“People once believed that when someone dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead.” But what if I told you the making of the movie “The Crow” carried more than just souls, it carried tales of tragedy, inspiration, and eerie coincidences?
Explore the hidden corners of this cult classic, where trivia as intriguing as the film itself awaits. From on-set accidents that sparked rumors of a curse to the poignant dedication that tugs at the heartstrings, today we’re peeling back the layers of a movie shrouded in mystery. “Victims, aren’t we all?” said Eric. But today, we’re detectives uncovering the Gripping (and not so widely known) Facts about The Crow.
A Haunting Pause
Michael Massee, the actor involved in the tragic accident that led to Brandon Lee’s death, took a year-long break from acting. His return to the screen was in a minor role in “Se7en” (1995). Massee carried the weight of the incident, never watching “The Crow” until his passing in 2016.
A Vision in Monochrome
Alex Proyas, the visionary director, initially dreamed of filming “The Crow” in stark black and white, reserving color only for Draven’s poignant flashbacks. Studio execs vetoed this bold idea, leading Proyas to opt for a monochromatic palette splashed with red and dark gray.
A Foreboding Warning
At around 26 minutes of the Crow Movie, according to Jon Polito, Brandon Lee cut himself when he broke the glass in Gideon’s shop. Jon Polito shared a chilling premonition with Brandon Lee after a minor on-set injury, fearing a tragic end similar to Vic Morrow’s. Sadly, his fears were realized.
The best Mind-Twisting Thriller TV Series that will blow your mind are here!
Inspiration in the Everyday
Speaking of strange Facts about The Crow do you remember this? The memorable line “it can’t rain all the time” traces back to a kind gesture from Lee Coughlin, the mayor of Shephard, MI, towards the writer James O’Barr. O’Barr found himself unable to pay for groceries. Frustrated, he decided to buy just the rice, to which the man in line behind him stated, “You can’t eat rice all the time,” while paying for O’Barr’s groceries. The man turns out to be Lee Coughlin, the mayor of Shephard himself and is also the basis for the character Albrecht. This act of kindness not only fed O’Barr, but also inspired a key piece of dialogue.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
Despite the title, the film features ravens instead of crows. These larger, more imposing birds added an extra layer of mystique.
Cursed Production?
A series of accidents led many to believe the film was cursed. From burns and electrocutions to hurricanes and rampages, the production faced numerous challenges.
Musical Muses
James O’Barr, while crafting the graphic novel, was heavily influenced by Joy Division and The Cure. The latter’s contribution of “Burn” to the soundtrack marked a rare collaboration, with the song becoming a fan favorite.
A Misquoted Masterpiece
At around 26 minutes into the movie, The poem that Eric Draven misquotes when he breaks into Gideon’s shop is “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe. Eric Draven’s misquote of “The Raven” adds a layer of irony, given the film’s title and thematic elements.
A Role Refused
Another one of the strange Facts about the Crow was that Cameron Diaz passed on the role of Shelly, unconvinced by the script. Her decision left the door open for a different portrayal of the character.
Iconic Imagery
Eric Draven’s creation of the fire crow symbol has echoed through numerous films. Even though it is not the first film to use fiery imagery in its logos, “The Crow” became an integral part of comic-book movie-club that did it too, evoking a sense of intensity and power: the giant “Z” in “The Mask of Zorro” (1998), two intertwined upper “D”s in “Daredevil” (2003), a giant skull in “The Punisher” (2004), an upper “V” inside a circle in “V for Vendetta” (2005), and a giant bat in “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012).
A Touching Tribute
The “For Brandon and Eliza” dedication at the start of the end credits was to Brandon Lee and his fiancée Eliza Hutton who supported Alex Proyas’ decision to complete the movie.
Debunking Makeup Myths
Contrary to popular belief, The Crow’s iconic makeup was inspired not by rock stars (Alice Cooper or Kiss) but by a marionette mask. Achieving the perfect look was a painstaking process, with Brandon Lee preferring a “distressed” version of the makeup. Regardless of what inspired the makeup, getting it right was very tough. It took about 35 minutes and an hour to apply the grease makeup, which could stay in place for hours.
He Used Indeed Our Front Door
Brandon Lee’s performance in “The Crow” was nothing short of mesmerizing, a testament to his immense talent and potential. His portrayal of Eric Draven brought depth, intensity, and a haunting presence that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. The tragic accident that took his life not only robbed us of a brilliant actor but also left us wondering about the heights he could have reached in his career. Lee’s legacy, however, lives on through his unforgettable performance, reminding us of the star he was and the legend he became. Reflecting on what could have been, we see the enduring spirit of Lee mirrored in his character, who famously said, “I thought I’d use your front door.” This line symbolizes an entrance that was both unexpected and profoundly impactful.
After revealing all these Facts about The Crow, don’t miss The Best Horror Movie Conspiracy Theories according to Reddit
