Summary
- Hollywood A-list actors flocked to star in Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line, creating an impressive ensemble for the war drama.
- Directors like Malick, Anderson, and Scorsese attract top actors by delivering elevated cinematic experiences and breaking norms.
- Despite a star-studded cast, notable actors like Gary Oldman and Mickey Rourke had scenes cut from The Thin Red Line.
When director Terrence Malick announced his return to cinema after a 20-year hiatus, every A-list actor in Hollywood threw their name in the hat, eager to join Malick’s highly touted film The Thin Red Line. As a result, the 1998 epic war drama benefits from having one of the most impressive casts of the last 50 years, boasting names such as Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, and George Clooney. Some of the most recognizable names and faces are cast in non-speaking roles or appear on-screen briefly, making each supporting character feel much more impactful to the story.
When considering the best movie casts of all time, you eventually stumble upon a shortlist of the most respected directors in the industry. The reason why Wes Anderson, Greta Gerwig, and Martin Scorsese can command an extensive list of top-tier actors is because they garner the respect of their peers. They develop reputations for delivering elevated cinematic experiences for both the audience and the performer. Directors who break away from stale norms in search of creative ambition tend to attract some of the best in the business. The Thin Red Line is Malick’s best example of this attraction.
The Thin Red Line Has A Ridiculous Number Of Major Stars
Woody Harrelson and John Cusack Lead An All-Star Ensemble
Set in the Pacific Theater of World War II, Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line centers on soldiers of C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division as they navigate the first Allied offensive against the Japanese during the Battle of Mount Austen. Malick fills this expansive military network with memorable faces like John C. Reilly, John Travolta, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jared Leto. While Jim Caviezel’s Private Witt acts as a central protagonist, it’s difficult to position him as the main character given the appeal of the other actors.
For instance, Woody Harrelson shines in his brief appearance when a grenade accidentally blows up while still attached to his hip. His somewhat comedic performance lightens the gravity of his on-screen death and highlights the way Malick takes advantage of superstar supporting actors. Similarly, John Cusack makes an appearance during battle as he leads a volunteer group of soldiers in taking back a military position. Nearly every semi-important character in The Thin Red Line ends up being played by a notable actor, but Malick doesn’t just place anyone anywhere. The award-winning director remains highly selective when it comes to casting.
Not Every Actor’s Part Made The Thin Red Line’s Final Cut
Notable Scenes Cut From The Movie Feature Gary Oldman and Mickey Rourke
Despite having one of the best movie casts of all time, The Thin Red Line could have included an even longer list of celebrity actors. Tales of the film’s casting process associate some of the best-known actors of the 90s with Terrence Malick’s war picture, namely Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Cruise, and Nicolas Cage. However, none of these actors appeared in the war film, as opposed to other names who were cast and had scenes filmed.
Both Gary Oldman and Mickey Rourke are thanked in the credits of
The Thin Red Line
.
Gary Oldman and Mickey Rourke were set to play characters in The Thin Red Line, but the sheer size of the picture prevented their characters from making the final cut. Oldman’s character was cut before production began, but Rourke was able to shoot some scenes despite being left out of the film. These behind-the-scenes stories certainly magnify the hype built around Terrence Malick’s Oscar-nominated war drama and tease at what a longer director’s cut could entail. With so many talented actors at his disposal, Malick orchestrates one of the best ensembles ever constructed.
