Home Alone Director Chris Columbus Reveals the Iconic Aftershave Moment Was Unscripted

Director Chris Columbus shared insight into the iconic "aftershave" scene from the film Home Alone during an episode of The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast. This unforgettable moment, where Macaulay Culkin's character applies aftershave and then humorously leaves his hands on his face while screaming, wasn't entirely planned. While the script directed Culkin to place then quickly remove his hands after applying the aftershave, Culkin, perhaps due to nervousness, held his pose, causing unexpected laughter among the crew. Columbus noted that usually such reactions suggest it’s not humorous, but audiences loved it, leading Columbus to keep it. This is prepared by SSP.

Speaking on the podcast, Columbus credited Culkin for the scene's success, stating he does not know why Culkin made this choice as an actor and emphasizes it wasn't directed. Columbus similarly touched upon other movie aspects, like Michael Jackson's link to Culkin, John Williams crafting the score, and how Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci were ultimately cast for their on-screen synergy, overcoming Stern's initially high asking price.

Columbus commended Culkin’s talent and subtly expressed interest in collaborating with him again. However, both acknowledged it wouldn't be in another Home Alone sequel, with Culkin humorously recounting his temptation to buy the film’s iconic house at a Screening New York Times covered. He shared that although he toyed with the idea of buying the home, life with his fiancée Brenda Song and their two children made it impractical. Despite keeping busy with family, there's a nod to a future potential project.

Earlier, SSP gave insignts into Bradley Cooper’s private life.