Vikki Moran
Updated on: October 16, 2024 8:01 am GMT
Rupert Everett, a British actor known for roles in films like My Best Friend’s Wedding, described his experience working with Madonna in the movie The Next Best Thing as a “car crash.” This movie, released in 2000, turned out to be a pivotal moment in both their careers, largely due to its negative critical reception.
Strained Friendship Due to Hollywood Pressure
During a recent interview on the podcast How To Fail, Everett recalled how the film impacted his friendship with Madonna. He admitted that their bond suffered because of the film’s failure to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
- Everett described the film as “not a failure at the box office” due to strong video sales.
- However, he felt that the film itself “didn’t work” and described it as a critical disaster.
- “Everything went wrong” behind the scenes, leading to significant personal fallout for Everett as well.
These challenges marked a significant downturn in Everett’s Hollywood career, which had been flourishing before the film. He reflected, “It completely finished things for me in Hollywood.”
Madonna’s Complex Role in the Film
In The Next Best Thing, Everett played Robert Whittaker, a gay man navigating life with his best friend, played by Madonna, as they decide to raise a child together. Everett acknowledged that Madonna faced unique challenges in her acting career, stating, “It’s very difficult for her to be in films because everyone has such a preconception.”
He noted that it’s hard for audiences to see her in a role without bias, making it difficult for her to receive praise. “I think it was great having her in the film,” he remarked, adding, “I think she was touching in the film, too.” Despite his positive remarks, he confessed, “I haven’t seen it for ages, though. Every time that comes on, I kind of look the other way.”
The Soundtrack: A Silver Lining
One notable aspect to emerge from The Next Best Thing was Madonna’s rendition of Don McLean’s classic song, American Pie. This cover became a significant success, marking her ninth UK number one single. However, Madonna later excluded the song from her second greatest hits album, GHV2, as a form of “punishment” to the track.
Sifting Through Hollywood’s Challenges
While Everett mentioned the strain on his friendship with Madonna, he also acknowledged that navigating friendships and career setbacks in Hollywood is tricky. He noted that “friendships and failure in Hollywood are very difficult things to keep going.” When asked about the possibility of reconnecting with Madonna, he left the door open, saying, “Possibly. I don’t know.”
Reflecting on the entire experience, Everett concluded that the movie was fundamentally flawed, contributing to its negative reception. Despite this, he recognized that collaborations can be complex, especially when the stakes are high. He pointed out how pressures from behind the scenes can lead to unexpected outcomes.
Concluding Thoughts
Rupert Everett shares his thoughts on The Next Best Thing, showing how work and friendships can get mixed up in Hollywood’s tough environment. He thinks the movie didn’t turn out as well as he hoped, but it also highlights the challenges actors face when they team up. As they deal with the ups and downs of fame and creativity, their relationships can get a bit rocky, which can affect both their friendships and careers.
