Billy Crystal recently shared his memories of Martin Scorsese during their time at New York University (NYU), recalling the director’s intimidating presence while teaching film production. Crystal, who was a student at NYU in the late 1960s, revealed that Scorsese, then a graduate student working on his debut film Who’s That Knocking at My Door, served as one of his professors.
A “Scary” Professor
In a recent conversation on Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist, Crystal described Scorsese as a particularly intense figure in the classroom. Crystal mentioned that Scorsese, who was six years older than him, sported a big beard, large spectacles, and shoulder-length hair during this time.
“He’d stand behind you while you were editing your film, and he would be very scary, because he would look and he was so intense and he would speak very quickly,” Crystal recalled. “Even then, he spoke quicker because he was 50 years younger.”
A Challenging Teacher
Despite Scorsese’s intimidating presence, Crystal noted how the director was very direct in his feedback. The actor recalled one instance where Scorsese questioned his choice of shot, saying, “Why’d you shoot it that way? Use a wide shot! Howard Hawks always used a wide shot.”
In response, Crystal admitted, “I’m 19 — I don’t know who Howard Hawks is!”
Iconic Careers After NYU
Although their time at NYU was marked by Scorsese’s intense approach to teaching, both men went on to achieve remarkable success in the entertainment industry. Crystal became known for his roles in films such as When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, and City Slickers, while Scorsese earned international acclaim for his direction of iconic films like Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, The Departed, and The Wolf of Wall Street.
For more updates on Billy Crystal, Martin Scorsese, and their early careers, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
Source: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
