In the world of cinema, there are those scenes that remain etched in the memory of viewers, regardless of the passage of time. Prime Video’s “Red, White & Royal Blue” brought one such scene to life, and the journey behind it is as fascinating as the movie itself.
The Long-Awaited Adaptation
Nearly two years after the world first heard whispers of its existence, the cinematic adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s bestselling debut novel “Red, White & Royal Blue” has graced the screens. This modern romance portrays the intense dynamics between Alex Claremont-Diaz, brought to life by Taylor Zakhar Perez, and Prince Henry, played by Nicholas Galitzine. These two young adults start off as fierce rivals, only to feign friendship and eventually nurture genuine romantic feelings for each other. The narrative is sprinkled with scenes that leave an indelible mark, and the “cake scene” stands out, seamlessly making its transition from book to screen.
Director’s Insight: The Pressure of Adaptation
For director Matthew López, the journey of transforming the iconic “cake scene” from words to visuals was laden with immense pressure. He expressed his belief that every movie’s opening sets the tone, and hence, “you have to always get your opening right. If you screw up the opening of whatever the movie is, then you’re dead.” López emphasized the importance of this scene, not only because of its iconic nature within the book but also because it serves as the catalyst pushing the narrative forward. Adapting such a critical scene was no cakewalk – it involved meticulous planning, three days of intense filming, and hundreds of extras.
López shares, “It was hundreds of extras, it was cake, it was a vision, it was choreography through space, and it was a lot of dialogue.” The hard work, dedication, and immense effort poured into filming the scene remain unseen to the viewer, but its impact is unmistakable.
Deconstructing the Cake Scene
While detailing the intricacies of the scene, López revealed that most of the time, a Styrofoam and latex replica was used to replicate the cake. The cake was primarily a decorative element for a major part of the scene, which meant it had to retain its form and freshness over two filming days.
However, the climactic moment arrives when Alex, in a twist of events, stumbles into Henry, leading both of them to topple into the grand cake – a cake valued at a whopping £75,000. Before the key actors faced their sugary fates, López highlighted the cake’s safety, revealing that it was “so lightweight that our production designer laid on the floor and had her team drop it on her head, just to show everybody that it was safe.” When it came to the crucial moment of capturing the cake calamity, Galitzine and Perez faced it valiantly, and the team nailed it in just one shot.
“We had to put the boys on the floor and throw it in their faces,” López recounts. Thanks to impeccable timing and a sprinkle of luck, the scene was captured to perfection in the very first take.
Concluding Remarks
“Red, White & Royal Blue” is not just a movie; it’s a testament to the incredible synergy of a dedicated team, as they bring a beloved story to the big screen. The intricate cake scene stands as a symbol of that dedication. The movie is currently available for streaming on Prime Video. Don’t miss out – catch the trailer and dive into a tale of rivalry, romance, and unforgettable moments.
