Jack Huston And Michael C. Pitt Staged Real Fight At End Of ‘Day Of The Fight’ – Contenders Los Angeles

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Like its title promises, Day of the Fight climaxes in a boxing match. Star Michael C. Pitt revealed that it was his idea to have a real fight during the production. Writer-director Jack Huston, making his directorial debut, heartily agreed.

“I had said to Jack, ‘Put the fight at the end of the movie. They won’t worry whether or not I get hurt then. We’ll make contact. We’ll fight. We might need to do that.’ ” Pitt said during a discussion of the movie at Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles awards showcase. “On a bigger production, they have more time. They have stunts and all these things.”

Huston only had one and a half days to film the climax of the film, a fact that floored even Martin Scorsese when he introduced a screening in New York.

“You put him in the ring,” Huston said, appearing virtually on the panel. “We had multiple cameras. There’s a moment you say, ‘You can’t ask me any questions. You just have to trust me.’ ”

The film leading up to Pitt’s character Mike Flannigan’s bout is one of reflection and working out his relationships, including one with his father (Joe Pesci) and lover (Nicolette Robinson). Huston referenced Anora director Sean Baker’s lament about the lack of human dramas for adults in cinemas, a sentiment Baker shared in a panel earlier in the day.

“I grew up loving those kinds of films,” Huston said. “It doesn’t have to be complex in the idea. The human condition is so complex. These films won’t be around much longer if we don’t show up for them and support them. I really implore people to support films, independent cinema.”

Pitt took that sentiment a step further.

“Where are the films where we feel things?” Pitt said. “It’s extremely hard for me to watch this film and that’s never really hapepned to me. I hope that’s a good thing.”

Robinson said she hopes viewers relate to the characters in Day of the Fight.

“I saw so much of myself in it,” she said. “I hope we can do justice to the storytelling so people can see some of themselves.”

Pesci sings in one of his scenes in the film. Huston said he discovered Pesci’s musical abilities when a friend played him the album “Little Joe Sure Can Sing!” and made him guess who was singing.

“We had to cast somebody who had such a history not only as an actor but something that precedes him,” Huston said. “When Mikey describes his father, he has this overwhelming ability to take control of his life. You need an actor that their reputation precedes them.”

Pitt delivers a long monologue to Pesci in one scene. He’ll never forget the Oscar winner’s advice.

“Pesci just looked at me and was like, ‘Don’t f*ck this up,’” Pitt said. “It’s simple but it’s kind of good advice.”

Day of the Fight is now playing in New York and Los Angeles. Falling Forward Films will expand its release December 6.

Check back Monday for the panel video.

The presenting sponsor for this year’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles is United for Business. Sponsors are Eyeptizer Eyewear, Final Draft + ScreenCraft, and partners are Four Seasons Maui, 11 Ravens and Robina Benson Design House.