Key Points

Rob Reiner recently shared an awkward moment from filming "When Harry Met Sally." He had to demonstrate the famous fake orgasm scene for Meg Ryan while his mother watched. Estelle Reiner famously delivered the iconic "I'll have what she's having" line in that same scene. The director also revealed he changed the movie's ending after meeting his future wife.

Key Points: Rob Reiner Recalls Awkward When Harry Met Sally Scene With Mom

  • Rob Reiner demonstrated the fake orgasm scene for Meg Ryan at Katz's Deli
  • Estelle Reiner delivered the iconic "I'll have what she's having" line
  • The director changed the film's ending after meeting his now-wife Michele
  • Reiner admits pressure making Spinal Tap sequel after 41-year gap
3 min read

'When Harry Met Sally...' director Rob Reiner recalls shooting for awkward scene in front of his mother

Director Rob Reiner reveals why demonstrating Meg Ryan's fake orgasm scene became uncomfortable when his mother Estelle was on set watching him perform.

"I'm having an orgasm in front of my mother, you know? There's my mother over there - Rob Reiner"

Washington, DC, October 6

Filmmaker Rob Reiner, who is known for directing the romantic comedy 'The Sure Thing', coming-of-age drama 'Stand by Me', fantasy adventure 'The Princess Bride', and romantic comedy 'When Harry Met Sally...' recalled why it became awkward for him to cast his mother in a key scene in his 1989 classic, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Estelle Reiner famously delivered one of the greatest lines in movie history in her son's 1989 classic.

'When Harry Met Sally...' is a 1989 romantic comedy film directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron. Starring Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, and Bruno Kirby.

He appeared on CBS' 60 Minutes, where he opened up about his newly released sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, as well as the romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.

The movie's titular characters, Crystal and Ryan, had a pivotal scene in which Sally and Harry are eating lunch in a busy deli. During their talk, Sally tries to persuade a sceptical Harry that at least one of his past sexual partners has more than likely faked orgasm with him. Other diners gaze at Sally as she pretends to be someone else, loudly banging on her table.

The scene ends with a line uttered by Estelle Reiner, "I'll have what she's having," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

But things got really awkward for Reiner when he had to step in and show Ryan how he wanted her to act out the moment.

"First couple of times, she didn't do it full out," he said. "And finally, I sat across from Billy. And I acted it for her. ... And I'm pounding the table, 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' And I'm realising I'm having an orgasm in front of my mother, you know? There's my mother over there," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The movie concludes with longtime friends Harry and Sally getting married and discussing their wedding reception.

Reiner actually changed the ending to a happy one after he met his now-wife Michele, who now serves as a producer on his films, including Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Reiner, who also reprises his role in that sequel as the director of a documentary about a hapless rock band, says he realises there was a "high bar" given the reviews on the cult classic original, which was released 41 years ago.

"Are we crazy to do another one?" he said. "It's crazy. The bar is just way too high," as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an aspiring filmmaker, this story shows how directors sometimes have to go above and beyond to get the perfect shot. Respect to Rob Reiner for his dedication, even if it meant embarrassing himself in front of his mom!
A
Arjun K
This movie is a classic! My wife and I still watch it occasionally. The chemistry between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal was amazing. Interesting to know the director's personal life influenced the happy ending too.
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Sarah B
While I appreciate the behind-the-scenes stories, I'm not sure about the Spinal Tap sequel. Some classics should be left alone - the original was perfect as it was. The magic might not be the same after 41 years.
V
Vikram M
Estelle Reiner was such a sport! Imagine watching your son demonstrate a fake orgasm scene and then delivering that legendary line with perfect timing. What a family moment! 🤣
M
Michael C
This movie was way ahead of its time in discussing relationships so openly. The deli scene broke so many taboos and did it with such humor and class. Hollywood needs more films like this today.

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