Cher's Frustrating Experiences with Directors

In a candid interview with The Times of London, music and movie icon Cher didn't hold back her feelings about her tumultuous experiences with two directors from her illustrious career. Primarily known for her powerhouse performances, Cher looked back on the set of Mask with director Peter Bogdanovich and revealed her rocky relationship with Frank Oz during Mermaids.

Cher's Disdain for Peter Bogdanovich

Cher, currently promoting her memoir Cher: The Memoir, Part One, shared her disdain for Bogdanovich, declaring him an "a--hole" and recalling the pervasive tension on the set of Mask. The 1985 film, which is a poignant portrayal of a young man with a rare facial deformity, required Cher to deliver a heartfelt performance. However, she described the directing experience as anything but positive, claiming that Bogdanovich was “not nice” to the female cast members and was "so f--king arrogant." In a particularly heated moment, Cher narrated a confrontation where Bogdanovich dismissed her creative input while he munched on an egg sandwich, vehemently asserting his authority. "He screamed he could cut me out at any moment. Oh yeah, he was a pig," she stated emphatically.

Cher's Ultimatum with Frank Oz

Cher reminisced about her time working with Frank Oz, known for his driving force behind The Muppets, and how their collaboration did not even reach the point of filming. "I actually got the guy from The Muppets fired," she admitted. Cher's relationship with Oz soured to the point that she laid down an ultimatum: "Either you're going or I'm going." This certainly highlights Cher's fierce dedication to her craft and her unwillingness to tolerate unfair treatment.

Cher's Stance on Collaboration

Reflecting on her encounters, Cher stresses that while she doesn't seek conflict on set, she will stand her ground when necessary. In her words, "Ask everybody: I’m really easy to work with. I’m not arbitrary in the things I say." She credits Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep for providing her with subtle but effective tactics for maneuvering around unfavorable directions. “If the director wants you to do something you don’t like, you say: yes, yes, yes, I’ll do it that way. Then you do it your way and they don’t even notice,” Streep advised.

Bogdanovich's Response and Cher's Success

Unfortunately, Peter Bogdanovich, who passed away in 2022, seemed to reciprocate Cher's sentiments. In a previous interview, he remarked on her ability as an actress, stating that her performances were largely due to how he filmed her. "She can’t act," he claimed, showing the animosity that had festered between them.

Cher's Legacy and Resilience

Despite her past grievances, Cher’s career has flourished, achieving accolades like Golden Globes and an Academy Award for her role in Moonstruck, where she portrayed a vibrant character opposite Nicolas Cage. This is a testament to her resilience and extraordinary talent, even in the face of adversity behind the camera.

Cher's Revelations and the Filmmaking World

Cher’s revelations have undoubtedly captivated her fans, shedding light on the dramatic world of filmmaking where talent and ego often collide. As she continues to navigate her legacy, one thing’s for sure: Cher’s fierce spirit never backs down.