In a new interview, legendary actor and comedian Billy Crystal reminisces about his formative years as a film student under the guidance of the renowned director Martin Scorsese at New York University in the late 1960s.
- December 16, 2024
AceShowbiz - Billy Crystal may be known for his comedic genius and unforgettable film roles today, but his early education at New York University included lessons from one of cinema's greats, Martin Scorsese. In a captivating interview on the Decemeber 15 episode of "Today's Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist" podcast, Crystal shared his experiences of being taught by Scorsese during his film school days.
"I was in film school here [at NYU], and Martin Scorsese was my film production professor," Crystal reflected. "He was a graduate student at the time, just doing his first movie, called 'Who's That Knocking at My Door'. And it was 1968, 1969, 1970."
Scorsese, only six years older than Crystal, was an "intimidating" figure even back then. "[He] had a big beard and granny glasses and hair down to his shoulders. He looked like everybody," Crystal remarked, emphasizing the director's intense persona and rapid speech even in his youth. The way Scorsese critiqued student films made a lasting impression on the young Crystal. "And he'd go, 'Why'd you shoot it that way? Use a wide shot! Howard Hawks always used a wide shot.' I said, 'I'm 19 - I don't know who Howard Hawks is!' "
Crystal nostalgically recalled the vibrant atmosphere of the West Village during those years. "The neighborhood was wild. It was a terrible time for America, but a great time at the same time," said Crystal, referring to the counter-culture movement and protests against the Vietnam War. "It brought us together... What came out of it was a renaissance in music, in poetry, in art - that we're still feeling today." Legendary figures such as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead were at the forefront of this cultural revolution.
Despite the decades that have passed, Crystal insists that Scorsese's energy remains unchanged. "It's the same energy," Crystal noted, summarizing his enduring respect for the legendary director.
Both Crystal and Scorsese achieved monumental success in their respective fields. Crystal transitioned from acting to directing, with notable films such as 1992's "Mr. Saturday Night" and 2021's "Here Today". He has earned a Tony award along with six Emmys, and hosted the Oscars nine times. Recently, he appeared on the Apple TV+ drama "Before". Scorsese, on the other hand, went on to create numerous masterpieces including "Taxi Driver", "Raging Bull" and "The Departed", accruing dozens of Oscar nominations and a win for Best Director.
