BetteBack: Bette’s Best Spontaneous

Director says Lily, Bette a perfect mix
Article from:Chicago Sun-Times Article date:June 21, 1988 Author: Vernon Scott

LOS ANGELES The Hollywood gossip mill worked overtime about the supposed clashes between Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin on the set of “Big Business,” a new comedy at local movie theaters.
But the chemistry between the two stars was anything but volatile, insisted “Business” director Jim Abrahams.

Midler and Tomlin, who play two pairs of twins in the movie, take different approaches to comedy, Abrahams said. But their relationship could be compared to a mutual admiration society, he added.

Abrahams, who directed Midler in “Ruthless People,” said Midler’s best work is done spontaneously. Tomlin, on the other hand, painstakingly establishes her character and improves with repetition.

In other words, Midler is a flash on the first take and grows progressively less effective, while Tomlin blossoms with each take. Inevitably, the contrast in work methods would create a bit of anxiety.

“Bette is spontaneous,” Abrahams said. “She relies on a first reaction. She takes time focusing in on a character, then backs off and lets things happen when the camera rolls.

“It is always a good idea to start the cameras rolling on Bette’s rehearsal because she will do some unusual, innovative things. Frequently, we use them. She is bright and intuitive. Usually her first takes are brilliant.

“Lily is more methodical. She improves with every take. But she can also be good on the first take, because she thinks a scene through far in advance.”

Part of Abrahams’ job was to prepare both women to compromise as best they could for the good of the movie.

About 40 percent of the time, Abrahams said, Midler or Tomlin would ask for additional takes.

“Once they knew their director had the shot in the bank, the pressure was off,” he said. “So they would try a new approach when they requested additional takes, some of which were terrific because they were unusual.