How Jack Nicholson Helped Saul Rubinek in Unforgiven with Clint Eastwood

Saul Rubinek shares his experience working with Clint Eastwood on the classic western Unforgiven. The Oscar winning film stars Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Saul Rubinek and Frances Fisher.

[@SwayzesAss]

This dude is an extremely underrated actor. He’s fantastic in everything I’ve seen him in and makes every movie better.

[@KrazyKat007]

He was phenomenal in True Romance!!

[@DagwoodDogwoggle]

His role in Star Trek TNG "The Most Toys" really showed his range early on.

[@bowtieguy377]

Agreed!

[@Adam-hi9dh]

@@KrazyKat007 Lee Donowitz. The Bear Jew's son

[@Lonesome_Loser]

How is he underrated?

[@MM22966]

This guy is a really good actor. I've seen him play everything from a goofy sidekick to to the wise man to the sickest of villains.

[@ATSaale]

If we're both thinking about his episode on Star Trek The next generation then I completely agree. He came off as so completely despicable, cold, and evil. Edit: as far as villains go

[@joeyquinn7429]

Niles' lawyer on "Frasier" and Daphne's fiance. Great Movie! I love the dialogue. So "plain" and minimal, yet so deep!

[@MM22966]

@@joeyquinn7429 He had an interesting role as an "embedded" documentary filmmaker on Stargate SG-1.

[@kservant71]

And a memorable role in Person of Interest.

[@CorePathway]

A Canadian treasure

[@mrdan322]

This guy plays every character from a mafioso to a dork seamlessly. Great actor.

[@anthonyoer4778]

He can appear big and small with his characters too. Tough and meek.

[@secularbeast1751]

Saul was great in Unforgiven. His character arc from being smug and full of himself as he kept company with famous gunslingers, to the abject terror of a man who knows he's in over his head when he sees what an uncontrollable force of nature Munny is at the end, was a wonderful piece of acting.

[@hurleymacmaster8262]

His terror gives you the full story of how scary Munny is.

[@d8nh20s]

Very well stated!

[@enigma9971]

He thinks he writing a story about the fiercest gunfighter until he meets little Bill, then he meets Munney and is like, oh, damn.

[@ThorOdinson]

Clint Eastwood is a national treasure. It’s going to be a sad day when he passes away.

[@haydengoodall6767]

Not just a national treasure my bro, think bigger. 🤠

[@garybrockwell2031]

I can see him reaching 💯 With his poncho in his rocking chair, still having a crafty cigar🤩🎬🎭🆘🇬🇧🙏🇺🇸🤫💪

[@adamh905]

We all have it coming kid

[@binomesprite7829]

It was already a sad day when he talked to an empty stool. What an embarrassment.

[@ThorOdinson]

⁠@@binomesprite7829Nah, the only sad day was the one your dad had when he forgot to wear protection.

[@drewp1974]

Some amazing lines in this movie .. “You just shot an unarmed man!” “Shoulda armed himself,, if he’s gonna decorate his store with my friend “

[@chrisjames2593]

" I was lucky in the order but I've always been lucky when it comes to killin folks "

[@crrhoades4]

Deserve's got nothin' to do with it.

[@krismoody7511]

@@crrhoades4 We all have it comin', kid.

[@user-ko5bk9xe3r]

Like: Well he should have armed himself if he's going to decorate his saloon with my friend. 😮

[@user-ko5bk9xe3r]

Or: We aIl have it coming kid 😢

[@vCLOWNSHOESv]

If any man in Hollywood deserves to be looked at with such reverence it's Clint Eastwood.

[@mrtoothless]

"Reverence". He's just a grownup playing make-believe. Try turning your attention to the doctors and scientists who have been hard-carrying the human race for the last 100 years.

[@davidturnbull7922]

Saul; what a great actor. Deserves more recognition for his work. Big time.

[@billyhomeyer7414]

I loved warehouse 13

[@scribe56]

Oh my god he can play anything. Whenever I see his name in a cast of a show. I don't move from my chair. He can be so sweet. Or incredibly evil or very funny. He seems like somebody who would be very down to earth and fun to meet and talk to. I wish people like him would get more credit for the work they do. When I look at a cast list for a movie

[@scribe56]

I always look for some of my favorite character Actors and he's definitely one of them.

