When director Terrence Malick announced his return to cinema after a 20-year break, every top actor in Hollywood applied to take part in Malick’s highly acclaimed film. The fine line. As a result, the 1998 epic war drama benefits from one of the most impressive casts of the last 50 years, with names like Sean Penn, Adrien Brody and George Clooney. Some of the most familiar names and faces are cast in non-speaking roles or appear briefly onscreen. each minor character has a much greater impact on the story.

When you look at the best movie casts of all time, you’ll eventually come across a shortlist of the most respected directors in the industry. The reason Wes Anderson, Greta Gerwig and Martin Scorsese boast a long list of top-notch actors is because they command the respect of their peers. They develop a reputation for delivering outstanding cinematic experiences to both the audience and the performer. Directors who break outdated norms in the pursuit of creative ambition tend to attract some of the best in the industry. The fine line is Malick’s best example of this attraction.

The thin red line has a ridiculous number of big stars

Woody Harrelson and John Cusack lead an all-star ensemble

Terrence Malick’s novel is set in the Pacific during World War II and The fine line revolves around soldiers of C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division who master the first Allied offensive against the Japanese during the Battle of Mount Austen. Malick fills this sprawling military network with unforgettable faces like John C. Reilly, John Travolta, Tim Blake Nelson and Jared Leto. Although Jim Caviezel’s Private Witt is a central protagonist, it’s difficult to position him as a main character given the appeal of the other actors.

For example, Woody Harrelson shines in his brief appearance when a grenade accidentally explodes while it is still attached to his hip. His somewhat comedic performance softens the severity of his death on screen and shows how Malick exploits the role of superstars in supporting roles. John Cusack also appears during the battle, leading a group of volunteer soldiers to recapture a military position. Almost every halfway important character in The fine line is ultimately played by a well-known actor, but Malick doesn’t just put anyone anywhere. The award-winning director remains extremely selective when it comes to casting.

Not every actor made it into the final version of The Thin Red Line

Notable scenes from the film with Gary Oldman and Mickey Rourke

Although it has one of the best film casts of all time, The fine line The list of prominent actors could have been even longer. Stories about the film’s casting link some of the most famous actors of the 90s to Terrence Malick’s war film, namely Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Cruise and Nicolas Cage. However, none of these actors appeared in the war film, unlike other names who were cast and had scenes shot.

Gary Oldman and Mickey Rourke were supposed to play roles in The fine linebut the sheer size of the film prevented their characters from making it into the final cut. Oldman’s character was cut before production began, but Rourke was able to film some scenes despite not appearing in the film. These behind-the-scenes stories certainly add to the hype surrounding Terrence Malick’s Oscar-nominated war drama and give a taste of what a longer director’s cut might entail. With so many talented actors at his disposal, Malick orchestrates one of the finest ensembles ever assembled.