Ron Perlman Recounts Sean Connery Spitting Incident

Actor Ron Perlman recounted a particularly memorable and physically demanding scene from the 1986 film 'The Name of the Rose,' where he was required to spit in the face of his co-star, Sean Connery, a reported 16 times. The incident occurred during the filming of a specific scene where Perlman's character needed to express contempt towards Connery's character, Brother William of Baskerville. Initially, Perlman struggled to perform the action convincingly, leading to multiple takes and delays in production. According to Perlman's account, Connery, recognizing the actor's difficulty and the need to move the production forward, took him aside and encouraged him to perform the action genuinely. Connery reportedly said, "Ron, if you don’t actually spit in my face, we’ll be here all day." Taking Connery's advice, Perlman then performed the action with more conviction, resulting in the repeated spitting that became a notable part of the filming experience. The film, 'The Name of the Rose,' directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, is based on Umberto Eco's 1980 novel of the same name. The story is a historical mystery set in an Italian monastery in 1327, where a Franciscan friar, William of Baskerville, and his novice, Adso of Melk, investigate a series of murders. The plot revolves around the discovery and protection of a forbidden book, the second book of Aristotle's Poetics, which deals with comedy. Ron Perlman played the role of Salvatore, a deformed and mentally unstable monk. Sean Connery starred as William of Baskerville, a role for which he won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The film was critically acclaimed for its atmospheric setting, complex plot, and strong performances, and it achieved significant box office success, grossing over $41 million worldwide. The anecdote shared by Perlman highlights the collaborative and sometimes challenging nature of filmmaking, as well as the professional camaraderie that can develop between actors on set, even in demanding circumstances. The film's production involved extensive historical research to accurately portray the medieval setting and the monastic life of the period. The novel itself was a bestseller and is considered a seminal work of postmodern literature, blending historical fiction, detective mystery, and philosophical inquiry. Perlman's recollection offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of a significant cinematic adaptation and the interactions between its notable cast members.