Brad Pitt vs. Harrison Ford: The behind-the-scenes drama of 'The Devil's Own' unveiled

When Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford teamed up for the 1997 film 'The Devil’s Own,' fireworks were expected on-screen, not off. In a recent candid chat with Esquire, Ford painted an intriguing picture of the on-set drama that unfurled during the making of the thriller.

The Directorial Discord

The first bone of contention between the two stars, as Ford revealed, revolved around the choice of director. The pair struggled to find a mutual agreement until Alan Pakula was roped in. A familiar collaborator for Ford, Pakula was new territory for Pitt.

A Battle of Storylines

The fissures widened when it came to shaping their respective characters. Ford, playing the role of NYPD Sergeant Tom O’Meara, desired a more intricate narrative arc for his character. He aimed to infuse complexity into his role, countering Brad's multifaceted character, Rory Devaney, an Irish construction worker cum IRA operative.

“I wanted a complication on my side so that it wasn't just a good-and-evil battle," Ford said. This led him to devise the 'bad-shooting' subplot, referring to a moral conflict his character faces upon witnessing his partner's misfire in the field.

Script or Slip?

The turmoil intensified when the filming began without a finalized script. Ford's and Pitt's contrasting ideas about the narrative caused additional friction, resulting in an uneasy atmosphere on set.

“I understand why he [Brad] wanted to stay with his point of view, and I wanted to stay with mine — or I was imposing my point of view," Ford confessed, showing rare self-reflection. Today, he looks back on these incidents with a fresh perspective, accepting his role in the discord that unfolded.

Despite the rocky journey, Ford harbors a fondness for the film, stating, “I like the movie very much. Very much."