Rob Reiner Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insights on Filming the Iconic Fake-Orgasm Scene in When Harry Met Sally with His Mother Watching
Optimism and Challenges: Rob Reiner on Directing ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘Spinal Tap II’
Revisiting a Classic: Rob Reiner’s Iconic Scene in ‘When Harry Met Sally’
Renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner, known for his 1989 classic “When Harry Met Sally,” recently reflected on a particularly memorable scene during an appearance on CBS’ 60 Minutes. In the film, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal starred as Sally and Harry, and one unforgettable moment at a deli saw Sally faking an orgasm to prove a point to Harry about his past relationships. The scene reached its comedic peak with Estelle Reiner’s iconic line, “I’ll have what she’s having.” However, Reiner revealed the awkwardness of demonstrating the scene in front of his mother, who was also in the film, by saying, “I’m having an orgasm in front of my mother.”
Changing Perspectives: A Re-imagined Ending
The original ending of “When Harry Met Sally” differed from the happy resolution audiences know today. Reiner decided to change the ending to a more optimistic one after meeting his now-wife, Michele, who also serves as a producer for his projects, including the recently released sequel, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.”
Navigating High Expectations: The Challenge of Creating ‘Spinal Tap II’
The decision to create a sequel to the cult classic “Spinal Tap” was not without its pressures. Reiner, who reprises his role as the director of a documentary about a fictitious rock band, acknowledged the high expectations. “Are we crazy to do another one? It’s crazy. The bar is just way too high,” he confessed. The sequel arose after Harry Shearer’s successful bid for control over the original’s rights, which opened the door for new creative explorations.
Spotlight on Humor: Behind the Scenes of ‘Spinal Tap II’
Both the original and the sequel draw heavily on improvisation, a technique Reiner fondly refers to as “schnadeling.” This approach not only involves the cast but also guest stars like Paul McCartney, who bring their unique flair to the production. The film, credited with popularizing the mockumentary style, draws inspiration from real rock band anecdotes like the infamous “No brown M&Ms” rider in Van Halen’s contract. These quirky details inspired humorous scenes, such as an exaggerated complaint about bread sizes.
Future of ‘Spinal Tap II’: Available on Various Platforms
Following its theatrical release, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” featuring Michael McKean returning as David St. Hubbins, is now accessible on multiple streaming platforms. Fans of the original and new audiences alike can enjoy the blend of satire and music that established “Spinal Tap” as a classic in the comedy genre.
