Hollywood’s famous indie director duo, Josh and Benny Safdie, known for their intense and unique storytelling, have faced a major rift in recent years. Reports now suggest that an incident on the set of their breakout film “Good Time” (2017) involving actor Buddy Duress may have contributed to this split.
Buddy Duress: From Streets to Screen
Buddy Duress, whose real name is Michael Stathis, is a non-professional actor who appeared in Good Time. Before acting, Duress had a troubled past, including arrests for drug offenses, weapon violations, and thefts.
Despite his history, the Safdie brothers cast him, impressed by his raw presence on screen. Duress became a notable part of the film, which starred Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, and others, and earned critical acclaim.
The Controversial Scene
Reports claim that during filming, Duress, allegedly under the influence, engaged in inappropriate behavior on set with a 17-year-old actress. He reportedly attempted to involve her in a scene with nudity and simulated sexual content.
Multiple sources suggest that Josh Safdie allowed the scene to continue, monitoring it from his director’s position. This decision has raised serious ethical questions because the actress was a minor, and such scenes are strictly regulated under Screen Actors Guild rules to protect children on set.
The scene was later removed before the film premiered at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, with insiders stating it was cut “for creative reasons.”
How It Caused the Safdie Brothers’ Rift
The incident reportedly remained unknown to Benny Safdie for several years. In 2022, former producer Sebastian “Sebo” Bear-McClard threatened to expose the events during a personal dispute, which revealed the minor’s involvement to Benny.
This revelation created a major disagreement between Josh and Benny, with Benny reportedly cutting ties with Josh in 2023 over the matter. Josh defended himself by saying he was not responsible for verifying the minor’s age during filming, while Benny disagreed, citing professional ethics.
Buddy Duress’ Fate
Tragically, Buddy Duress passed away in November 2023 due to a heroin overdose, closing the chapter on his turbulent life. Despite his troubled history, Duress left a mark in independent cinema through his work with the Safdie brothers.
Current Status: Oscars 2026
The Safdie brothers remain active in Hollywood, but recent events have shown Josh gaining more recognition than Benny. Josh’s film Marty Supreme received four Oscar nominations, while Benny’s The Smashing Machine got only a minor nomination.
This disparity reflects the ongoing professional distance between the brothers after years of collaboration and the fallout from Good Time’s on-set controversy.
Ethical Concerns in Filmmaking
Using minors in adult scenes is a serious violation of industry norms. Rules require that filming conditions must not harm the health, morals, or safety of young actors. Even though the scene was cut, the responsibility of directors and producers remains a critical point of discussion.
Experts argue that proper oversight, casting, and parental consent are essential when working with minors in films involving sensitive content.
Conclusion
The saga of Buddy Duress and the Safdie brothers shows the complexity of filmmaking, ethics, and personal relationships in Hollywood. While the brothers made critically acclaimed films, ethical lapses on set contributed to a lasting professional rift. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility in the entertainment industry.
FAQs
Who is Buddy Duress?
Buddy Duress, real name Michael Stathis, was a non-professional actor in “Good Time” with a troubled past, including arrests for drugs and theft. He passed away in 2023 due to a heroin overdose.
What caused the Safdie brothers’ split?
The split reportedly happened after revelations that a minor was involved in a controversial scene during “Good Time,” which Benny Safdie disagreed with, creating a professional rift.
Was the scene shown in the final film?
No, the scene was removed before the film premiered at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.
Who were the Safdie brothers?
Josh and Benny Safdie are indie filmmakers known for films like “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems.” They were once a celebrated directing duo in Hollywood.