In 1985, Chevy Chase burst onto the scene in the beloved comedy thriller Fletch, where he portrayed the undercover journalist Erwin M. Fletcher. Based on the popular book series by Gregory Mcdonald, this film has garnered a devoted following and is often hailed as Chase's best work. The story follows Fletcher as he dives headfirst into a bizarre narrative involving a businessman who offers him a considerable sum of money to kill him. However, Fletcher senses something amiss, triggering a whirlwind of comedic escapades that are laden with memorable disguises and witty dialogue.
As we revisit this classic film, let's explore ten fascinating aspects that fans and newcomers alike might not know about Fletch.
The character Fletch originates from a series of mystery novels written by Gregory Mcdonald, with the first book appearing in 1974. Unlike the movie adaptation, Mcdonald's books delved into serious themes, featuring an ex-Marine and journalist who tangled with complex mysteries.
The Fletch book series was remarkably successful, earning prestigious awards, including the Edgar Allan Poe Award. Over its lifetime, it spanned 11 novels before Mcdonald's passing in 2008, with plans for a new direction focusing on Fletch's son left unrealized.
Attempts to adapt Fletch for the screen began shortly after the first novel's release, but it wasn't until Michael Douglas's involvement that the project finally gained traction. Several studios rejected the film until Douglas’s production company, Vincent Pictures, took an interest, leading to Fletch being produced by Universal Pictures.
Casting was a significant hurdle for the production. Gregory Mcdonald, the creator, insisted on having control over the casting decisions. Various actors were considered during the production phase, including Burt Reynolds and Mick Jagger, before Chevy Chase was ultimately cast in the role. Interestingly, Chase initially turned down the role due to his management’s decision, but a subsequent offer directly from Mcdonald swayed him to accept.
Director Michael Ritchie was brought on board to maintain order on set, as Chase had a reputation for being difficult. Many of the film's best lines were ad-libbed by Chase during shooting, leading to a product that, while diverging from Mcdonald's original vision, became a comedic triumph. Mcdonald expressed his displeasure with the script changes but later became supportive after a heartfelt discussion with Ritchie.
5. Filming Challenges
Filming predominantly took place in Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympic Games, which complicated scheduling and location use. Despite these hurdles, Chase reportedly enjoyed filming, appreciating the collaborative environment fostered by Ritchie.
Chase’s numerous disguises in Fletch became a hallmark of the film, showcasing his versatility and comedic talent. However, some disguises featured on the film's poster never made it to the final cut. One notable example is a hockey player disguise, which was ultimately left out of the film.
7. Musical Connections
The score for Fletch, created by Harold Faltermeyer, had its impact felt beyond the film's release. A piece originally intended for a dream sequence in Fletch morphed into the iconic Top Gun Anthem after a chance encounter with Billy Idol, illustrating the interconnected world of 1980s film music.
After Fletch, a sequel titled Fletch Lives was released in 1989. Unfortunately, it did not replicate the commercial or critical success of its predecessor. Over the years, multiple failed attempts to produce a third installment led to numerous iterations involving various directors and actors. Most recently, Jon Hamm is attached to star in a new film, Confess Fletch, reviving interest in the franchise.
Upon its release in May 1985, Fletch proved to be a box office success grossing $59 million against an $8 million budget. While it opened in second place behind Rambo: First Blood Part II, it ultimately resonated well with audiences and critics alike, with many applauding Chase's performance for its comedic yet nuanced portrayal of the character.
10. Chevy Chase's Reflective View
In retrospect, Chevy Chase has regarded his role in Fletch as one of his favorites, highlighting the film as an important chapter in his acting career. The film straddled the line between comedy and serious acting, allowing Chase to showcase his talents in a unique way.
Fletch stands as a quintessential 1980s comedy, reflecting both the era's cinematic charm and Chase's distinctive comedic style. The film's legacy endures, inspiring new projects and remaining a favorite among audiences. With its origins in literature, tumultuous path to production, and memorable cast, it's a captivating slice of film history that continues to entertain. As fans await the next installment, Fletch remains a benchmark for those who appreciate clever comedy coupled with an engaging mystery.
