Actor recalls unforgettable day watching a Hollywood classic take shape
Summary
– Kiefer Sutherland shared memories from filming A Few Good Men
– He praised Rob Reiner’s direction during the famous courtroom scene
– The reflection comes following the tragic passing of Reiner and his wife
Kiefer Sutherland has looked back on one of the most memorable moments in film history, recalling the day the iconic courtroom scene from A Few Good Men was filmed. The sequence remains one of the most quoted moments in cinema, highlighted by Jack Nicholson’s famous outburst during the trial.
Speaking in the upcoming television special CBS News: Rob Reiner – Scenes from a Life, Sutherland described the atmosphere on set as intense and focused. He recalled how silence filled the room as director Rob Reiner quietly approached Nicholson to ask if he wanted another take, resulting in an equally powerful performance.
The day had originally been scheduled for a full shoot, but Reiner was so satisfied with the outcome that he dismissed the cast and crew early. Sutherland said the decision reflected Reiner’s confidence and clarity as a filmmaker who knew when a scene had reached its peak.
Sutherland emphasized how special it was to witness Reiner working firsthand, noting that moments like that shaped his appreciation for storytelling and direction. The experience left a lasting impression on him as an actor.
The reflection arrives amid tragedy, as Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were recently found deceased at their Los Angeles home. Their children later released a statement remembering their parents not only as filmmakers and partners, but as their closest friends.
In their message, the family thanked supporters for the compassion shown and asked that their parents be remembered for the lives they lived and the love they shared. Sutherland’s words add another layer to the legacy of a director whose work continues to resonate decades later.
