Entertainment
Dan Aykroyd Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Stories from “The Blues Brothers”
Aykroyd's Iconic Role
Dan Aykroyd will forever be known as a "Ghostbuster," but his 1980 film "The Blues Brothers" remains a cult classic and is considered by many to be his finest hour as a comic actor. The musical comedy featured incredible performances from Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, and more, and solidified Aykroyd's on-screen bromance with fellow "SNL" standout John Belushi.
Behind the Music
Aykroyd recently shared some behind-the-scenes stories from the film during a podcast interview. He revealed how he was initially in awe and had a boyish crush on Aretha Franklin while watching her perform in one of the musical numbers. He also noted the talented musicians who took part in the film, which helped shape his own performance.
A Unique Genre Hybrid
"The Blues Brothers" was a genre hybrid that combined musical comedy with action beats and cultural call-outs. Director John Landis, known for his work on "National Lampoon's Animal House," brought a masterful touch to the project. Aykroyd and the podcast host, Adam Carolla, discussed how the film's unique concept might be difficult to green light in today's Hollywood.
A Challenging Pitch
Aykroyd agreed that "The Blues Brothers" would face numerous challenges if it were pitched today. The film's Catholic themes, violence, and irreverent tone may seem incongruous, but Aykroyd explained that the characters were on "a mission from God" to save a Catholic orphanage. The film's potential for cultural appropriation would also likely draw criticism from the woke Left.
Budget and Addiction Issues
In addition to the creative challenges, Aykroyd acknowledged that the film's potential budget in today's world would be a tough sell. He also mentioned the delays caused by John Belushi's addiction issues, which ultimately increased the project's budget at the time.
Despite the potential difficulties, Aykroyd believes that "The Blues Brothers" was an important movie and praised its unique blend of genres and comedian flourishes. However, he also admitted that today's Hollywood might not be as receptive to such a concept.
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