The story of Stick, a 1985 thriller that was almost a completely different movie, is a fascinating tale of studio meddling, personal tragedy, and the resilience of a star. Burt Reynolds, once a box office juggernaut, found himself in a situation that could have been the end of his career. But what makes this story truly captivating is the unexpected outcome and the cult following it has garnered over the years.
The High Hopes and the Back-to-Back Flops
In the early 1980s, Burt Reynolds was at the peak of his career. His films Best Friends and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas were box office successes, and his directorial debut, Sharky's Machine, received critical acclaim. Stick, based on an Elmore Leonard novel, was envisioned as a gritty crime thriller, a spiritual successor to Sharky's Machine. The film had an excellent cast, including Charles Durning, Candice Bergen, and George Segal, and was set to begin production at the end of 1983.
However, Reynolds' career took a turn for the worse. He suffered two consecutive flops, Stroker Ace and The Man Who Loved Women, which significantly impacted his box office draw. Despite this, Universal Pictures trusted him to deliver with Stick. But little did they know that disaster was lurking around the corner.
Disaster Strikes on Set
During the filming of City Heat, a big-budget action-comedy with Clint Eastwood, Reynolds was accidentally struck in the face with a real metal chair during a fight scene, shattering his jaw. This incident left him in chronic pain and restricted to a liquid diet, resulting in a rapid weight loss of over 30 pounds. The injury also led to TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), a poorly understood condition at the time.
Turning a Drama into an Action Movie
When Reynolds presented his finished cut of Stick to Universal, the studio executives were disappointed. They wanted an action movie, so extensive reshoots were conducted. The original version, with Reynolds as a non-violent ex-con car thief, was transformed into an action-packed thriller. The villain, Chucky, was demoted, and the action sequences were ramped up, including a major brawl and a gunfight finale. The studio also forced the inclusion of an estranged teenage daughter and softened the lawyer character.
The Obvious Reshot Footage
What makes the reshot footage so fascinating is how obvious it is. Reynolds, who had lost a significant amount of weight, looked frail and ill in the new action sequences. His clothes literally hung off his emaciated frame, and industry rumors circulated claiming he had AIDS. This stigma followed him for a long time, as the public didn't understand the severity of TMJ.
Why the Reshoots Actually Work
Despite the circumstances, the reshot sequences are surprisingly effective. Reynolds, despite feeling unwell, gave it his all, executing his own stunt work. His physical frailty adds a layer of legitimacy to the character, making it believable when he struggles against his opponents. The finale, where Stick fires a machine gun, works remarkably well because Reynolds looks genuinely strained under the weight of the weapon.
The Original Cut Leaks
In a bizarre twist of fate, the original 'Reynolds Cut' leaked to the public. A shipping error at Universal resulted in a print of the original cut being sent to a British television station, which aired it. Years later, it surfaced on YouTube. While the original cut didn't work, it retained some of the best elements, including George Segal's over-the-top performance and a tense scene where Stick clears a tough guy out of a party.
A Flop, but a Lasting Cult Favorite
Despite the negative press and Reynolds' career being in free fall, Stick opened at number one at the box office in April 1985. However, it sank like a stone by its second week, topping out at a dismal $8 million. It was the final nail in the coffin for Reynolds' run as a top-tier box office leading man. Yet, Stick has become a cult favorite, with its unique era, Miami setting, and isolated set-pieces holding up well over time.
In conclusion, Stick is a fascinating tale of a star's struggle and the resilience of a film. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected outcomes can lead to the most captivating stories. Personally, I find it fascinating how a film that was almost completely different can still be a cult favorite, and it raises a deeper question about the power of personal tragedy in shaping a star's legacy.
