The Cool Story Behind How John Cusack’s Iconic Boom Box Scene In Say Anything Came Together

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Like many people, I’ve watched *Say Anything* countless times and often find myself quoting Lloyd Dobler. Years ago, a friend jokingly asked if I’d ever recreated the famous boombox scene outside someone’s window. After explaining that gesture would likely be considered stalking today, it struck me just how memorable and culturally significant that scene is for people my age.

Looking back at the iconic scene where John Cusack’s character, Lloyd, holds the boombox playing Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes,” it seems like it would have been a simple shot. However, director Cameron Crowe says it was actually quite complicated to film.

John Cusack Really Didn’t Like The Idea Of The Scene

John Cusack didn’t believe the script had Lloyd acting in a way that felt true to the character, as director Cameron Crowe recently explained to the New York Times.

Honestly, it really bothered me – it felt like Lloyd was being written as totally weak, and I kept asking, ‘Why does he *have* to be like that?’ We really wrestled with that scene, trying to figure out how to make it work. Laszlo Kovacs, the cinematographer – a true legend – could tell we were having a hard time with it, he definitely picked up on the struggle.

Crowe and Kovacs agreed and initially pursued a different path. The director of *Jerry Maguire* then moved forward,

We’d already filmed that iconic scene with John Cusack holding the boombox on the car, and he was really happy with how it was turning out, saying it felt much more like something *he* would actually do. It was cool to see him so involved and feel like his personality was really shining through!

I agree with Cusack’s perspective, or at least I understand it. In the movie, Lloyd is a bit of a classic slacker, but also really devoted to Diane. I imagine he’d probably just quietly sit outside her window with the boombox playing, hoping to get her attention.

According to the director, Crowe, Kovacs appeared to realize the shot wouldn’t be effective and tried to change it.

Laszlo leaned over and whispered in my ear, ‘Don’t worry, there’s no film in the camera.’

Like many others, I don’t believe Lloyd would have played a Peter Gabriel song for Diane. The original plan was actually to use Billy Idol’s “To Be A Lover.” I’ve always felt The Replacements’ “Within Your Reach,” also from the *Say Anything* soundtrack, would have been a much better fit. Although it might seem a little unlike Lloyd’s usual slacker persona, the scene in the movie perfectly suits his lovestruck side.

Here’s How They Actually Got The Famous Moment

After wrapping up filming on the famous boombox scene in *Say Anything*, Cameron Crowe decided to try for one last perfect take, as he explained to The New York Times.

As the sun began to set, he told us he’d found a good spot for it across the street, and that the car was already parked over there. He suggested we move it across the street and try to get it working.

I remember when John Cusack finally agreed to do the take, but he was clearly annoyed! Honestly, though, that annoyance actually *worked* for the scene. It gave his character exactly the right emotional vibe – it was perfect!

We quickly ran across the street. John agreed to do it, but he was clearly annoyed, holding the boombox with visible frustration. Watching on the monitor, it was obvious that his reaction was exactly what the scene needed.

It’s a truly unforgettable scene. More than just a memorable moment in a John Cusack film, it’s a landmark achievement in cinematic history. It perfectly demonstrates the power of trusting the creative instincts of filmmaking icons like Cameron Crowe and Lazlo Kovacs.

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2025-09-19 15:39