Behind the Scenes: Spielberg’s Unconventional Method to Create Authenticity in ‘Saving Private Ryan’

Sometimes filmmakers resort to unconventional means to tell their stories authentically. Just like Spielberg did for his legendary war film.

Actors often use intense method acting when they want to portray a role convincingly. However, while the performers push their limits in front of the camera, directors occasionally also resort to unusual means. This is the case with Steven Spielberg and his gripping war drama “Saving Private Ryan.” To make his storytelling feel more authentic, he isolated Matt Damon from the rest of the cast—for good reason.

If you haven’t seen “Saving Private Ryan” yet, you’ll get a little taste of it in the video.

Saving Private Ryan – Trailer

Special Treatment for Matt Damon

A key scene in “Saving Private Ryan” is the moment when Captain John Miller’s (Tom Hanks) squad finally finds James Ryan (Matt Damon). As the last surviving brother of four, the soldier is to be safely brought home to his mother. However, the rescue squad reacts with disbelief, questioning why he has this privilege—especially since he then refuses and wants to continue fighting. The effectiveness of this scene, and the outrage and indignation clearly visible on the participants’ faces, is thanks to Spielberg—who gave Matt Damon a special treatment.

While his colleagues Adam Goldberg, Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Barry Pepper, and Jeremy Davies underwent basic military training, the Hollywood star was allowed to relax at home. This was incomprehensible to the cast, as Damon was also playing a soldier. The actor felt the resentment from his fellow cast members, as he revealed to Far Out:

“[Spielberg] didn’t send me to boot camp so the other guys would resent me. They all had that experience and they built a bond with each other. But because I was the character they were looking for, and they were annoyed at this guy for whom they were risking their lives, Steven intentionally kept me away from them.”

– via Far Out

Not all character actors have secured the golden statue:

Spielberg’s Method Was Successful

While the others grew into a cohesive unit during their grueling training, Damon was excluded from this group dynamic. Spielberg’s unconventional method ultimately proved successful, as evidenced by the strong recognition “Saving Private Ryan” received at the 1999 Oscars. The war drama received eleven nominations and ultimately won five golden statues—including the Best Director Oscar for Steven Spielberg.

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