The Notebook created a buzz around the world when it was released in 2004. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel not only became a surprise box office hit but also turned Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams into one of Hollywood’s most beloved onscreen couples. Interestingly, the two actors actually couldn’t stand each other while filming the movie. Still, like their characters, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’s chemistry was loved by fans.
Audiences were crazy about McGosling, with The Notebook going on to gross over $115 million worldwide. It was even adapted into a Broadway musical. On The Notebook’s 18th anniversary, take a trip to down the memory lane at all the behind-the-scenes secrets you might not know about the iconic movie.
The Notebook Is Based On A True Story
Yes! it’s true… The novel was actually based on a true story of The Notebook’s writer, Nicholas Sparks’ then-wife Cathy’s grandparents, who were together for over 60 years. The author wrote on his website, “But though their story was wonderful, what I most remember from that day is the way they were treating each other. The way his eyes shined when he looked at her, the way he held her hand, the way he got her tea and took care of her.”
Nicholas Sparks added, “I remember watching them together and thinking to myself that after 60 years of marriage, these two people were treating each other exactly the same as my wife and I were treating each other after 12 hours. What a wonderful gift they’d given us, I thought, to show us on our first day of marriage that true love can last forever.”
The Romantic Scene Was Actually A Bizarre Experience
Noah and Allie’s passionate kiss in the rain is considered one of the best onscreen kisses in movie history. However, it was rather a bizarre experience for the stars. Previously, McAdams revealed to Life & Style that they just wanted to get out of the rain as it was very cold. The costume was made for the film, but other stuff was rented. Moreover, Allie ended up barefoot in the scene because the shoes McAdams was wearing were actually spoiled.
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Ryan Gosling And Rachel McAdams Didn’t Get Along At First
While Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams went on to date and become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, they didn’t initially get along, according to Cassavetes. He previously shared that Ryan once came to him and asked him to replace Rachael. Later, Cassavetes let his stars hash their grudge out. Cassavetes further shared, “We went into a room with a producer. They started screaming and yelling at each other.”
Cassavetes then walked out of the room and everything got better after that. Cassavetes explained, “I think Ryan respected her for standing up for her character and Rachel was happy to get that out in the open. The rest of the film wasn’t smooth sailing, but it was smoother sailing.”
There Almost Weren’t Birds
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie was Noah and Allie riding a boat surrounded by birds. However, that scene almost didn’t make it into the film, as Cassevetes revealed the studio didn’t think they’d be able to film with all of the birds surrounding because they are not trained. But Cassavetes fought for the scene to stay, so much that he actually raised birds on the set to use when it came time to film the scene.
You can stream The Notebook on Netflix now.