Steel Magnolias is celebrated as one of the most heartwarming and iconic films of the 1980s. With an all-star cast that included Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, and Julia Roberts, the film quickly became a beloved classic. But what many fans don’t know is that the set of this feel-good movie was far from harmonious. Despite the film’s portrayal of friendship and love, the atmosphere behind the scenes was anything but pleasant, largely due to the directorial style of Herbert Ross.
In this article, we’ll explore how Herbert Ross, the director of Steel Magnolias, created a toxic environment on set and how his leadership led to friction among the cast and crew. From unorthodox methods to emotional turmoil, the making of the film wasn’t as smooth as it might seem.
1. The Tension Between Herbert Ross and the Cast
Herbert Ross, a well-known director with a successful career in both film and theater, had a reputation for being tough on set. While he was known for his ability to bring out strong performances from his actors, his approach was often described as abrasive and demanding. His method of working led to significant tension between him and the cast of Steel Magnolias.
According to several cast members, the atmosphere on set was highly charged and emotionally taxing. There were reports of frequent clashes between Ross and the actresses, who found his leadership style to be uncomfortably controlling. Many of the actresses, especially those who were established stars like Sally Field and Shirley MacLaine, were not used to the level of tension Ross created.
2. Sally Field and Herbert Ross’ Strained Relationship
One of the most notable conflicts on the set of Steel Magnolias was between director Herbert Ross and star Sally Field. Field, who had already established herself as an acting powerhouse, struggled with Ross’ heavy-handed approach to directing. She openly admitted that the atmosphere on set was far from enjoyable, citing that Ross’ style left her feeling emotionally drained.
In interviews after the film’s release, Field revealed that she found it difficult to connect with Ross and that his demands on set made her job harder than it needed to be. It wasn’t just Field who felt this way—many other cast members shared similar frustrations with Ross’ leadership. The tension between the director and the actors led to an emotionally charged set, which sometimes led to tempers flaring.
3. Emotional Exhaustion: How Ross’ Approach Wore on the Cast
Steel Magnolias is an emotionally heavy film, with several intense scenes involving grief, loss, and heartache. For the actresses, it was a delicate balance of delivering powerful performances while also managing the emotional toll of portraying such deep emotions. Unfortunately, Herbert Ross did not seem to consider the emotional well-being of his actors when pushing them to their limits.
Shirley MacLaine, who played Ouiser Boudreaux in the film, was vocal about her frustrations with Ross. She later mentioned that the constant emotional strain on set, coupled with Ross’ demanding directing style, made for a toxic atmosphere. According to MacLaine, the director often pushed the actresses to go beyond their emotional comfort zones, and the constant stress led to tension between the cast and crew.
4. The Pressure to Perform: Ross’ Unrelenting Expectations
Herbert Ross was known for his insistence on getting the perfect take. However, his perfectionist attitude, paired with long hours and high expectations, created an unhealthy dynamic on set. Many of the actresses felt that Ross was more concerned with the technical aspects of the film than with their well-being.
Dolly Parton, who played Truvy, and Julia Roberts, who portrayed Shelby, both found the pressure overwhelming at times. The actresses were often asked to perform emotionally draining scenes multiple times, which was both physically and mentally exhausting. Parton, in particular, had a hard time dealing with Ross’ intense demands, though she remained professional throughout.
5. The Final Straw: The Funeral Scene
One of the most difficult scenes to shoot in Steel Magnolias was the emotional funeral scene, where Sally Field’s character M’Lynn breaks down over the loss of her daughter Shelby. The scene required the actresses to tap into deep grief and perform under emotionally charged circumstances. Unfortunately, it was during the filming of this scene that the toxicity of the set reached its peak.
Reports suggest that Herbert Ross pushed the actresses to their emotional limits during this scene, creating a heightened sense of pressure. Sally Field, who later called the experience emotionally exhausting, was pushed to deliver an intense performance in a grueling environment. This led to an emotional breakdown, not just for Field’s character but for herself as well.
6. Herbert Ross’ Approach to ‘The Ladies’ Wasn’t Always Warm
While Steel Magnolias is widely regarded for its strong female ensemble cast, Ross’ interactions with the actresses were reportedly not as warm as their on-screen chemistry would suggest. His treatment of the female cast members was often described as cold and demanding. According to several sources, Ross could be dismissive and at times downright rude to the actresses, leaving many of them feeling unappreciated.
The cast was reportedly frustrated by the lack of acknowledgment of their hard work. They were all seasoned professionals, but Ross did not always recognize their efforts. His directing style was seen as impersonal, which led to a strained atmosphere on set.
7. Despite the Drama, the Film Was a Success
Despite the turmoil behind the scenes, Steel Magnolias became a massive success both at the box office and with critics. The film’s ability to showcase the deep emotional bonds between women, along with the raw performances from the cast, won over audiences worldwide. However, the conflict on set left many wondering how such a powerful film was made under such difficult circumstances.
The success of the film highlighted the professionalism of the actresses, who were able to deliver stunning performances despite the tension in the air. Their commitment to their roles, despite the pressure and stress, ultimately resulted in one of the most beloved films of the 1980s.
8. The Lasting Impact of the Set’s Toxic Atmosphere
The toxic atmosphere created by Herbert Ross had long-lasting effects on the cast. While many of the actresses have continued their successful careers, the experience on the set of Steel Magnolias left scars for some. Sally Field, for instance, has spoken about how difficult it was to film under such conditions and how it affected her emotionally for years after.
Even decades later, the cast still reflects on the challenges they faced while making the film. Despite their shared hardships, the bond between the actresses grew even stronger, and their performances in Steel Magnolias have remained unforgettable.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy for Steel Magnolias
While Steel Magnolias remains a heartwarming classic, the behind-the-scenes dynamics were anything but harmonious. Herbert Ross’ intense and demanding directing style led to a toxic atmosphere that impacted the cast both personally and professionally. The emotional strain on set made filming a difficult experience for many of the actresses, but despite the challenges, they delivered standout performances that helped the film become an enduring favorite.
While the cast was able to overcome the difficulties on set, the story of how Herbert Ross created such a toxic environment serves as a reminder that even the most successful movies can come with a cost. The strength of the women in Steel Magnolias reflects the strength they needed to get through the difficult filming process—and in the end, they turned a challenging experience into cinematic gold.
FAQs
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What caused the tension on the set of Steel Magnolias? The tension was largely due to Herbert Ross’ demanding and abrasive directing style, which created a toxic environment for the cast.
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Did Sally Field get along with Herbert Ross? No, Sally Field struggled with Ross’ emotionally intense directing style, which she later described as emotionally draining.
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How did Dolly Parton handle Ross’ directorial approach? Dolly Parton found the pressure difficult at times, but she maintained a professional demeanor despite the tension on set.
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Did the set dynamics affect the performances? Despite the difficult environment, the cast delivered powerful performances, proving their professionalism and commitment to the film.
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What impact did the film’s production have on the cast’s relationships? While the filming experience was challenging, it ultimately led to stronger bonds among the actresses, who remained close after the movie wrapped.
