I feel I made a pretty good case earlier for why Beetlejuice is remembered as one of the most beloved horror-comedy movies and how its surrealist approach to that genre crossover is key to its enduring iconography. Photograph: Fox/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock, I wrote a book about why those movies are the most important ever made. The director was not going to take no for an answer, and Keaton was asked to meet with him again for another chat where the actor sought a better explanation of Burtons vision. It's time to feed your thirst for Beetlejuice knowledge with behind-the-scenes secrets and all of the things that could have been. One definitive example of this is the famous Day-O scene, which was apparently a more complex and problem-ridden process than you might have expected. Yeah, probably. When it was changed to a comedy, the studio wanted to call the movie House Ghosts. (So, Jared Leto can suck on that when he complains about his Juggalo Joker being cut from David Ayer's Suicide Squad.). The filmmakers first choice for OHaras role, Delia, was Kirstie Alley, but the producers of her show Cheers wouldnt give her the time off. Finally, Betelgeuse was a real nefarious and unlikable character. There were several scenes written that never made it into the final film, including one that showed the world of limbo between the living and the dead as giant gears (and hands of clocks) cut through actual fabrics that represented time: Here's the scene from one of the original scripts: -- The size of a man -- rolls by, tearing up the unseamed ground. They kept shooting it, but the guys under there couldn't really see where their hand was going and they poked each other in the face. Here's all the behind the scenes facts & trivia fans should know. Rumours of a Beetlejuice sequel have circulated ever since the original film was released in 1988. In many ways, Michael Keaton is similar to Bill Murray. In one routine, he talks about how just a look from a stranger on the streets of New York can send him into therapy; in another, he imagines what it would be like if the cartoon strips that used to come with gum packets explored philosophical concepts. After becoming known for his hyper-comedic performances in the early 80s, Keaton switched to dramatic roles first as a recovering drug addict in Clean And Sober (a flop) and then as Batman (one of the biggest box office hits of its day). RELATED:Tim Burton's 10 Best Movies, According To Rotten Tomatoes. Actually, I say, I wrote a book about why those movies are the most important ever made. Juice! Presumably thats because he had to fight for space, whereas Sean was an only child and happy to fill the house with friends? alain picard wife / ap calculus bc multiple choice / how much did michael keaton make for beetlejuice. Anyone familiar with the controversial reception to 1992s Batman Returns knows that Tim Burton is no stranger to receiving some pushback from his distributors, and Beetlejuice was apparently no exception. Co-star . [The film] just wasnt any good, man. Speaking about the movie to Uproxx, cinematographer Tom Ackerman recalled the fond experience of working on it. Look, theres two different things here, he says, leaning forward and tapping my knee, emphasising his points in a manner that feels more paternal than creepy. You also get away with more, because by that point your parents are like, Whos that again? Geena Davis was the only cast member who was actually eager to sign up for Beetlejuice. He currently resides in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, USA. His family visited him, and there have been girlfriends (he is in a relationship now, but its the one subject he refuses to discuss), but in the main he was on his own. Alec BaldwinbeetlejuicecomedyCultGeena DavisMichael KeatonTim Burton. Initially, Keaton thought about going into comedy rather than acting, and you can still find some of his very funny standup routines online. At his memorial service, the final song played was "Day-O" a fitting sendoff to the gifted actor and a fan-favorite of the movie. But he loved to watch old movies on TV, especially ones starring James Cagney and John Garfield. RELATED:The 10 Greatest Lines From Beetlejuice. So was his niece named after Hadley Hemingway, I manage to ask. Tim Burton caught on to this plot hole, but he decided to allow it for the actors sake because they wouldve been uncomfortable if they had to be kept wet on dry land all the time. The consumer spending estimate is based on the average sales price for the title in the retailers we survey. Being around that is so much fun, you just want to be in that environment.. Sexual references and gestures include Beetlejuice grabbing his crotch and dry humping. And thats too bad, but thats the way it is, and this genre, a committed action thriller movie, was just different for me. But he is clearly having a ball on this, the second wave of his career. While it does seem like the cast and crew had a whale of a time on set, it wasn't all roses and sunshine. Warner Bros. executives didn't like the name Beetlejuice and pushed to have it changed to House Ghosts. theaters, 10.0 weeks average run per theater. about another much-needed improvement that was made to Beetlejuice, specifically the ending. I tried to be patient, but after a certain point, I was like, I cant take this any more, this is going to be horrible. how much did michael keaton make for beetlejuicehavelock wool australia. Maybe it'll still be set in Hawaii? Yet his role navigates