8 Movies Where Extras Got Totally Trolled

3. The Extras Weren't Told A Fight Was Going To Break Out - Take Shelter

Fast Times At Ridgmont High
Sony Pictures Classics

First thing's first, if you haven't seen Jeff Nichols' terrifically under-appreciated psychological thriller Take Shelter, you're missing out on a fantastic film topped by a killer Michael Shannon performance.

Even in their most outlandish moments, Nichols' films have a tendency to capture a low-key dramatic ebb and flow, employing local extras who seamlessly lend lived-in authenticity to whatever is happening on screen.

Nichols proved this once again during arguably Take Shelter's best scene, where Curtis LaForche (Shannon) and his family grab a bite to eat at the Lions Club community center, and Curtis gets into a fight with his former close friend Dewart (Shea Whigham).

On the film's DVD, Nichols explained that he simply told the seat-filling extras in the scene that they'd get a free lunch and be filmed for a movie, notably neglecting to inform them that a fight would break out and Shannon would deliver an epic cinematic tirade for the ages.

As such, the stunned sea of faces visible throughout the scene are reacting quite genuinely to the unexpected chaos they're witnessing. Incredible.

In this post: 
Iron Man
 
First Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.