James Cameron, celebrated for directing cinematic classics such as "The Terminator," "Titanic," and "Avatar," is not without controversy, with some individuals holding less-than-favorable memories of working with him.
After the resounding successes of "The Terminator" and "Aliens," James Cameron was already firmly established as one of Hollywood's most promising directors. In 1989, he penned and helmed "The Abyss," also known as "The Secret of the Abyss."
This science fiction film delves into the harrowing story of a sinking submarine and the search party that ventures deep into the ocean's depths to recover it, only to encounter something entirely unexpected. The movie featured a cast including Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, Leo Burmester, and others.
Given its extensive set design and special effects requirements, the film carried a substantial budget. It did earn an Oscar for Best Special Effects, but commercially, it fell short, being considered one of the director's weaker works. The film's production, particularly James Cameron's approach, came under intense scrutiny from those involved, most notably the cast.
According to the film's protagonists, they endured grueling shooting schedules and inhumane conditions. Many scenes were filmed underwater, with actors submerged to a depth of 11 meters for over an hour. Additionally, they spent nearly six months on an isolated set. Ed Harris recollected shedding tears on multiple occasions due to the challenging experience.
However, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio had perhaps the most harrowing experience. The actress, known for her role in "Scarface," portrayed Dr. Lindsey Brigman, an engineer and the wife of Ed Harris's character. Mastrantonio vividly remembered a scene she had to shoot, which led to a nervous breakdown during filming.
The cast was filming a scene where her character drowns, and her husband and their group attempt to resuscitate her upon surfacing. Despite the scene's potential brevity, James Cameron's commitment to perfectionism led to eight grueling hours of retakes.
Mastrantonio was left cold and wet, her chest exposed. Ed Harris had to simulate slapping, shaking, and repeatedly pressing her chest while she remained unresponsive, as her character was unconscious. The situation became intolerable for the actress, reaching its breaking point when they discovered that the camera had run out of tape long ago.
James Cameron's suggestion to continue the scene later prompted a crisis on set. "We are not animals!" she yelled at the director before storming off the set, vehemently threatening to resign unless filming ceased. Subsequently, Ed Harris had to simulate resuscitation in some takes since Mastrantonio refused to participate.
Ed Harris even recounted a harrowing incident when he believed he was on the brink of drowning. The lights went out underwater, rendering it pitch black, and he struggled to find the surface or even see his own hands. At another point, the actors resorted to venting their frustrations by hurling furniture out of their dressing rooms and tossing objects against the walls.
To say that none of the cast members have fond memories of the film would be an understatement. "We never start and finish a scene in one day," Mastrantonio lamented. Even James Cameron himself admitted that filming was "harder than he thought it would be" and swore off undertaking such an endeavor again.
Ultimately, the film's production concluded, and although Ed Harris eventually participated in its promotion, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio refrained and remained reticent about the film for a prolonged period. She even declared her refusal to work with Cameron ever again.