the entire film down a very weird and wonderful path, and his limited appearances are undoubtedly the highlights. What does he mean by changing things internally? Juice!. Keaton is not a straight Q&A kind of guy; his approach to conversation is a little like his eyebrows, looping in memorable and unexpected directions. He rules, at least in his head. It's now been well over three decades (35 years in March 2023, actually) since we've seen the black-and-white striped suit, green hair, and demonic clown face of everyone's favorite house haunter: Beetlejuice. Keaton is a famous actor that starred in movies such as Batman, The Founder, and Spotlight. Truth be told, Alley isn't the first or the last star to lose out on a role because of a TV show commitment. The film celebrated its 30th anniversary in March 2018. Sadly, she wasn't able to take the role because the show's producers wouldn't let her out of her contract. The next time you watch Beetlejuice and you get to the Day-O scene, keep in mind that when the shrimp hands come up to push the dinner guests faces, they are really pulling away from them. In 1988, one undead figure showed up in movie theaters and captured the imaginations of. Of all the great Michael Keaton performances I could choose as a favorite (such as his time as Batman or his Oscar-nominated role in 2014s Birdman), it still has to be the manic brilliance he displays in Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice and Batman) is a scream of laughs in this movie. Okay, maybe that last bit is a lie, but did it at least make you laugh considering that you made it this far? For the scene in which the shrimp jump off the plates and attack the guests at the dinner party, Tim Burton tried using stage hands under the table, throwing the shrimp, but it wasnt working. Grahame-Smith did meet with Burton as recently as five years ago about. All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,101-1,200), All Time International Box Office (Rank 11,501-11,600), All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 2,201-2,300), All Time Domestic Box Office for Comedy Movies (Rank 101-200), All Time International Box Office for Comedy Movies (Rank 2,201-2,300), All Time Worldwide Box Office for Comedy Movies (Rank 301-400), Memorial Day (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted), Easter (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted), Easter (Opening, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted), All Time Domestic Inflation Adjusted Box Office (Rank 701-800), All Time Domestic Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 801-900), Top 1988 Movies at the Domestic Box Office, All Time Domestic Box Office for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 401-500), All Time Domestic Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 801-900), All Time Domestic Box Office for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 401-500), All Time Domestic Box Office for PG Movies (Rank 301-400), All Time Domestic Box Office for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 101-200), All Time International Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 10,501-10,600), All Time International Box Office for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 6,301-6,400), All Time International Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 9,601-9,700), All Time International Box Office for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 5,901-6,000), All Time International Box Office for PG Movies (Rank 801-900), All Time International Box Office for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 501-600), All Time Worldwide Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 1,701-1,800), Top 1988 Movies at the Worldwide Box Office, All Time Worldwide Box Office for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100), All Time Worldwide Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 1,801-1,900), All Time Worldwide Box Office for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100), All Time Worldwide Box Office for PG Movies (Rank 401-500), All Time Worldwide Box Office for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 301-400), 8.52 (domestic box office/biggest weekend), $15,000,000 (worldwide box office is 5.0 times production budget), 1,000 opening theaters/1,582 max. Brilliantly bizarre and overflowing with ideas, Beetlejuice offers some of Michael Keaton's most deliciously manic work - and creepy, funny fun for the whole family. That said, it couldn't have been easy to nail a look like that of Beetlejuice, and in a 2014 interview with Charlie Rose, Michael Keaton shared more about what that process looked like. No, Kirk changed it from Danielovitch, I say. Despite playing the title character, Michael Keaton only has 17 minutes of screen time in Beetlejuice. Youre my hero, my best friend and I love you so much. Keaton, standing behind his son and moving excitedly from side to side, pinked with delight. 13. A scene-stealer that plays the title role in a film? Hes manic, a whirlwind of dark energy that seemingly never stops. "When I did Night Shift, I improvised quite a bit because I would improvise at the audition so sometimes I would return to the original lines and then when I was on set I would improvise even more," he said. They may be dead, they may pull bizarre pranks to frighten off unwelcome visitors, but they are at heart just a sweet, ordinary couple. Still not convinced, Keaton met with Burton a third time which is when something finally clicked. Rupert Murdoch, Fox Corp. 