The single mistake that cost Martin Scorsese $20,000
While all the greatest filmmakers in history have wildly different approaches to their craft, one common trait is their ability to solve problems. Ranging from technical difficulties to narrative issues, talented directors always find a way to overcome obstacles and construct a coherent vision. Even within that highest echelon, Martin Scorsese has been regularly singled out for his brilliant production management skills and problem-solving techniques.
However, the problems that occur on a film set are often unpredictable, and sometimes, they can prove to be really expensive. One such incident happened during the production of Goodfellas, the masterful 1990 gangster film that remains one of the definitive depictions of organised crime in America to this day. Starring the likes of Robert De Niro and Ray Liotta, it is widely recognised as one of Scorsese’s finest cinematic achievements.
Although Goodfellas has seemingly infinite iconic scenes, one of those came with a $20,000 mistake. The segment in question is the Christmas Party tracking shot, which begins with Samuel L. Jackson and features Joe Pesci as well as Illeana Douglas. It was one of Scorsese’s characteristically elaborate shots, complicated by multiple in-frame elements and visual nuances. However, Douglas made a mistake which disrupted the flow.
In her memoir I Blame Dennis Hopper, Douglas recalled the incident: “So the camera is tracking along, there are twenty people in the frame, all these actions. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the camera getting to me, and all of a sudden, I become Eve Arden. ‘If he catches me with anyone, he’ll kill me!’ then I downed a glass of wine to button it. It was dreadful, of course, awful and hammy. I knew it immediately, and so did Marty.”
While talking about Scorsese’s handling of her error, the actor added: “Marty came over to me and whispered into my ear so no one could hear it but me: ‘Don’t do that again.’ Then he laughed, ‘Sorry, everyone, sorry,’ running back to the camera, ‘Our fault. Our fault. Technical problems.’ $20,000 mistake, Marty later told me. He never let anyone know but me, but he cared enough that he wanted every actor in the frame to be perfect.”
Scorsese’s dedication to perfectionism is evident in his recent works as well, including Killers of the Flower Moon. Marking yet another mesmerising collaboration with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, Scorsese’s latest historical epic proves that the ageing auteur still has what it takes to capture audiences around the world.
Watch the iconic scene below.