[@paulmartinson875]

Deserves got nothin to do with it

[@asmith7876]

Saul R. is in a fantastic TV series called Warehouse 13, love it! Unforgiven is amazing.

[@richmarlow5680]

Priceless, it will be a very sad day when Mr. Eastwood is gone. He is irreplaceable.

[@CorePathway]

He’s still alive?

[@tonym2513]

@@CorePathwayI mean, he probably has a heartbeat, but he’s been brain dead for a long time.

[@dlighted8861]

One of his most believable roles. His rapport with Gene Hackman was excellent.🤗😮🤗

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Oh man, what a blessing to have been cast and directed by Clint Eastwood. And in such an iconic film.

[@soxfan]

he was great in fraser too

[@dritzzdarkwood4727]

Many years ago as a kid I saw "True Romance", and I freaking loved Saul's character in that movie! Everybody brought their A-game to that movie! Stellar cast!

[@willynaylor7356]

It's been years since I watched true romance,great idea for tonight

[@tobhomott]

His portrayal of the D-bag movie producer in that one stands out for me too

[@clifftanton8385]

​@@willynaylor7356Saul rubinek rocks

[@phillm156]

I saw this film in 1995 as a young kid. Probably didn’t understand it enough to appreciate the gritty realism. I have seen it a few more times since. Each time it seems more realistic and intense. A great film that that never looses its dramatic impact.

[@winoodlesnoodles1984]

I've got to give Saul credit as well as Clint for listening. Unforgiven is such a great movie because it deconstructs the traditional western that had been produced by Hollywood. While doing that, it adds in a bit of the dirty and gritty underbelly of the west. The change to W.W.'s character allows the character to be a stand in for the audience and helps bring the audience along. W.W. starts out knowing the romanticized west, which most people were familiar with from movies and TV. The audience had seen enough movies/TV and W.W. had read enough books. This makes the confrontation more impactful. Because while W.W. wets himself, the audience knows that if they step out of a bar into a face full of barrels, they might not just wet themselves, they would likely soil themselves as well. This helps emphasize that things just got real and that ensures that the audience knows this isn't the west we were used to seeing. There is little black and white and far more gray area. Again, hats off to Saul for coming up with the change and hats off to Clint for going along with it.

[@freedomforever6718]

One of my all-time favorite movies. I'm so glad I saw it on the big screen.

[@watchlover8297]

Unforgiven is a brilliant western. Clint is a fantastic director and has been in some outstanding films that I've watched many many times. A real Hollywood legend, a real talent.

[@bernadettekendell1176]

What a clasy man.....humble ,a lover of people and amazing actor....great story teller too

[@johnsolo4402]

This was an excellent interview. Actually better than an interview. Truly educational and insightful about the process, the project, and the man, Mr. Eastwood, and your perspective of it all and working with him. Thank you, Mr. Rubinek!

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

Yes. When I watch an interview, I don't want to hear the host much. Some hosts try to be the center of attention, and try to lead the person being interviewed. It was nice to hear mainly Saul.

[@moldyvort6040]

I felt like more of an honest conversation as opposed to an interview.

[@johnsolo4402]

@@moldyvort6040 Yes! Better said.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Clint Eastwood is the epitome of the secure man. Secure men don't feel a need to take from others.

[@bmarsh820]

Very informative interview that provides insight into Clint Eastwood not only as a movie director but also his quiet and unassuming personality.

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

I don't care how many roles this guy plays, he will always be the collector of unique Items from Star Trek TNG.

[@dennismccann305]

When I see Saul is in a film I will watch that film or series. I just will. I appreciate you Saul.

[@peterhulse1064]

Clint is astonishing. I wish I could be half as chill and in the moment as him.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

The balls of Saul Rubinek telling Clint Eastwood he thinks he should do another take! Loved this bit of reminiscing. Thanks for uploading.

