David O. Russell is a well-known film director who has been responsible for some critically acclaimed films like “The Fighter,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” and “American Hustle.” However, his reputation has been tainted by a history of abusive behavior on movie sets. Russell’s behavior towards cast and crew members has been described as volatile, aggressive, and sometimes even physically violent.
The most infamous incident of Russell’s abusive behavior occurred on the set of “I Heart Huckabees” in 2004. During filming, he got into a heated argument with actress Lily Tomlin, which quickly escalated into a physical altercation. In a leaked video of the incident, Russell can be seen verbally abusing Tomlin, throwing objects at her, and even shoving her. Tomlin can be heard telling Russell that he’s “completely out of control.”
This incident was not an isolated one, however. Multiple reports have surfaced over the years of Russell’s abusive behavior on movie sets. For instance, during the filming of “Three Kings” in 1999, he reportedly screamed at and physically assaulted an extra for accidentally touching a camera. In another incident on the set of “Silver Linings Playbook,” Russell reportedly made an actress cry by yelling at her during a scene.
Russell’s behavior has also been described as sexist and misogynistic. In a 2013 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actress Amy Adams recounted how Russell made her cry on the set of “American Hustle” by calling her “difficult” for not wanting to perform a scene in which her character was supposed to expose her breasts. Adams said that she was “so confused” by Russell’s behavior and felt like she had “failed as an actress” for not being able to handle the situation.
Russell’s abusive behavior has not gone unnoticed by the industry. In the wake of the Lily Tomlin incident, he was reportedly blacklisted by some studios and producers. However, he was able to make a comeback with “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle,” both of which were critical and commercial successes.
The industry’s response to Russell’s behavior has been mixed. Some have spoken out against him, while others have defended him. In a 2013 interview with The New York Times, Jennifer Lawrence, who worked with Russell on both “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle,” downplayed his behavior, saying that it was “not easy” to work with him but that she didn’t think he was “mean.”
However, other actors have been more critical. In a 2015 interview with The Guardian, George Clooney, who worked with Russell on “Three Kings,” called his behavior on set “unacceptable” and said that he wouldn’t work with him again. Similarly, Mark Wahlberg, who starred in “The Fighter,” has spoken out against Russell’s behavior, saying that he witnessed him “screaming and yelling” at crew members and that it was “not a pleasant experience.”
The issue of abuse in Hollywood has come to the forefront in recent years, with the #MeToo movement bringing attention to the pervasive culture of harassment and abuse in the industry. Russell’s behavior is just one example of the larger problem. It is clear that the industry needs to take a stronger stance against abusive behavior and hold those responsible accountable.
David O. Russell’s history of abuse on movie sets is a disturbing reminder of the toxic culture that still exists in Hollywood. Despite his success, his behavior towards cast and crew members has been consistently abusive and unacceptable. It is up to the industry as a whole to take action and ensure that abusive behavior is not tolerated in any form. The safety and well-being of those who work in
