In a recent development that has left fans divided,Miriam Margolyes, a stalwart in the acting fraternity, brought to light her less than stellar experience while working with comedy icon Steve Martin during the filming of the 1986 cult classic,Little Shop of Horrors.
In her revealing new memoir, “Oh Miriam: Stories From An Extraordinary Life”, Margolyes paints a vivid picture of her time as a dental assistant on the set, portraying Martin as somewhat of a method actor who failed to delineate between his on-screen sadistic character, Orin Scrivello D.D.S., and his off-screen persona. Margolyes recalled enduring a gruelling day of takes where doors were relentlessly slammed in her face and being subjected to physical aggression. Her narrative candidly encapsulates her day ending with a splitting headache and a sour disposition towards Martin, summing up her experience with him as “undeniably brilliant, but horrid to me.”
A storm of speculation and chatter ensued post the release of these remarks. Amid the rising tempest, Steve Martin found himself in the eye, nudged to revisit that chapter and clarify the swirling allegations. Martin, known for his formidable career, took toDeadlineto share his piece of the narrative, expressing not just surprise but also a robust rejection of the claims. Martin claimed:
“When I first read Miriam Margolyes’ pejorative account of our scene inLittle Shop of Horrors, I was surprised. My memory is that we had a good communication as professional actors. But when it is implied that I harmed her or was in some way careless about doing the stunts, I have to object. I remember taking EXTREME caution regarding the fake punch – the same caution I would use with any similar scene. She assured me she felt fine, and we did a few successful takes and stopped. There wasnever any physical contact between her and me, accidental or otherwise, in this scene or any other we shot.”
In his recollection, Martin portrays the contentious day in a contrasting light. He insists that the working atmosphere was characterized by utmost professionalism and camaraderie. He vividly remembers adopting extreme caution during the execution of the stunt scenes, particularly the fake punch which seemed to be the epicentre of the contention. The actor emphasized that Margolyes was consulted and reassured repeatedly to ensure her comfort and safety during the shooting.
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Oz Steps Forward: An Inside Glimpse into the Martin-Margolyes Dispute
Adding another layer to this unfolding drama, Martin brought forth the testimonies of other key individuals who were present on the set. Among these was the esteemed directorFrank Oz, a man known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking. Oz corroborated Martin’s version, expressing bafflement at Margolyes' account. The director asserted that the alleged misconduct seemed entirely out of character for Martin, whom he described as an individual always conducting himself with professionalism and respect towards everyone involved in his projects.
This isn’t the first collaboration between Oz and Martin. Their artistic partnership spans across several acclaimed titles includingDirty Rotten Scoundrels,Bowfinger, andHousesitter, setting a precedent of successful and respectful collaboration.
As the curtain rises on this controversy, audiences find themselves in the midst of a narrative clash, teetering between the accounts of two seasoned artists. As with all stories that echo through the corridors of time, the truth may possess multifaceted dimensions, perhaps an amalgamation of both narratives or something entirely different.
For now, fans and followers are left with a palpable tension, a grim reminder that the reel and real-life can sometimes intertwine in complex, uneasy ways. It beckons a reflection on the fragility and nuances of human memory and the ever-present possibility of misunderstandings. The industry watches with bated breath as this saga unfolds, a testament to the ever-changing dynamics of the vibrant and sometimes murky world of entertainment.
