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Editor’s note: President Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911. This exploration draws from my experiences while producing the film, Making Reagan.
Shooting a film during a pandemic presents unique challenges. The camaraderie of cast and crew, typically filled with shared moments at restaurants and local hangouts, shifts dramatically under health guidelines.
Upon my arrival in Guthrie, Oklahoma, I sought clarity on the COVID-19 protocols from our COVID Coordinator, Emily O’Banion. Our conversation quickly revealed the limitations:
“Can I go to a restaurant?”
“No.”
“What about Walmart?”
“That’s absolutely the most dangerous place of all.”
Feeling somewhat lost, I inquired, “How am I supposed to eat?” Emily’s silent gaze was all I needed to understand.
Eventually, we devised a plan: daily grocery deliveries sustained our household. My family included my 92-year-old mother, wife, kids, a caregiver, and an assistant, all navigating remote learning while I worked on the film.
Walking through Guthrie, remnants of its vibrant past as a refuge during Prohibition decorated the streets. During one of these walks, I encountered our reimagined assassination scene. Our design team faithfully recreated the Washington Hilton hotel wall, the site where Reagan faced a near-fatal moment in history. The next day, Dennis Quaid, portraying the 40th president, brilliantly reenacted this critical scene.
Dennis’s long shooting day began with this pivotal moment and continued with various scenes, including emotional dialogues with his on-screen mother, played by my friend Jennifer O’Neill. The scene was poignant, capturing a 40-year-old Reagan’s vulnerabilities during a turbulent phase of his life.
As we discussed the dialogue, Dennis expressed a desire to modify some lines. I couldn’t help but ask if he had ever shared similar sentiments with his mother, to which he candidly replied yes, a moment of reflection during his own divorce. This authenticity enriched our script.
Following our filming, the onset of COVID-19 briefly halted production. Once we resumed in Los Angeles, the sense of urgency to complete the project gripped me.
The climactic final scene took place in Las Vegas, where Reagan faced profound struggles. Depicting him consuming a beer amidst swirling memories of success, we crafted a moment heavy with emotional depth. As the night unfolded, he culminated this internal battle by throwing the beer bottle against a wall, encapsulating his turmoil.
In contemplating Reagan’s character, I reached out to his old friend Pat Boone. I asked him about Reagan’s lowest moments in Las Vegas. Would he succumb to the pressures of drink, or would he find solace elsewhere?
Contrarily, a Reagan biographer argued that Reagan would perceive such events as part of a grander design. Boone, however, maintained that in that vulnerable hour, Reagan might have indeed faced disappointment and acted out of character.
This nuanced exploration deeply informed our film’s portrayal. We wanted to highlight Reagan’s struggles while also acknowledging his eventual resilience.
The clock neared midnight when we wrapped for the night. Emotions ran high as Dennis and I embraced one last time, celebrating our arduous journey through a landscape filled with creative highs and challenges.
In producing this film, I uncovered not just the complexities of Reagan’s life but also the deeply human elements that make his story resonate today. The journey not only spurred reflections on his presidency but also reinforced the significance of leadership during challenging times.
Celebrating Legacy and Leadership
As we honor Ronald Reagan on his birthday, we reflect on the lessons learned through storytelling and filmmaking. This endeavor has illuminated the essence of resilience and the impact of leadership in shaping history.
