In a recent episode of the popular talk show, “Letterman,” legendary film director Martin Scorsese made a special appearance alongside his mother, Catherine. The audience erupted with applause as Scorsese took his seat next to host David Letterman.
Scorsese, known for directing iconic films such as “Taxi Driver” and “Goodfellas,” chatted with Letterman about his latest box office hit, “Cape Fear.” The director expressed his excitement over the film’s success, stating that it is truly amazing to see it doing so well.
During the interview, a fascinating tidbit came up regarding one of the film’s stars, Nick Nolte. Nolte revealed in a recent profile that he had a theory about his character in “Cape Fear.” He planned to embody a more simian-like quality as the film progressed, but he kept this theory under wraps, not wanting to reveal it to Scorsese himself. Scorsese admitted that he did notice Nolte’s performance taking on a more primal presence, but overall, the director encouraged simplicity in the acting choices.
The conversation then turned to the daily life of a director, with Scorsese comically remarking that it often involves answering countless questions. From deciding who should be in the next scene to determining the camera placement, Scorsese jokingly mused about the multitude of inquiries he faces each day.
Letterman asked Scorsese if there had ever been a scene in any of his films where he was unsure of how things would turn out and simply had to trust his instincts. Scorsese confessed that there were a couple of instances, one of which was a scene he did with his mother in “Goodfellas.” In the scene, Scorsese had a clue about what he wanted, but he had no idea what his mother would say. They set up two cameras and allowed her to improvise her lines, resulting in an authentic and memorable moment on screen.
The conversation then turned to an interesting aspect of Scorsese’s collaboration with his mother. It turns out that she not only cooked the food for the scenes in “Goodfellas,” but she also cooked for the crew during the filming of his first short films. Scorsese revealed that food played a crucial role in “Goodfellas,” and his mother supervised and made all the dishes featured in the film.
Towards the end of the interview, Letterman extended his gratitude to Scorsese’s mother, Catherine, for joining them on the show. He then asked if she could share her famous pizza recipe, which Scorsese and other celebrities adore. Catherine gladly obliged, demonstrating how she made the dough from scratch and expertly prepared the sauce and toppings. She even taught Letterman how to use scissors to cut the pizza, claiming it results in better slices without scratching the pan.
As the episode came to an end, the audience bid farewell to the Scorsese family, appreciating their delightful and heartwarming presence. It was clear that Martin Scorsese owes much of his creativity and passion to the influence and support of his remarkable mother. This unforgettable interview left fans with a deeper appreciation for the director’s artistry and the bonds that shape his remarkable career.