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Then the duo went their separate ways for decades. That's a real bummer, isn't it? He also kisses Barbara without consent and lifts her skirt. But unlike Riggan, the Birdman character who becomes obsessed by his superhero alter ego, Keaton walked away, refusing to make Batman 3 when Burton wasnt rehired as director. When Keaton was last year added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sean gave the speech: Ive seen everything from Batman to bath time when I was a young kid. Michael Keaton is an American actor who is best known for his roles in films such as 'Mr. Mom,' 'Beetlejuice,' 'Batman' and 'Birdman.' Updated: Apr 14, 2021 Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images. Jun 29, 2022; no comments . "Barb, honey we're dead. . He can morph into pretty much any size or shape, swap voices in a split second, and go from charming to terrifying just as quickly. Despite playing the title character, Michael Keaton only has 17 minutes of screen time in Beetlejuice. That wouldn't have been the case if producers had stuck to the original screenplay. He was paid $5 million for his titular role as Batman. I don't think we have very much to worry about anymore." Adam Maitland. I mean, if you look at the specificity of John Hughes direction in those movies, its incredible, he continues. It should come as no surprise that a Tim Burton movie set allows for creativity and actors to spread their wings and do the unconventional. Not really, no, and thats a good way of putting it: married, house, kid right away, career, a lot of attention, which is not something Im crazy about. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I liked him, Keaton said in a 2014 interview of Burton. As a result, his punishment was five years probation, counseling, and the requirement to register as an offender. Naturally, the smell of money was a temptation that couldn't be resisted and a script for the sequel was commissioned. Keaton has enjoyed a long and successful acting career that has spanned from the 1970s all the way into the current era. My hypothesis is that maybe because he can't outrightly say his name (like . While they are trying to think deeply about how they will solve their crisis, Betelgeuse is jabbering away in the corner and distracting them as much as possible. I said, I wish I could do it. It didnt evolve into a comedy until Tim Burton became attached to direct and Michael Keaton signed on to star. Maybe we're all going to be dead. Were all here for a millisecond, so how bad can this be? he says, his drawn-out vowels (maaan, baaad) revealing his Pittsburgh origins. Because sales figures are estimated based on sampling, they will be more accurate for higher-selling titles. Jones has been arrested another two times, once in 2004 and again in 2010, for failing to update his offender status. As you all know, most movies aren't filmed in the same linear sequence as the script; therefore, you might get the ending completed before the first scene is even shot. Mom (DVD, 1983) Michael Keaton Teri Garr Comedy at the best online prices at eBay! SERGIO PEREIRA is a speculative fiction author and journalist from Johannesburg, South Africa. I ask if it was strange having an only child when he grew up in such a big family. In 2003, Jones pleaded no contest to the solicitation charge, while the possession charge was dropped as it was considered a misdemeanor. You will receive a verification email shortly. By Ben Brantley. 5. It was mostly good, he says. Reportedly, actresses Molly Ringwald, Diane Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker, Brooke Shields, and Jennifer Connelly all turned down the role of Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice (maybe they thought the script was too weird?). Monday. Hes like a lightning bolt to every scene he appears in, often taking it down paths that you wouldnt expect. Dealing with the mental side of things? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Scene Stealers: Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice. Burton's original pick for the part was Cheers star Kirstie Alley. It must have been particularly hard for them, facing so much scrutiny during Batman, but Keaton insists he wasnt aware of it or not until he happened to pick up the business section of a newspaper and saw a cartoon of his face in an article suggesting that he, personally, would damage Warner Bros stock. He plays an automobile executive, Jack Butler, who loses his job in the 1980s and . If there is one reason to be glad that famed script doctor Warren Skaaren was brought in to lighten up the material, it is what the main antagonist would become instead. Did he ever tell him that he stole his name? With a lot of ad-libbing involved, Keaton seems to be on a different wavelength to Baldwin and Davis entirely, which works incredibly well. Photograph: Fox/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock. The famous snake scene was actually done before Michael Keaton was cast as the lead character. In addition to the beatnicks, a band of ancient Hawaiian ghosts are none to pleased about the hotel; they try to recruit Beetlejuice to frighten away Deetz and his developers, but he declines because his license to scare has been revoked. 