Brad Pitt was in 'unhealthy time' of his life, until David Fincher 'reinvigorated' his love of acting

IANS June 24, 2025 308 views

Brad Pitt recently discussed a challenging period in his life during the summer of 1994. Overwhelmed by negative experiences in Hollywood, he considered stepping away. The turning point came with the "Se7en" script, sent by his manager. Director David Fincher's unique vision for filmmaking reignited Pitt's passion, leading to a renewed dedication to his craft.

"Finding that thing kind of... it just reinvigorated what I wanted out of this thing." - Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt was in 'unhealthy time' of his life, until David Fincher 'reinvigorated' his love of acting
Los Angeles, June 24: Hollywood star Brad Pitt could've lost his way in the industry if it wasn't for David Fincher, who 'reinvigorated' his love of acting With 'Se7en'.

Key Points

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Brad Pitt faced career uncertainty in 1994

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Fincher's "Se7en" script rekindled his passion

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Pitt was inspired by Fincher's filmmaking insights

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"Se7en" was pivotal in Pitt's career renewal

During a recent appearance on Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast, Pitt said that "the most unhealthy time" in his life came in the summer of 1994 after a string of negative experiences working on blockbusters, reports variety.com.

Pitt shared that he needed some time to "check out" from Hollywood.

"I would wake up, I would get a bong load, I would have four Coca-Colas on ice, no food," Pitt said.

"This particular summer, I watched the O.J. trial, and I was just trying to figure out, 'What do I do next? What do I do next?'"

His answer came in the form of the "Se7en" script, which was sent to him by his manager.

Although it didn't immediately capture Pitt, he was totally on board after reading it through and meeting with Fincher.

"My dear friend and manager and, basically my sister now, Cynthia, sends (the 'Se7en' script) over," Pitt recalled.

"She says, 'You've got to read this.' I read the first seven pages, I call her up, I go, 'Are you kidding me? The cliché old cop wants out, the young cop comes in and he's looking at his high school football trophies?' She goes, 'Just finish it.' Then I go meet with Finch, and he was just talking about films like I'd never heard anyone speak about film. I just got the jones back. Finding that thing kind of... it just reinvigorated what I wanted out of this thing."

Released in 1995, "Se7en" followed two cops on the hunt for a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his reasons to kill, the film also stars Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey.

Reader Comments

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Rajesh K.
Se7en was such a masterpiece! It's amazing how a single project can change someone's life trajectory. Brad Pitt's performance was brilliant - that final scene still gives me chills. Shows even Hollywood stars go through rough patches. 🎬
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Priya M.
Interesting to hear about his struggles. In India we rarely hear about Hollywood stars' personal challenges - only their glamorous side. But this shows success doesn't mean happiness. Hope he's in a better place now.
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Amit S.
The OJ trial reference is so American 😂 But seriously, Se7en was one of those films that changed Hollywood thrillers forever. David Fincher's vision combined with Pitt's raw talent created magic. Wish we had more such collaborations in Bollywood!
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Sunita R.
While I appreciate his honesty, I can't help but think how privileged this sounds. Most Indians struggling with mental health don't have famous directors sending life-changing scripts. But still, it's good to see successful people being vulnerable.
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Vikram J.
That bong and Coca-Cola diet though! 😳 Hollywood lifestyle seems so different from ours. But Se7en remains one of my all-time favorite films. The atmosphere, the tension - pure class. Shows how great art can come from personal struggles.
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Neha P.
As someone who went through burnout, I can relate to needing that one spark to reignite passion. For Brad it was Se7en, for others it could be anything. The important thing is he found his way back. Inspiring story for creative professionals everywhere!

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