[@MovieMuscle]

Saul is a great guy. I always wanted to meet him, and I got my chance when we ran into each other on the set of Warehouse 13. Then again at the premiere of 'A Fish Story." Which starred Eddie McClintock from Warehouse. First became aware of him as an actor back in 1993, on True Romance. He was great as the producer.

[@bloodyspartan300]

Yes, especially when he realized he was betrayed.

[@bloodyspartan300]

@@Tom-qv2jg I thought he was quite exceptional, when Eddit got stabbed and was dying in that Warehouse 13 Episode, not only a bad guy.

[@thedeathwobblechannel6539]

Saul such a great guy to share this, in normal conversation, it is incredible. Criminally under rated actor.

[@DavidMcdonald-df8tb]

I'm not trying to be contrarian but aren't character actors supposed to be underated?

[@astraluna6is9]

Saul Rubinek is also in a most excellent film released in 93’ named ‘True Romance’ Directed by Tony Scott, with the screenplay written by Roger Avery and Quentin Tarantino. Rubinek is equally as good in this one as well

[@GEB-yy3ud]

Love that movie mate. I still recommend it to people. All you have to do is tell them the cast and they are interested.

[@brianj4090]

When he says Clint told him he’s in charge of the department of his character that hit deep. I have a little acting experience and that would immediately make me trust my director and communicate that they trust me. Also I forgot Clint directed Unforgiven, probably my favorite western. I recently say Bridges of Madison country and it’s now one of my favorite romances. Clint Eastwood is one of the best directors of all time. I’d say he’s in the conversation for the best.

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Saul has played some great parts. Clint Eastwood is a national treasure.

[@eloquentsarcasm]

Warehouse 13 was a great show, and Unforgiven was one of the great Westerns, Saul did an outstanding job.

[@dallassukerkin6878]

I know that he makes his living telling stories but Saul is a really good story teller :)

[@Tsamokie]

I really enjoyed his work in the Jesse Stone TV Series. He's a dang good actor.

[@frufru0071]

He’s brilliant in Prime Video’s "Hunters", & the "Jesse Stone" films directed by/starring Tom Selleck. The more films I’ve seen starring Saul Rubinek, the more I appreciate his talent. Thanks for sharing this!

[@coopaloopmex]

This is the best interview with Clint Eastwood that has ever existed. WOW!

[@ThunderPants13]

This film had four giants of acting from a similar generation in Eastwood, Hackman, Freeman, and Harris. Sometimes collecting that much talent in one place doesn't work, but they each played their parts so well in this one, that it just lifted the entire picture to another level. Saul Rubinek was also extremely good, as he is in all his roles.

[@rutgaurxi7314]

What a great interview, to echo everyone else, Saul has been great in everything I've seen him in, from Frazier to Trek to of course Unforgiven and beyond.

[@alexconroy8695]

I've always liked the characters Saul has played over the years in all the different shows/movies His insights are terriffic.

[@Michael-uc7gr]

That's a wonderfully insightful story about Eastwood. They made arguably the greatest western ever.

[@cerethpainting6606]

He played a great villain in Star Trek the next generation.Truly vile. He’s awesome!!

[@KenMac-ui2vb]

Still my favorite western. An incredible movie.

[@stevenhaff3332]

That was such a wonderful interview. Behind the scene stories broaden and heighten my appreciation for a film. The Unforgiven was such a quality film.

[@boblevey]

You got it Saul!!! He’s a jazz musician at heart and he lets artists blow their horn! He heard my dad with Bird when he was young. He understands artists!!!

[@judekristo]

Sounds like Saul got Clint in a time of his life before he settled into a curmudgeon who wouldn’t offer anyone a second take unless they literally screwed their lines. Sorry, I don’t think that’s someone who ‘understands artists’ as most actors want another couple takes, regardless of how innately talented they are, and they’re right to want them… and he doesn’t give it to them. One of the few that big in the industry who doesn’t. Says it’s a waste of time. As if one of the most important aspects of making a movie in the first place (shooting it) would be a waste of time to get right. And it is an approach that can work to bring out something good in some performers in some situations, but which overall has not brought out the best in his actors over the years and is probably a big factor in why his flop ratio is as high as it is even while being able to get some of the best actors/ crew in the business.

