![Jane Got A Gun]()
To say that "Jane Got A Gun" had issues is an understatement. Originally set to be directed by Lynne Ramsay, the filmmaker abruptly left the movie after clashing with producers literally moments before cameras were set to roll, thus throwing the Natalie Portman-starring western into chaos. Gavin O’Connor ("Warrior," "Pride And Glory") quickly stepped in to replace Ramsay and keep the movie going, while Joel Edgerton lent a hand in rewriting the script and swapped roles, going from playing the villain (which went to Ewan McGregor), to taking the role of the hero. And even after production was complete, the picture took a long time to reach screens, finally arriving in January, where it flopped. And when Jessica Kiang sat down with Edgerton last month at the Berlin Film Festival, where he was on hand to promote the upcoming "Midnight Special," the conversation turned toward "Jane Got A Gun," and the actor was candid about his experience making the movie.
READ MORE: Review: ‘Jane Got A Gun’ Starring Natalie Portman, Joel Edgerton & Ewan McGregor
"The fact that we got across the line, the fact that we got the movie made [was a triumph]. But it was made in the wrong way, definitely there were too many complications and the movie, it is what it is. And we’re proud of it, for our own reasons. I definitely wouldn’t want to go through that kind of experience again," Edgerton said, who chalked everything up as a lesson learned. "It’s amazing: Just when you think things are getting easier, there’s always a storm on the horizon. But it teaches you something. And I’ve had other experiences in my life that were not film-related that were traumatic and I wouldn’t exchange, for the same reason that every experience equips you with new tools for the future."
And while the easy thing to do would be to place the blame of the film’s troubled production on the shoulders of Lynne Ramsay, Edgerton isn’t about to do that.
"I think Lynne is an incredible filmmaker and I would never throw her under a bus because that whole thing was far more complicated. And even though I was there for the majority of things, I don’t know everybody’s angle on it. I know there was a fractiousness there and it takes two to tango. Certainly on a movie, it takes a whole lot more than two, in fact," he said diplomatically.
If you missed the western in cinemas, "Jane Got A Gun" hits Digital HD on April 15th and DVD and On Demand on April 26th. More from Jessica’s interview with Joel Edgerton soon.
I loved the film, can\’t wait for the blu ray!
Natalie gave him her crack as incentive.
What a class act.