About Elizabeth Expertise I`m an avid collector of all-things-Peck, and believe that I can field most any question related to his career, co-stars, or personal life.
Expert: Elizabeth Date: 2/18/2003 Subject: Spellbound
Question Do you have any idea as to how Greogory Peck felt about filming Spellbound. Did he ever mention that it was one of his favorite roles. also what was his favorite film he starred in. thanks, carol
Answer Hi Carol. Yes, I've heard and read several comments he's made regarding "Spellbound." It was very early in his film career, and he's always felt that he came off somewhat amateurish, stiff and uncomfortable "...but trying awfully hard to appear sincere." Besides his lack of film experience, he was frustrated with Hitchcock's style of directing, which was very technical, involving little mental preparation. For instance, when Peck would ask Hitchcock what his character was feeling at a certain point, Hitchcock simply replied, "Just drain your face of emotion." Peck has said that he wishes he had worked with Hitchcock many years later, when he had better learned to streamline his acting methods, and they would have jibed much better.
Other than his own performance, however, he was quite happy with the completed film, stating that "it did exactly what it set out to do," and delighted in working with Ingrid Bergman. Not being a demonstrative man, he spoke in unusual terms about this co-star, stating that he "fell a little bit in love with her" and that "her lovely skin kind of took your breath away, and her whole radiance was something to behold."
In short, no, "Spellbound" was probably not one of his favorites, but it was certainly far from being one of his least favorites. (Myself, I thought it was a wonderful film, and thought he did very well!)
His very favorite film? Without a doubt, it was "To Kill a Mockingbird," which is considered his signature role, and the only for which he won an Oscar. He doesn't believe that anything else he's done has ever come close to this film, and most critics heartily agree.
Many thanks for writing, and I hope this helps,
Elizabeth
:)