Part 1/9:
A Deep Dive into the Comedy Classic: Fletch
In 1985, Chevy Chase burst onto the scene in the beloved comedy thriller Fletch, where he portrayed the undercover journalist Erwin M. Fletcher. Based on the popular book series by Gregory Mcdonald, this film has garnered a devoted following and is often hailed as Chase's best work. The story follows Fletcher as he dives headfirst into a bizarre narrative involving a businessman who offers him a considerable sum of money to kill him. However, Fletcher senses something amiss, triggering a whirlwind of comedic escapades that are laden with memorable disguises and witty dialogue.
As we revisit this classic film, let's explore ten fascinating aspects that fans and newcomers alike might not know about Fletch.
Part 2/9:
1. Fletch Was Born from Literature
The character Fletch originates from a series of mystery novels written by Gregory Mcdonald, with the first book appearing in 1974. Unlike the movie adaptation, Mcdonald's books delved into serious themes, featuring an ex-Marine and journalist who tangled with complex mysteries.
The Fletch book series was remarkably successful, earning prestigious awards, including the Edgar Allan Poe Award. Over its lifetime, it spanned 11 novels before Mcdonald's passing in 2008, with plans for a new direction focusing on Fletch's son left unrealized.
2. The Film's Journey to Production
Part 3/9:
Attempts to adapt Fletch for the screen began shortly after the first novel's release, but it wasn't until Michael Douglas's involvement that the project finally gained traction. Several studios rejected the film until Douglas’s production company, Vincent Pictures, took an interest, leading to Fletch being produced by Universal Pictures.
3. Casting Conundrums
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Casting was a significant hurdle for the production. Gregory Mcdonald, the creator, insisted on having control over the casting decisions. Various actors were considered during the production phase, including Burt Reynolds and Mick Jagger, before Chevy Chase was ultimately cast in the role. Interestingly, Chase initially turned down the role due to his management’s decision, but a subsequent offer directly from Mcdonald swayed him to accept.
4. Script Revisions and Tensions
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Director Michael Ritchie was brought on board to maintain order on set, as Chase had a reputation for being difficult. Many of the film's best lines were ad-libbed by Chase during shooting, leading to a product that, while diverging from Mcdonald's original vision, became a comedic triumph. Mcdonald expressed his displeasure with the script changes but later became supportive after a heartfelt discussion with Ritchie.
5. Filming Challenges
Filming predominantly took place in Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympic Games, which complicated scheduling and location use. Despite these hurdles, Chase reportedly enjoyed filming, appreciating the collaborative environment fostered by Ritchie.
6. Disguises Galore
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Chase’s numerous disguises in Fletch became a hallmark of the film, showcasing his versatility and comedic talent. However, some disguises featured on the film's poster never made it to the final cut. One notable example is a hockey player disguise, which was ultimately left out of the film.
7. Musical Connections
The score for Fletch, created by Harold Faltermeyer, had its impact felt beyond the film's release. A piece originally intended for a dream sequence in Fletch morphed into the iconic Top Gun Anthem after a chance encounter with Billy Idol, illustrating the interconnected world of 1980s film music.
8. A Mixed Legacy
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After Fletch, a sequel titled Fletch Lives was released in 1989. Unfortunately, it did not replicate the commercial or critical success of its predecessor. Over the years, multiple failed attempts to produce a third installment led to numerous iterations involving various directors and actors. Most recently, Jon Hamm is attached to star in a new film, Confess Fletch, reviving interest in the franchise.
9. Box Office Success and Critical Reception
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Upon its release in May 1985, Fletch proved to be a box office success grossing $59 million against an $8 million budget. While it opened in second place behind Rambo: First Blood Part II, it ultimately resonated well with audiences and critics alike, with many applauding Chase's performance for its comedic yet nuanced portrayal of the character.
10. Chevy Chase's Reflective View
In retrospect, Chevy Chase has regarded his role in Fletch as one of his favorites, highlighting the film as an important chapter in his acting career. The film straddled the line between comedy and serious acting, allowing Chase to showcase his talents in a unique way.
Conclusion
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Fletch stands as a quintessential 1980s comedy, reflecting both the era's cinematic charm and Chase's distinctive comedic style. The film's legacy endures, inspiring new projects and remaining a favorite among audiences. With its origins in literature, tumultuous path to production, and memorable cast, it's a captivating slice of film history that continues to entertain. As fans await the next installment, Fletch remains a benchmark for those who appreciate clever comedy coupled with an engaging mystery.