collaboration, recalling moments that reveal the actor’s complex personality.
Origins of Tender Mercies and the Role Crafted for Duvall
The screenplay for Tender Mercies was penned by Horton Foote, who had a longstanding professional relationship with Duvall, having suggested him for roles before, including the classic film To Kill a Mockingbird. Foote specifically wrote the part of Mac Sledge with Duvall in mind. The script eventually found its way to Beresford thanks to Philip and Mary-Ann Hobel, founders of The Cinema Guild in New York, who had approached several American filmmakers before offering it to him. Upon reading it, Beresford quickly accepted the project, recognizing its potential.
First Impressions and the Actor’s Commitment to Authenticity
Beresford’s initial meetings with Duvall highlighted the actor’s polite but reserved nature. Duvall invested considerable time in Texas immersing himself among locals to perfect the authentic accent his character required. Despite his quiet demeanor, Duvall had strong opinions about the filmmaking process, which sometimes led to tense moments on set. Beresford planned each scene meticulously, choreographing movements and camera setups, but Duvall’s skeptical responses added a layer of complexity to their work dynamic.
Notable On-Set Anecdotes Illustrate Duvall’s Unique Approach
One memorable incident occurred when Duvall insisted on removing the boom microphone during filming. He questioned, “What’s that doing there?” to which Beresford explained it was necessary to record sound. Duvall replied,
“Mac Sledge never had a microphone hanging above his head.”
Despite the practical implications, Beresford accommodated the request, shooting briefly without sound before resuming normal recording, and Duvall never brought it up again.
Another striking episode involved a lighting setup for an important scene with Ellen Barkin, who portrayed Duvall’s daughter. Duvall noticed a light outside a window and remarked,
“What’s that light doing out there?”
Beresford explained that the extra lighting was necessary to maintain consistency throughout a day-long shoot, as natural sunlight would shift position. Though grudgingly, Duvall accepted the explanation but regarded the explanation with a mix of suspicion and disbelief.
Delivering a Powerful Performance Despite Challenges
Beresford found these quirks unusual given Duvall’s extensive experience in over fifty films, but recognized the actor’s brilliance through every scene. He recalled the first sequence they shot in a motel room, where the character Mac Sledge struggles with drunkenness on the floor. Watching Duvall embody the role so viscerally, Beresford felt a physical reaction of awe and admiration. “This guy is absolutely great,” he remembered thinking, highlighting the actor’s profound impact on the film’s emotional weight.
The Enduring Legacy of Robert Duvall Through Tender Mercies and Beyond
While Beresford and Duvall never reunited after Tender Mercies, missing opportunities like the Cannes Film Festival and subsequent Oscar ceremonies due to other commitments, the director’s memories underscore the unique creative collaboration behind the acclaimed film. Horton Foote’s writing, combined with Duvall’s intense portrayal of Mac Sledge, created a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. As tributes pour in from figures including Viola Davis, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro, this film remains a cornerstone of Duvall’s distinguished career.
Beresford’s reflections reveal both the challenges and triumphs in crafting a film that won awards and continues to resonate. They hint at the complicated, sometimes uneasy dynamics between director and actor that nonetheless produced an enduring cinematic masterpiece. As the industry remembers Robert Duvall, the memories shared by those who worked closely with him illuminate the depth and breadth of his artistry.
