Scorsese Considers Buying Gun to Threaten Studio: Marty Stops Short

Acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese found himself in a bit of a heated situation when edits were proposed for his 1976 classic, Taxi Driver, starring Robert De Niro. The changes suggested by the studio left Scorsese so furious that he considered extreme measures, like buying a gun or even breaking into the editing room!

According to Steven Spielberg, Scorsese was “very upset” and even called him over in a frenzy, expressing his frustrations about cutting certain graphic scenes from the film. Another director, Brian De Palma, added that Scorsese was so incensed that he even talked about taking drastic actions against the head of the studio.

Scorsese himself admitted to being angry and considering threatening or even shooting someone at the time. However, his actual plan involved a different kind of mischief, one that didn’t involve firearms. He wanted to sneak into the editing room, break the windows, and reclaim the film before it could be altered or destroyed. A bold move, to say the least!

In the end, after much back and forth, a compromise was reached that allowed Taxi Driver to keep its controversial and violent scenes. Spielberg noted that the film was saved by tweaking the color of the blood from red to brown, instead of cutting out the violence entirely.

These intense moments from Scorsese’s life and work are explored in a new Apple TV+ documentary series called Mr. Scorsese. The series gives viewers a glimpse into the director’s archives and features interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues, including De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sharon Stone, Margot Robbie, and Mick Jagger.

It’s not the first time Scorsese has faced controversy during the production of Taxi Driver. His on-screen portrayal as a character with violent tendencies and gun-related threats certainly added to the film’s gritty and unsettling tone, showcasing his willingness to push boundaries in storytelling.

While Scorsese’s temper may have cooled over the years, his dedication to his craft and his willingness to fight for his creative vision remain as strong as ever. Through his ups and downs, he continues to be a driving force in the world of cinema.