Revisionist History: A Very Terminator Christmas
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host/Producer: Malcolm Gladwell, Ben Nadif Haffrey, Stan Brooks
Introduction
In the December 18, 2024 episode of Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell, along with co-hosts Ben Nadif Haffrey and Stan Brooks, delves into the peculiar and lesser-known story behind Arnold Schwarzenegger's unconventional foray into directing—a made-for-TV Christmas movie remake of "Christmas in Connecticut." This episode explores the chaotic production, the unlikely collaboration between Schwarzenegger and Brooks, and the enduring legacy of their unique project.
The Genesis of an Unlikely Project
The episode begins with Ben Nadif Haffrey introducing the story of how he stumbled upon Schwarzenegger's remake of "Christmas in Connecticut," a stark departure from the beloved 1945 screwball comedy. Ben recounts initiating conversations with nearly a dozen individuals to uncover the true story behind this enigmatic film.
Notable Quote:
Ben Nadif Haffrey [04:03]:
“Trust me, you have never heard this story before, ever.”
Assembling the Remake
Stan Brooks, an independent made-for-TV movie producer, explains how TNT sought to capitalize on the burgeoning cable television market with made-for-TV movies. His first project for TNT was a success, leading them to consider remaking "Christmas in Connecticut" amidst the rise of Martha Stewart's media empire.
Notable Quote:
Stan Brooks [07:08]:
“And off we went to the races.”
The Schwarzenegger Twist
The plot takes a drastic turn when Stan receives a call from Lou Pitt, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s agent, proposing Schwarzenegger direct the remake. This unexpected pairing of an action icon with a classic Christmas comedy sets the stage for a tumultuous production.
Notable Quote:
Stan Brooks [09:13]:
“Oh, he was totally shocked.”
Chaos on Set
Arnold Schwarzenegger, fresh off the success of "Terminator 2," brings his larger-than-life personality to the set. His unconventional directing style, coupled with the responsibilities of producing a screwball comedy, leads to numerous creative clashes and on-set mishaps.
Notable Quote:
Stan Brooks [10:15]:
“I don’t want A big budget. And I want it to be family friendly because I don’t want anything to be controversial.”
Script Rewrites and Creative Differences
Schwarzenegger insists on injecting more humor and action into the script, leading to significant rewrites by Jeph Loeb, known for "Commando." The transition from a romantic comedy to an action-infused narrative creates a disjointed and chaotic final product.
Notable Quote:
Stan Brooks [15:12]:
“So what have you guys been doing since Commando? Clearly not going to the gym.”
Production Challenges
The production faced numerous logistical issues, including oversized trailers, improvised scenes, and actor-software mismatches. The scene where Kris Kristofferson's character awkwardly bathes a "baby" exemplifies the disjointed vision and lack of coherence in the film.
Notable Quote:
Ben Nadif Haffrey [25:03]:
“Garner's your forehead.”
Premiere and Reception
The film premiered unusually in April, a month long after its intended Christmas release, attracting Hollywood elites and facing mixed reviews. Despite its lackluster reception, the production became a cherished anecdote among those involved due to its unique charm and the camaraderie it fostered.
Notable Quote:
Stan Brooks [43:03]:
“It’s a romantic comedy with all the trimmings. What in the world could possibly go wrong?”
Legacy and Continuing Friendship
Despite the film's critical shortcomings, the collaboration forged a lasting friendship between Stan Brooks and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Their bond extended beyond the set, influencing Schwarzenegger's later political career and Stan's involvement in the California Film Commission.
Notable Quote:
Ben Nadif Haffrey [46:10]:
“These tax credits have been renewed ever since.”
Conclusion: Embracing the Chaos
The episode wraps up with reflections on the joy of creative endeavors, regardless of their success. Ben emphasizes the importance of loving the process, much like the heartwarming yet chaotic production of Schwarzenegger's "Christmas in Connecticut."
Notable Quote:
Ben Nadif Haffrey [47:13]:
“It’s like Stan said, if you love making movies or anything, it’s just a gift to get to make more, even if they’re maybe not the best.”
Final Thoughts
Revisionist History concludes by highlighting the episode's central theme: the unpredictable nature of creative projects and the enduring bonds they create. The story serves as a testament to the passion and resilience of those who embark on unconventional paths in the pursuit of their artistic visions.
Closing Quote:
Ben Nadif Haffrey [50:09]:
“We wish you a merry Christmas...”
Key Takeaways
- Unlikely Collaborations: The intersection of an action star's persona with a classic comedy genre created unexpected challenges and memorable moments.
- Creative Chaos: The blend of differing creative visions can lead to both conflict and unique artistic outcomes.
- Enduring Friendships: Shared experiences, even those marked by chaos, can forge lasting personal and professional relationships.
- Love for the Process: The episode underscores the intrinsic value of passion in creative endeavors, beyond the metrics of success and critical acclaim.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Ben Nadif Haffrey [04:03]: “Trust me, you have never heard this story before, ever.”
- Stan Brooks [07:08]: “And off we went to the races.”
- Stan Brooks [09:13]: “Oh, he was totally shocked.”
- Stan Brooks [15:12]: “So what have you guys been doing since Commando? Clearly not going to the gym.”
- Ben Nadif Haffrey [25:03]: “Garner's your forehead.”
- Stan Brooks [43:03]: “It’s a romantic comedy with all the trimmings. What in the world could possibly go wrong?”
- Ben Nadif Haffrey [46:10]: “These tax credits have been renewed ever since.”
- Ben Nadif Haffrey [47:13]: “It’s like Stan said, if you love making movies or anything, it’s just a gift to get to make more, even if they’re maybe not the best.”
- Ben Nadif Haffrey [50:09]: “We wish you a merry Christmas...”
This episode of Revisionist History offers a fascinating glimpse into the making of a forgotten Christmas movie, highlighting the intersection of passion, chaos, and unintentional comedy. It serves as a reminder that the stories behind creative projects can be as intriguing and memorable as the works themselves.