Certainly! One notable example of an actor behaving in a surprising way on set involves actor Jack Nicholson during the filming of the classic movie "The Shining" (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick.
In the film, Jack Nicholson plays the character Jack Torrance, a writer and caretaker of the haunted Overlook Hotel. The movie is known for its tense and eerie atmosphere, and Nicholson's portrayal of Jack Torrance is iconic for his descent into madness.
During the shooting of one particular scene, Nicholson surprised the crew with his method acting approach. The scene is known as the "Here's Johnny!" scene, where Jack Torrance breaks through a door with an ax to confront his terrified wife, Wendy, played by Shelley Duvall.
Kubrick had constructed a door that was designed to be easily breakable using a real ax. However, to everyone's surprise, Nicholson, who is known for his intense performances, managed to break through the door much faster than expected. His adrenaline-fueled enthusiasm resulted in a hole that was significantly larger than what had been planned for the scene.
Rather than calling for a reshoot or trying to repair the door, Kubrick decided to keep the spontaneous take in the final cut of the film. Nicholson's raw and unanticipated energy added an extra layer of intensity to the scene, making it one of the most memorable and chilling moments in cinematic history.
This example showcases how sometimes an actor's unexpected behavior on set can lead to unforgettable and powerful moments in film. Nicholson's dedication to his role and willingness to fully embody the character contributed to the enduring impact of "The Shining."