Movies News Talk
Renowned for her performance of Phoebe Buffay in the hit sitcom "Friends," Lisa Kudrow just revealed a behind-the-scenes story about the creation of the show's legendary opening titles. Kudrow related in an interview the terrible experience of shooting the fountain scene and how Matthew Perry, playing Chandler Bing, came to save the day.
Kudrow claims that the group found the fountain scene somewhat uncomfortable since it was recorded on a particularly chilly day. The players had to suffer the agony for a long time since the water was frigid. "It was cold and uncomfortable," she said, stressing the challenges the cast had throughout filming.
The circumstances grew worse as the filming went on. The cast had just finished filming a take and was getting ready for another, Kudrow said, but it was obvious their spirits were declining. The director was beginning to worry; the actors clearly seemed uncomfortable. Perry, famed for his sharp tongue and comic timing, interjected at this point. He advised a "more dynamic" and "energetic" cast performance and a modification in the filming technique. The cast's performance much improved as the energy changed right away.
Perry's recommendation caught the director's attention and she welcomed the modification. "Matthew's idea was fantastic," the director added afterward. "It gives the scene fresh life." Perry's recommendation not only improved the scene but also acted as a trigger for a more favorable on-set environment. The morale of the cast shot sky, and the filming went much more fun.
Perry's participation in the fountain scene had effects much beyond the shooting schedule. His recommendation produced a more dynamic and interesting flow that soon became a favorite feature of the "Friends" opening credits. The scene, which highlights the lively energy and lighthearted comedy that came to define the series, has been recognized with establishing the tone for the whole program.