Julia Stiles recently recalled her discomfort during the production of the 2000 romantic comedy Down to You, sharing her experience on Brett Goldstein’s podcast, Films to Be Buried With. The actress revealed feeling “slimy” while performing a dance scene in the film, a moment she attributed to the influence of Harvey Weinstein, who had taken control of the production midway through filming.
The film, which paired Stiles with Freddie Prinze Jr., follows the story of two college students navigating a tumultuous romance. It was released during the height of the teen rom-com craze, a period when both actors had achieved iconic status thanks to their roles in She’s All That and 10 Things I Hate About You. While Stiles described Prinze as a “lovely, wonderful actor” and the script as “very good,” she said Weinstein’s involvement drastically altered the film’s direction.
Stiles explained that Weinstein’s decision to capitalize on the success of previous teen films like Save the Last Dance and 10 Things I Hate About You resulted in an unnecessary and awkward scene. “When we did reshoots, I’m told that [Harvey] decided that because of the success of Save the Last Dance and 10 Things I Hate About You, with me dancing on the pool table, that he needed to have me dance in the film,” she said. “It was just dumb. ‘Let’s get her on a pool table and have her [dance].’ It wasn’t even imaginative. I felt so slimy doing it the whole time.”
Despite her discomfort, Stiles questioned whether the scene even made it into the final cut, calling it “cheap” and insisting it did not contribute to the film’s story. “I was like, ‘Well, this is so cheap, and it’s not adding to the story.’”
Down to You was written and directed by Kris Isacsson and featured a notable supporting cast, including Selma Blair, Ashton Kutcher, Rosario Dawson, Lucie Arnaz, and Henry Winkler. Despite the star power of Stiles and Prinze Jr., the film struggled at the box office, earning only $24 million and receiving largely negative reviews from critics.
Meanwhile, Harvey Weinstein, whose interference with the film’s production became a notorious part of its legacy, is currently awaiting retrial on rape charges in Manhattan after the state’s Court of Appeals overturned his initial conviction last year. He is also serving a 16-year sentence in connection with a separate rape case in Los Angeles. Weinstein’s health has deteriorated, as he battles several serious illnesses, including bone marrow cancer, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.
Related topic:
‘We Are Storror’: Michael Bay Captures Parkour’s Daredevil Feats
“Holland”: A Thrilling Look Beneath Suburban Perfection
‘Hallow Road’ Takes Audiences on an Unpredictable, Thrilling Ride