Audiences Shocked: Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas Faced Early Walkouts!
SHOCKING CONFESSIONS FROM MARTIN SCORSESE: THE UNEXPECTED OUTRAGE OVER GOODFELLAS
In a jaw-dropping revelation, iconic director Martin Scorsese has spilled the beans on the disastrous premiere of his masterpiece, Goodfellas. The 82-year-old film legend recalled how audiences literally ran for the exits during one of the first-ever screenings of the critically acclaimed gangster flick.
At a star-studded event at the Tribeca Film Festival's 30th Anniversary Screening of Casino (where he was joined by longtime collaborator Robert De Niro), Scorsese dished out the dirt on what went down. It seems that the film's unapologetic violence and wicked dark humor left early viewers reeling in shock.
"I mean, it was like an exodus from Egypt," Scorsese quipped with a chuckle, remembering the chaotic scene. "They were walking down the aisle like prophets being chased out of the theater!"
According to Scorsese, it was the film's bold blend of humor and graphic violence that left audiences stunned. "To be fair, they hadn't expected... I think they were really upset by the dark humor of it. The humor and the violence together...," he trailed off, still shaking his head in amusement.
Despite the initial backlash, Goodfellas would go on to become one of the most iconic films in history, earning a whopping $47 million at the box office against a relatively modest budget of $25 million. But what's even more astonishing is that this masterpiece received an impressive six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director – cementing Scorsese's legacy as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
Scorsese's co-star in Goodfellas, Ray Liotta, played the role of Henry Hill, while Joe Pesci's tour-de-force performance as Tommy DeVito earned him a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The film's impact can still be felt today, with critics and audiences alike praising its raw energy and unflinching portrayal of the mob lifestyle.
But what lies behind Scorsese's unwavering commitment to his art? "The idea was to take the last 15 minutes before [Henry Hill] gets arrested in Goodfellas and make that one film: let's take that even further and just go," he mused, hinting at the cinematic evolution that would eventually become Casino.
Interestingly, Scorsese likened Goodfellas to a stand-up comedy routine – an apt comparison given its kinetic energy and irreverent humor. "You take that and extend that and see how far it can stretch until it all blasts away," he mused, hinting at the film's explosive impact on audiences.
When asked about his advice for up-and-coming directors, Scorsese had some sage words of wisdom: "Often if you get a bigger budget, it's worse in terms of production. It's horrible issues... The more money, the more risk and therefore the pressure means taking less chances aesthetically and artistically."
He urged young filmmakers to hold onto their "amateur" status – that spark of creativity and passion that fuels their art. "The love one has for the art form is the thing you've got to hold onto with all the money flying around," he cautioned.
As Scorsese took the stage alongside De Niro, it was clear that these two legends have a deep understanding and respect for each other's work. And as they reminisced about Goodfellas and Casino, it became apparent that their creative partnership has been built on a foundation of trust, friendship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
In the end, Scorsese's tale of woe serves as a reminder that even the greatest films can be met with initial skepticism. But it also highlights the power of persistence, creativity, and the unrelenting passion of artists like Martin Scorsese – who continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and captivate audiences worldwide.
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