[@boblevey]

@@judekristo in the jazz world when recording with the greats they often wanted first take.

[@jonathangwynne1917]

​@JK-ku4ok , it isn't up to the actor to want another take. That's the director's call. If the director is happy with the take... that's it. I was on a set once where the star called "Cut!" In the middle of the take. The director was furious - and rightfully so. He called the "star" out. In front of everyone - told him to never do that again. The director said (and I agree) that it isn't the actor's job to decide whether the take is good. The actor's job is to stay in the scene until the director ends the take.

[@DavidMcdonald-df8tb]

​@@judekristoyou make an observant point.

[@bh5606]

Rubinek is always interesting and always good.

[@care9939]

Clint is and always will be at the top of the mountain!!!

[@BreDawg714]

Let talented actors, act. What a concept.

[@billsmith3471]

A tremendously underrated actor. He brings so much to even smaller roles.

[@earlleeruhf3130]

Letting the actors imagine their own take on their characters makes sense when they are Richard Harris, Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman and Saul Rubinek. These four are well expereanced professional actors.

[@rccc5806]

Amazing interview of a great actor speaking so highly of another great actor and director and a good human being.

[@tomlavelle8340]

Absolutely the best Western ever made.

[@chucklou118]

I don’t think you can describe Eastwood any better!

[@kennethbolton951]

I remember him doing a "collector" in a Star Trek next Generation episode where his just pinned that type of amoral self centered monster whose money and greatness by association, with his acquisitions, enabled him to hide from what he was. A true blend of intelligence and talent.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

A wonderful interview of a wonderful actor. Mr. Rubinek's observation of Eastwood being a jazz musician first--and that skill spilling into director duties--is spot on: all truly great band leaders recruit musicians and allow them to *shine as individuals* within the ensemble.

[@This.ability]

Such a great clip. Always nice to have more insight into the making of such an iconic film.

[@ElliottNest39]

I would like to see more interviews with Saul. Very insightful.

[@chrysopylaedesign]

Saul is a great actor. He was a Guest Star in a Star Trek TNG episode that he was great in. I might be wrong but it might have been right before Unforgiven; if not than shortly after.

[@jimyoung9262]

That was a great episode too

[@LASR71]

Mr. Rubinek is one heck of a great actor. If you portray a villain and you hate him throughout the movie, you do a heck of a job. He took a pathetic slimy coward character and one ends up hating the weasel he is. That is I think the ultimate goal of an actor, to convince you either to love him or hate his character and forget he is acting. A great performance he gave in Unforgiven.

[@Adam-hi9dh]

Love the story of david peoples sitting with clint screening the movie of his untouched decade-plus old script and not a word is changed. Legendary

[@AngryMarine-il6ej]

I've seen him several in films and televised series. He's one of those actors that didn't hit their stride until their later acting years. Definitely underrated and deserving of more recognition.

[@patrickdruhan6143]

Rubinek's scenes were some of the best in the movie and what made those scenes was Eastwood cutting to Rubinek's reactions. If you ever watch the movie again, look for it.

[@GotDangJosh]

Clint Eastwood seems to function by example… a worthy endeavor.

[@edbigtruck]

Unforgiven is one of the greatest Westerns ever with an Epic cast of character and incredibly talented Actors and actresses. Everything about this movie is Epic.

[@bill9540]

Agreed☺️

[@tmcge3325]

Awesome! Thank You for posting!!!

[@odyshopody9387]

Love this Western, came out the same time my other favorite Western came out, Tombstone. Great performances all around, especially Saul Rubinek's performance! It kind of reminded me of us, how a modern person would react if we were suddenly thrown into the Wild West. Thanks for posting this interview.

[@johnmcloughlin6508]

I really enjoyed this interview. Thanks for sharing.

[@macpdm]

As a brit I would say that Clint amongst others who are few and far between. Is an American national treasure.

[@bobbyswamp]

Awesome interview! Thanks for posting!

[@spiderhousefilms1967]

Thanks SO much for this. Great to hear these stories.

