'It was the first choice': Martin Scorsese shares behind-the-scenes of filming 'Taxi Driver' at Ed Sullivan Office Building on 'The Late Show'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent appearance on 'The Late Show' with Stephen Colbert, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese shared fascinating insights into the iconic filming of a scene from 'Taxi Driver' at the Ed Sullivan Office Building.

As the audience welcomed him with cheers, Scorsese reflected on his illustrious career, touching on classics like 'Taxi Driver,' 'Goodfellas,' and 'The Irishman.'

The conversation took an exciting turn when Scorsese revealed that he shot a pivotal scene from 'Taxi Driver' in the very hallway of the Ed Sullivan Building.

Crafting the emotional impact

Scorsese elaborated on the thought process behind the scenes, emphasizing the emotional intensity of Travis Bickle's character.

Describing the need for a specific location, Scorsese explained, "I felt I needed a hallway where I had the phone booth on one side, and I could just, because it was so painful, I decided that the camera should just track away and go to an empty hallway because of the emotional impact of it."

A trip to the Ed Sullivan Building

The Ed Sullivan Building's hallway served as the backdrop for a memorable sequence where Travis Bickle, played by Robert De Niro, experiences heartbreak and solitude.

Scorsese highlighted the significance of the location, stating, "This is one of the places we used. It was the very first choice, and that was the entire style of the film."

Revisiting the Ed Sullivan Building prompted Scorsese to reflect on the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating 'Taxi Driver.' The careful tracking of the camera and the choice of an empty hallway added layers to the emotional impact of the scene, showcasing Scorsese's dedication to storytelling.

Academy Award nominations and milestones

Colbert congratulated Scorsese on receiving ten Academy Award nominations for his latest film, 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' including a nod for Best Director.

The esteemed director humbly acknowledged the recognition, expressing joy not just for the excitement surrounding the nominations but also for the film's significance to him.

A living legend's continued impact

With his tenth Best Director nomination, Scorsese solidified his status as the most nominated living movie director, surpassing even the legendary Steven Spielberg.

The conversation highlighted the enduring impact of Scorsese's contributions to cinema, with the filmmaker emphasizing that making films is not about awards but about creating the best possible work.