Gene Hackman, widely recognized as one of the greatest actors of all time, had one film that he intentionally avoided watching his performance in. According to Far Out Magazine, Hackman spent his life steering clear of revisiting his role in The Poseidon Adventure. Despite the film being acclaimed in the disaster movie genre and receiving multiple award nominations, Hackman felt that something had gone awry during its production, leaving him with a sense of regret for potentially joining the project for the wrong reasons.
Hackman himself shared his feelings about the experience, stating to The Guardian, “That was my idea of being a Hollywood movie actor. When I was working on it, I was kind of ashamed of myself.” He expressed discomfort with his character’s final appearance and hairstyle, and his distaste for the producer’s look, which he did not want to resemble.
The 1972 adventure film features Hackman in the role of Reverend Frank Scott, leading a group of survivors through a sinking luxury liner in the middle of a catastrophic event. His portrayal is supported by a stellar cast including Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters, and Roddy McDowall. Directed by Ronald Neame, The Poseidon Adventure captures the tension and drama as Hackman’s character navigates the chaos to ensure the survival of those under his care.
In a surprising interaction, Ben Stiller once recounted expressing admiration for The Poseidon Adventure to Hackman, only for the esteemed actor to dismiss the film as a “money job.” Despite his reservations about the project, Hackman did manage to evade involvement in the poorly received sequel, Beyond the Poseidon Adventure, where the lead role was taken over by Michael Caine.
By rejecting conventional praise and opting for a more honest approach to his work, Gene Hackman’s refusal to watch his performance in The Poseidon Adventure adds a layer of complexity to his already illustrious career. It serves as a reminder of the actor’s commitment to authenticity and his willingness to share his vulnerability in an industry often defined by glamour and pretense.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.