Scorsese's Extreme Measures to Safeguard Taxi Driver Unveiled in Latest Preview
In the turbulent production of his iconic film, Taxi Driver, director Martin Scorsese found himself at odds with the studio that was less than enthusiastic about the project.
During the making of Taxi Driver, Scorsese was not the revered figure he is today. The film's gritty realism and violent climax were met with resistance, and the studio demanded that much of the violent climax be removed.
To save the movie, Scorsese and his team implemented a workaround. The shootout scene was made grainy and the color was changed from red to a brownish tone, a decision that would ultimately save the film. This move was taken to secure the seal of approval from the MPAA and the studio.
The plan to tone down the color and make it grainy was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. According to Steven Spielberg, who had a conversation with Scorsese about the studio's demands, the idea was not exactly his, but he doesn't remember who first proposed it.
Scorsese was "very upset" about the studio's demands and called Spielberg in a panic. He admitted that his threat to destroy or steal the rough cut was an empty one, but he did plan to steal it. However, he clarified that this was not literally with a gun, although he also mentioned threatening to get a gun out of frustration.
Fast forward to October 17, Martin Scorsese is premiering a five-part documentary series about himself, Mr. Scorsese, exclusively on Apple TV Plus. A subscription to the streaming service is required to watch. Mr. Scorsese offers exclusive, unrestricted access to Scorsese's private archives and features extensive conversations with the director, along with never-before-seen interviews with friends, family, and creative collaborators.
Mr. Scorsese includes interviews with Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger, Robbie Robertson, Thelma Schoonmaker, Steven Spielberg, Sharon Stone, Jodie Foster, Paul Schrader, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, Jay Cocks, and Rodrigo Prieto, along with his children, wife Helen Morris, and close childhood friends.
Mr. Scorsese is a five-episode docuseries directed by Rebecca Miller. The series provides a unique insight into the life and career of one of the most influential filmmakers of our time.
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