2. Oh no, I just think her mom liked the name, he says, and hes off again, talking about everything from whether or not hes a liberal (he is, mostly) to why climate change shouldnt be politicised. Back in 1988, Tim Burton unleashed Beetlejuice on the world. No one else could pull off angsty, goth girl like she could at the time or maybe even now. And they were: Burtons first Batman film remains one of the most interesting big-budget movies ever made, with Keatons psychologically subtle performance a major part of that. Michael Keaton is signed on to star in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice sequel . I tell my brother, who texts back: "220, 221, whtvr it takes." 3. Was he drawn to acting because he was used to having an audience of siblings? Burton met with Keaton, flew out to see OHara, and personally called Sidney in order to convince them to take their roles in the film. how much did michael keaton make for beetlejuice. Yeah, exactly, and not to be cute or cheeky, as they say he switches mercifully briefly into an appalling English accent but thats what keeps me interested. This gets him thinking about his son, Sean, now 34, when he was a boy. Pete Davidson And Chase Sui Wonders Have Spent A Lot Of Time Together, But Are They Getting Serious. I truly didnt understand why people cared one way or another, and I cant believe people still care. Neither actor is in the game for the money and tend to choose movies that interest them. He also tries to coerce Lydia (Winona Ryder) into marrying him. Keaton's performance is pure id. movie for Burton) and traded the New England setting of the original for a tropical one, in what eventually became known as "Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian.". Additionally, the movie managed to rack up a healthy amount of awards as well as becoming a cult classic in the process. But, yeah, I would have loved to have worked with him. In fact, it's probably due to these contract issues that most movie stars are reluctant to sign long-term TV deals. Michael Keaton had no clue what director Tim Burton was talking about when he was pitched Beetlejuice, so he turned it down several times. Following his star-making turn in 1982 comedy Night Shift, the actor popped up in hits like Mr. In the Day-O sequence, Charles Deetz and his wife, Delia, are having her agent, Bernard (Dick Cavett) and his wife, Grace (Susan Kellerman) over for dinner, at which point Adam and Barbara Maitland decide to enact a plan to frighten them out of the house that does not go exactly as planned. ago. Ryder was only 17 years old when she filmed Beetlejuice. For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary. But, look, there was some really horrible taste in the 90s, and I probably contributed to that, unfortunately. He has made a career out of taking the. In the sequel, the franchise elevated his paycheck to $11 million. Huh? Interestingly, an earlier draft of the script called for Betelgeuse to be an African-American man, so it would make sense to get someone of Davis' talent and caliber for the role. There was a problem. Where does it come from? Director Tim Burtons sophomore feature-length effort sees Academy Award nominee Michael Keaton at his kookiest, creepiest, and most unrecognizable in the (sort of) title role of a self-described bio-exorcist whom the recently deceased Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) mistakenly believe will help them rid their home of a snobbish family. Future two-time Academy Award nominee Winona Ryder also had very little experience making films when she starred in Beetlejuice as Lydia Deetz, who initially becomes the sole seer of the Maitlands spirits when she moves into their house with her father (Jeffrey Jones) and stepmother (Schitts Creek cast member Catherine OHara). Well, Michael Keaton may have played the "starring role" in Beetlejuice (credited as "Betelgeuse"), but did you know he has just a minuscule 17 minutes' screentime in this 92-minute film? Jeffrey Jones built up quite an extensive career for himself, acting in movies such as Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Crucible, Stuart Little, and Beetlejuice. In fact, he reportedly ad-libbed about 90% of his lines. RELATED:The 10 Most Memorable Tim Burton Characters, Ranked. In an interview with Coming Soon, Keaton revealed how he improvised many of his lines in his first feature film. While we can't imagine anyone else but Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse nowadays, Tim Burton originally wanted someone else for the part: the legendary Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. In a way, it's almost hard to appreciate,. Look, its not like I dont think about the business I am cognisant of that side of things but if you overthink the money part, you tend to mess it up. Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. Theres me taking a pause: I really like life, doing things, having a normal life. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Far from being the lead character, Betelgeuse doesn't even make an appearance until 25 minutes in. The Oscar-nominated actor, who turned 70 on. According to celebritynetworth.com Keaton was paid $5 million for 1989's Batman (that's worth $10 million today). As of 2023, Michael Keaton's net worth is $101 million. Beetlejuice's history is well documented.Released 30 years ago, the film made over $73m from a modest $13m, and sat among 1988's highest grossing films, alongside Rain Main and Big.It launched . The script ends with a climactic scene where Beetlejuice wreaks havoc on the island by turning into a creature named "Juicifer," and Lydia summoning a giant tidal wave that washes the island clean of all the demonic creatures conjured by Beetlejuice.