Patricia Clarkson says director Brian De Palma was a 'saving grace' for getting her extra pay on 'The Untouchables'

Kaitlin Montgomery, Kevin Costner, and Patricia Clarkson in "The Untouchables."

Paramount Pictures

• Patricia Clarkson made her screen debut in the hit 1987 movie "The Untouchables."
• Director Brian De Palma decided to extend Clarkson's role, which meant she got paid more.
• "That extra month helped me out," Clarkson said. "I mean, I had student loans to pay."

Brian De Palma knew Patricia Clarkson had potential — and one small decision he made ended up being "a godsend" to her in her early career.