Joel Schumacher died recently of cancer, after fighting it for nearly a year. Stars in the industry remember the ‘Batman & Robin’ director with stories of how he helped shape their careers! The American filmmaker rose to fame after directing three hit films: St. Elmo’s Fire(1985), The Lost Boys(1987) and Flatliners(1990). He has also directed the John Grisham adaptations: The Client (1994), A Time To Kill(1996).
Matthew McConaughey’s Statement
Matthew McConaughey spoke about his role in the 1996 John Grisham adaptation. Here’s what he said according to Variety:
“Joel not only took a chance on me, he fought for me. Knowing the studio might never approve a relatively unknown like myself for the lead in A Time To Kill, he set up a secret screen test for me on a Sunday morning in a small unknown studio because as he stated, ‘Even if you do great, you may not get the part, so I don’t want the industry to ever think you screen-tested and DID NOT get the job.'”
He continued, “I remember on days where I would be having a rough time on the set, he would always remind me with the most simple and sound advice a director could give a young man, ‘Hey, you are Jake Brigance. You, Matthew, are the character.’ I don’t see how my career could have gone to the wonderful places it has if it wasn’t for Joel Schumacher believing in me back then.”
Musician Seal’s Story
Seal spoke on Instagram about the song ‘Kiss From A Rose’ being used by Schumacher in Batman Forever. He stated that the opportunity shaped his career massively!
“It’s the song that has pretty much defined my career and I am perhaps most popular or most known by it. So, I owe my career I guess, in large part, to Joel Schumacher, who took a chance…I just want to say I love you, Joel. I thank you very much for everything that you’ve done for me and the joy and the love that you’ve brought to millions of people all around the world. One day we’ll meet again back home, I love you Joel.”
Statements and Stories of other Stars
Jim Carrey was cast by Schumacher in Batman Forever and The Number 23.
Bryan Fuller, Hannibal creator said that, “I distinctly remember feeling hopeful when I learned he was gay and out and that there may be a place for me yet.” He was talking about how Schumacher gave him hope as a part of the LBGTQ community.
Kiefer Sutherland who was seen in The Lost Boys and Flatliners by Schumacher took to Twitter and said:
Joel Schumacher was a great director and he will be remembered forever through his films. He once said, “You have to fire yourself as the writer when you direct something you’ve written. You have to fire yourself, or else you get precious about what you’ve written. You’ve got to open up and let the actors in, and re-conceive a lot of things.” These are words to live by for filmmakers! Rest in peace, Joel Schumacher.