[@w6wdh]

Wow! I saw Saul Rubinek in the final vignette of the Ballad of Buster Scruggs and assumed he was a genuine Frenchman from his mannerisms and accent, but it was merely superb acting. It was a bit surprising to hear him speaking plain English in this KZbin clip. Now I’ll have to watch Unforgiven.

[@DarrellTurnerJr]

😮😮 you haven't seen Unforgiven?

[@BrettEndres]

Thanks for posting this. Great interview.

[@brettoberry3586]

I've always felt this man's pain over Daphne leaving him at the alter for Niles.

[@highdesertutah]

I like how Little Bill mistakes Duke for duck and is somewhat embarrassed by his lack of reading skills but turns it around and starts to refer to English Bob as “The Duck”. I love realistic movies like Unforgiving.

[@TheRustyLM]

Love this interview! Great story teller. Ty!!!!

[@digitalcurry]

Great interview about a great movie and great director.

[@showandtell4265]

I enjoyed this interview. Thank you

[@williamreaves3780]

I believe Saul put together a very good character for this film. #1 His character was not like any other character, and he was authentic. #2 The thing that caught my eye was the fact that he WAS nervous, timid, and scared, but trying the best he could to hide it. He was seeing and experiencing things that he almost couldn't believe, and of course he wanted to be on the side that was winning because he wanted to STAY ALIVE. His reactions were brilliant too. I could sense him saying to himself, "Wait a minute here, I'm just a writer. I'm not a gun slinging COWBOY! Somebody, please rescue me! I caught Saul in another film, and he was JUST the OPPOSITE. Excellent work, POT-NER.

[@hosshandle]

This was a surprisingly delightful video. Thanks!

[@hooplajones8821]

What a good interview. Thanks for sharing the story Saul.

[@nathanandy]

Great! Thanks for posting.

[@angelborregocubero2241]

Some of the best insights. Thank you Saul.

[@MW-od8vu]

Great movie! One of my all time favorites! Thanks for the insight. 😉🇺🇸

[@FaxanaduJohn]

Great interview. Thoroughly enjoyed this tale. This dude was great in an episode of TGN.

[@rocketburnz2297]

This was one of the best interviews about that movie I have seen since it came out.

[@henryw5762]

What a great interview with a thoughtful character actor! Saul has been in so many great movies he is a pleasure to watch. I am alway amused at different actors that have worked with Eastwood doing impressions of him! The same with actors who worked with Nickerson! Two of the greatest actors of our times!

[@AndrewJens]

A fantastic insight into a great movie. Thanks for posting.

[@d8nh20s]

What a great interview and testament to the talent and character of Clint Eastwood. Thank you for posting this!

[@VARIABLENEWSNETWORK]

Awesome interview. One of my favorite movies.

[@lloydbrown2713]

I will watch this movie every time it's on. Thanks for the insight. I've always been fascinated by Eastwood and how he always directs himself. His hands-off approach that Rubinek discusses here undoubtedly helps facilitate that.

[@azguitar]

Fascinating recollection of Clint Eastwood.

[@MrRainrunner]

Excellent commentary by Saul! Loved it!

[@rickycalais3356]

This was awesome.

[@pirrracy]

Great interview.

[@STVG71]

Very nice interview. Loved Saul in this and True Romance.

[@sfperalta]

Wonderful actor. Wonderful director. Wonderful movie!

[@luketimewalker]

FASCINATING. Many thanks From Paris with love

[@crazyralph6386]

Wonderful interview

[@BrianWachter]

The art of letting life happen-direction by Clint Eastwood.

[@MosesCampos-pr6ef]

Straight classic. This film will definitely stand the test of time.

[@astraluna6is9]

Excellent insight. And Mr Rubinek is a vital character in this story. A film well done by all involved, and most grateful for the 3rd take suggestion. One of my most prized pieces of theater in my collection as well.

[@frufru0071]

Astute observation. I’d only be repeating you with my own comment. I saw it on the big screen and still have the (then newly released DVD), & watch it…biannually? Cheers!

[@myflatlineconstruct]

What a great interview! My favorite western. Personally, loved him in True Romance , first time seeing him. His interaction with Slater was hilarious.