Will Ferrell has recalled a harsh on-set reaction that dented his confidence while filming the 2004 comedy *Melinda and Melinda*. The actor said a director laughed at his performance and declared that the take would not appear in the film, illustrating how even established performers can be affected by blunt criticism.

Ferrell discussed the incident in an interview, also recalling director Woody Allen telling him that he was coming across as “nasty” in *Melinda and Melinda*. The film, released in 2004, featured Ferrell in a dramatic role rather than the broad comedy for which he was best known, making the feedback particularly unsettling for him.