Rod Steiger commenting on Doctor Zhivago (1965)

Rod Steiger commenting on his character Komarovsky, his fellow actors and the filming. I also added comments by Omar Sharif on Steiger’s method acting and their mutual scenes.
Chapters with Steiger commenting:
0:00 On his casting as Komarovsky
1:28 On Komarovsky ignoring Lara
2:15 On his career
2:53 On the importance of the images and the pauses
3:30 On sets, and on teasing Omar Sharif
4:02 On Ralph Richardson
4:23 On the production costs
4:51 On dancing with Julie Christie
5:23 On his favorite story about kissing Julie Christie
7:18 On Tom Courtenay and David Lean
7:36 On composition and beautiful sets
8:30 On amazing panning shot
8:42 On Komarovsky and imagination
9:29 Omar Sharif on Steiger’s method acting
10:19 On keeping the style
10:39 On details an actor can bring and on drama getting darker
11:22 On losing his favorite hat
11:29 On Komarovsky’s romantic scene with Lara
13:12 Omar Sharif on the scene of bandaging Steiger’s arm
14:56 On Komarovsky’s compulsive love for the girl
15:30 On Geraldine Chaplin
16:13 On David Lean’s prop man
17:00 On Komarovsky not being a villain, but overromantic
18:27 On the most difficult scene (pretending to be drunk)
19:54 On his stunt fall
20:39 “The bigger the style, the bigger the emotions”
21:34 On shooting in Spain and wax simulating ice
22:27 On Komarovsky being used to winning
24:05 On two men changing their lives and the power of a woman who’s loved
24:47 On the filming, his improvising and the presence of the picture
26:42 On David Lean relying on his instincts and his great taste
27:11 On being a little thorn in David Leans’ side
28:10 On watching the picture with others

My fan pages "Rod Steiger - Intense, outspoken, original" in

[ERCwC]

9:15 “If you rob the audience of the pleasure of imagining, you’re usually sitting in front of something either bad or dull.” Boy, people have completely forgotten about this wisdom, haven’t they…

I had no idea that this is his real way of speaking. The way he speaks in the film is so different yet still natural.

[irishmike]

Steiger was phenomenal as Victor Komoravsky in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO. His commentary is fascinating. He was a brilliant actor. The same year Zhivago was released, Steiger was Oscar nominated Best Actor for his brilliant performance in The PAWNBROKER. Nothing against Lee Marvin, a powerful actor, but Steiger should have won. His performance is unforgettable, as stunning now as it was when Pawnbroker was first released in 1965.

[LouielamsonTranNguyen]

Good story, with great actors and actresses who made wonderful sense of this movie. Doctor Zhivago is one of my all-time favorites. It's very interesting to hear Rod Steiger's comments on it. ❤😂😅

[Dodo-xb]

I have always loved Rod Steiger the actor but I never knew much about him. Listening to his commentary and his quiet, modest, self-deprecating intelligence I am transported into that magical world where what you say and how you say it elevates the soul. What talent. What a man. I am even more enchanted at 70 years old and yes, the Pawnbroker WAS a tour de force. Thank you so much for this interview.

[michaellazzeri]

I MUST say this : Steiger should have won Best Supporting actor julie Christie was beyond gorgeous in this film. Like Gene Tierney's Laura, Julie Christie will forever be, Lara.

[Mellie]

Loved this and have seen the picture many times from 1965 at age 13. It still remains the best picture I've ever seen, albeit being quite religious at age 13, being upset about Lara and Zhivago having their affair. But peeling off layers of understanding till being older, this movie, the cinematography, music, acting and whatever I may have missed mentioning here, is the best and will remain the best picture of my lifetime.

[chrismorrison]

I love this film so much and Steiger's performance is, in my opinion, one of the finest ever filmed. "We're all made of clay you know."

[karenknight]

Thank you for portraying one of the best movies ever made. Mr Steiger, what a talented class act. I would love to see it again.

[HartmutJagerArt]

David Lean and a cast of fabulous actors created one of the best movies ever made !

[asacarrick]

Rod Steiger is one of the most talented actors in cinema of all time

[jonesisabela]

Zhivago: The best movie ever, the prettiest actress ever, the best score ever in Lara’s theme. ❤

[adrianjohnson]

What a lovely discussion of such an interesting part in this immortal film. Mr Steiger is delightful.

[pauljnolan]

He was one of the all-time greats. As good as anyone, ever.

Edited to add, one day later: and his quiet, dignified commentary prompted me to order the book. I kept wondering, how did he see so much more depth in the character than I saw watching the movie? Then it dawned on me: he read the book!

[TheVaughan]

David Lean was one of the greatest directors of all time. I would place him along with Fred Zimmerman and William Wyler, it’s a difficult call of course but these 3 were certainly at the very top of their profession.

[bluevol]

Lean treats his audience like adults in his films. When they shot the scenes in the countryside, you feel lost in the vastness and the cold in winter. A masterpiece.

[January.]

Mr. Steiger was such a fascinating man. People like him don't exist anymore....😢

[richardclegg]

How awesome is Rod Steiger! Owns every scene in every performance, and best interviews in the business...

[marymoore]

Dr Zhivago is my favourite flim off all time. David Lean was the master & a genius. This flim was a masterpiece & a classic

[Jamie_van_Brewen]

"Folks, this is Rod Steiger. I hope you've enjoyed this thing. ..."

I 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚, sir! 𝙑𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝! ❤
Thank you so much for your insight on this.
RIP, Rod Steiger. 1925-2002

[lemorab]

Great interview with Rod Steiger! Thank you!