Photo credit: movieweb.com

Celebrating 30 Years of *Tommy Boy*: Insights from Director Peter Segal

Paramount is joyfully commemorating the 30th anniversary of the beloved film Tommy Boy. This comedy has proven to be timeless, capturing the hearts of audiences despite initial critical responses, including a notable dismissal by Roger Ebert. The film’s legacy continues with the announcement of a biopic centered on its star Chris Farley, which will feature actor Josh Gad, and a stunning new 4K UHD release filled with special features. Recently, director Peter Segal, known for works like 50 First Dates and Anger Management, reflected on his experiences while making the film and revealed amusing anecdotes from behind the scenes, including one particular incident he deemed “too R-rated” for his commentary.

The moment in question arose during the hilariously memorable “housekeeping” scene, where David Spade’s character interacts with the motel staff. Segal explained, “We always explored different jokes during filming. For one take, Chris answered the door wearing a bedsheet.” He elaborated on the creative process, sharing that they planned various wardrobe changes for Farley, including tighty whities and even attempting a shot without any underwear. He recalled, “I told Chris, ‘Whatever you do, don’t turn around.’ But, true to his charismatic nature, he turned around and started dancing when I yelled, ‘Cut.’ It was so funny, we completely lost it. I then insisted, ‘Take the film out of that camera right now. We’re not sending that back to Paramount.’

Chris Farley: A Perfectionist with a Heart

Segal provided insight into Farley’s work ethic, describing him as not only a comedic talent but also a dedicated perfectionist and athlete. “Chris performed all of his own stunts,” he said, recounting how Farley reacted to an early scene where his character attempts a cartwheel after graduation. Noting Farley’s frustration, Segal shared how he took a sports-like approach to motivate him: “I told him to do 20 push-ups to clear his head and then run around the courtyard. It worked, and he returned calm and ready to film again. I recognized his athletic nature, realizing he sometimes needed to channel that energy.”

The director enriched the narrative by sharing how he bonded with Farley during the challenging Toronto shoot. “We had many dinners together and often discussed our families,” Segal recalled. He acknowledged the presence of doubt among critics regarding the film’s potential, especially during a time when Saturday Night Live‘s viewership was waning. “Despite facing challenges like not having a finalized script, there was a sense of solidarity among us. It became clear that we were united in our goal, and that connection helped mitigate the stress of production. This was more than just a job; it was a defining moment in all of our careers.”

With precise remastering overseen by Segal, Tommy Boy is now available for the first time on 4K Ultra HD, alongside a 4K/Blu-ray Combo and a Limited-Edition SteelBook®, both offering a wealth of additional content and digital access to the film. These new editions were released just recently, and those interested can also rent or purchase Tommy Boy through Paramount Movies here.

Source
movieweb.com