Liam Neeson Reveals How He Stayed in Character for The Naked Gun, Guesses His Police Officer Movies

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, where the sun shone brightly and the streets were alive with the sounds of honking cars and chattering pedestrians, a peculiar event was about to unfold. Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., a dedicated officer of the law, was preparing for his latest mission. He was not just any officer; he was a man known for his unwavering commitment to justice and his uncanny ability to find himself in the most absurd situations.

Frank had recently been cast in a new film titled “The Naked Gun,” a comedic take on police work that promised to be both hilarious and outrageous. As he stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his uniform, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was not just another role; it was a chance to showcase his comedic talents while still embodying the essence of a police officer.

The film’s director, Akiva Schaffer, had a unique vision for the project. He wanted Frank to play the character straight, allowing the absurdity of the situations to shine through. Frank understood the importance of this approach; comedy often worked best when the characters were oblivious to the ridiculousness surrounding them. However, he also knew that maintaining a straight face would be a challenge, especially with the outrageous lines he had to deliver.

During the first day of filming, Frank found himself in a scene where he had to stop a bank heist while dressed in a young girl’s school outfit. The costume department had initially designed the skirt to be quite long, but Frank had a different idea. He believed that a shorter skirt would enhance the comedic effect, revealing just enough to make the audience laugh without crossing any lines. After some discussion with the director, they agreed to modify the outfit, and Frank felt a surge of confidence.

As the cameras rolled, Frank delivered his lines with precision, trying his best to keep a straight face. However, he could feel the laughter bubbling up inside him. To combat this, he employed a little trick he had learned from his co-star, Danny Huston. Instead of looking into each other’s eyes, they focused on each other’s foreheads. This simple technique helped them maintain their composure, even when the lines were at their silliest.

The scene unfolded with chaos as Frank’s character attempted to thwart the bank robbers. He stumbled over his words, accidentally activated the bank’s alarm, and ended up in a slapstick chase that had the entire crew in stitches. Despite the absurdity of the situation, Frank remained committed to his character, determined to deliver a performance that would resonate with audiences.

As filming progressed, Frank found himself reflecting on his journey as an actor. He had initially gotten involved in acting to impress a girl back in Northern Ireland when he was just eleven years old. The memory made him chuckle; he had performed in a one-act play called “Riders to the Sea,” where he played the last son of a widow who had lost her five sons to the sea. It was a somber role, far removed from the comedic antics he was now engaged in.

Despite his early aspirations, Frank had never imagined he would find himself in a film like “The Naked Gun.” The film was a departure from his previous roles in serious dramas like “Schindler’s List” and “Batman Begins.” Yet, he embraced the challenge, knowing that comedy was just as important as drama in the world of storytelling.

One evening, after a long day of shooting, Frank and his co-stars gathered for a dinner to celebrate their progress. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and camaraderie. Pamela Anderson, who played a key role in the film, shared stories from her own experiences in the industry. Frank listened intently, appreciating the insights and humor that flowed around the table.

As the night wore on, the conversation turned to the challenges of acting. Frank shared his struggles with self-doubt, especially when watching himself on the big screen. “It’s hard to see your face that large,” he admitted, eliciting laughter from the group. They all understood the pressure that came with being in the spotlight, and it was comforting to know that even seasoned actors faced similar insecurities.

The next day, filming resumed, and Frank found himself in another outrageous scene. This time, he was tasked with interrogating a suspect while trying to maintain his composure amidst a series of ridiculous distractions. The crew had set up a series of comedic props, including a rubber chicken and a whoopee cushion, which made it nearly impossible for Frank to keep a straight face.

As he delivered his lines, the laughter from the crew became infectious. Frank felt the urge to break character, but he remembered his commitment to the role. He focused on the forehead trick once again, and somehow managed to get through the scene without cracking up. The moment was a testament to the power of teamwork and the shared joy of creating something special.

As the filming of “The Naked Gun” came to a close, Frank reflected on the experience. He had not only honed his comedic skills but had also formed lasting friendships with his co-stars. The film was a celebration of laughter, a reminder that even in the most serious of times, humor could bring people together.

When the premiere night arrived, Frank felt a mix of excitement and nerves. He walked the red carpet, greeted by flashing cameras and enthusiastic fans. As he entered the theater, he was filled with anticipation. The lights dimmed, and the film began to play. Laughter erupted from the audience, and Frank couldn’t help but smile.

In that moment, he realized that he had achieved what he set out to do: to entertain and bring joy to others. “The Naked Gun” was not just a film; it was a testament to the power of laughter and the unexpected journey of Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. As the credits rolled, Frank knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one filled with laughter, friendship, and the joy of storytelling.