Martin Scorsese Regrets Behavior during Taxi Driver Filming

Martin Scorsese’s intense reaction to a studio’s demand to alter the ending of his iconic 1976 film “Taxi Driver” is explored in a revealing upcoming Apple TV+ documentary. The Oscar-winning director is the focus of a five-part series by Rebecca Miller, shedding light on new insights about one of the most respected filmmakers of our time. Reflecting on this period, Miller describes Scorsese’s outburst as a product of the rebellious filmmaking era, where creators engaged in daring acts.

During the heated exchange, Stanley Jaffe, head of Columbia Pictures, instructed Scorsese to revise the violent ending to avoid an X rating threat from the Motion Picture Association of America. Refusal would prompt the studio to make the edits themselves. An enraged Scorsese, accompanied by his friends Steven Spielberg and screenwriter John Milius, contemplated extreme measures like obtaining a gun or seizing the film print from the studio—a plan Spielberg helped talk him down from.

Scorsese admits to feeling angered and threatened during this tumultuous time, expressing a desire to confront the situation with force, although he never intended to harm anyone physically. Despite the turmoil, a compromise was reached by desaturating the contentious scene, effectively preserving the film’s integrity.

The documentary also delves into Scorsese’s personal struggles with enjoying aspects of rebellion and recklessness, reflecting on moments of indulgence with substances like cocaine. Revelations from Scorsese and his inner circle, including Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Leonardo DiCaprio, offer a deeper understanding of the acclaimed director’s complex personality.

Despite the controversies surrounding its content, such as graphic violence and casting a young Jodie Foster, “Taxi Driver” emerged as both a critical and commercial success. Scheduled for release on Apple TV+ on October 17, this documentary series promises valuable insights into the life and artistry of Martin Scorsese.

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