Bradley Cooper recently made headlines for his unconventional rule of not allowing chairs on his movie sets. In a one-on-one interview with Spike Lee for Variety’s “Directors on Directors” series, Cooper revealed his aversion to chairs on set, stating that he believes they drain the energy out of both the actors and the room in general. This unorthodox approach to set rules has sparked a conversation about the practices of various directors in the industry.
Key Takeaway
Bradley Cooper’s decision to ban chairs on his movie sets is part of a broader phenomenon of directors implementing unconventional rules and regulations to shape the atmosphere and performance on set.
The Chair Ban Phenomenon
Cooper’s stance on chairs is not as unusual as it may seem at first glance. In fact, he is in good company with other renowned filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder, who also enforce strict guidelines on their sets, including a ban on chairs. Anne Hathaway and Robert Downey Jr. have attested to Nolan’s no-chair policy, while Snyder himself has made it clear that chairs are not allowed on his sets. This reveals that Cooper’s approach, although unconventional, is not an isolated practice in the film industry.
Unconventional Set Rules
It’s not just the chair ban that sets directors apart in their approach to filmmaking. Quentin Tarantino is known for prohibiting the use of cell phones while cameras are rolling, while Martin Scorsese reportedly disallows wristwatches to enhance immersion on set. These idiosyncratic rules and regulations shed light on the diverse methods employed by directors to create the desired atmosphere and performance in their films.
Following in the Footsteps of Greats
Cooper’s unconventional set rules may raise eyebrows, but they also reflect a trend among directors to establish unique guidelines that align with their creative vision. By not allowing chairs on set, Cooper joins the ranks of other esteemed directors who have implemented unorthodox practices to shape the dynamics of their film productions.
