Question 1

What real-life childhood incident inspired the opening scene of Mystic River?

Accepted Answer

The opening situation is based on an incident when author Dennis Lehane's mother severely reprimanded him as a child for getting into a car with men claiming to be plain-clothes policemen.

Question 2

Why did Clint Eastwood insist on filming Mystic River in Boston despite studio pressure?

Accepted Answer

Warner Bros. executives wanted to shoot in Toronto to save money, but Eastwood refused and pushed to have the movie completely shot in Boston where it is set.

Question 3

What significant change was made to the car scene involving young Dave to reflect contemporary Boston events?

Accepted Answer

When young Dave is thrown into the car, a man displays a bishop's ring - an addition not in the book, added because filming occurred during the Boston priest sexual abuse scandal.

Question 4

Which actor was originally cast as Sean Devine before leaving the project just before filming began?

Accepted Answer

Michael Keaton was originally cast as Sean Devine but left after an argument with Clint Eastwood a month before principal photography, with Kevin Bacon cast a week later.

Question 5

Where can author Dennis Lehane be spotted in the film?

Accepted Answer

Dennis Lehane, the author of the novel, appears waving from the back of a convertible in the parade sequence.

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Mystic River

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