Winona Ryder recalls Martin Scorseses notes for Age of Innocence movie

Winona Ryder Reveals Martin Scorsese’s Crucial Directing Note on ‘Age of Innocence’

Winona Ryder recently shared a pivotal moment from filming Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Age of Innocence’. The actress disclosed she received a handwritten note from the legendary director. This note dramatically altered a key scene with her co-star Daniel Day-Lewis.

The revelation came during her appearance on the popular YouTube series ‘Hot Ones’. Ryder described the experience as one of the greatest of her career. She emphasized the lasting impact of Scorsese’s precise direction.

Winona Ryder Martin Scorsese

How a Simple Instruction Transformed a Scene

Scorsese’s note was surprisingly simple. It contained just three words. He instructed Ryder to “Kiss him twice.”

The scene takes place in Paris. Her character effectively dismantles Day-Lewis’s character’s plans. The first kiss was meant to conclude the interaction.

The second kiss completely changed the scene’s power dynamic. It shifted the control firmly to her character. According to Ryder, this small adjustment made all the difference.

She explained that the second kiss was a statement. It signaled that her character was taking charge. The scene was no longer a passive acceptance but an active decision.

A Lasting Legacy of Collaborative Filmmaking

Ryder still possesses the original handwritten notes from Scorsese. She cherishes them as a testament to his collaborative spirit. The role remains one she considers the part of a lifetime.

Her reflections extend beyond Scorsese. She also recalled the unique directing style of Tim Burton on the original ‘Beetlejuice’. Burton was always physically present near the camera, often contorting his body to express the emotion he wanted.

This physical presence, she noted, was an incredible gift for an actor. It provided immediate, non-verbal feedback and created an intimate creative environment. This style contrasts with modern filmmaking, which often involves directors watching from a distant video village.

The insights from Winona Ryder offer a rare glimpse into the meticulous craft of iconic directors. Her stories highlight how small, precise adjustments can redefine a performance. The legacy of Martin Scorsese’s direction continues to resonate decades later.

Thought you’d like to know-

What movie did Winona Ryder discuss with Martin Scorsese?

She discussed the 1993 period drama ‘The Age of Innocence’. The film also starred Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer. It was based on the novel by Edith Wharton.

What was Scorsese’s specific note for her scene?

His handwritten note told her to “Kiss him twice.” This was for a pivotal scene with Daniel Day-Lewis in Paris. The second kiss changed the scene’s entire dynamic.

Which other director did Winona Ryder praise?

She also spoke highly of Tim Burton’s direction on ‘Beetlejuice’. She recalled his hands-on, physical presence next to the camera. This was before the common use of monitors on set.

Does Winona Ryder still have Scorsese’s notes?

Yes, she confirmed that she has kept all of those handwritten notes. She described them as one of the greatest things in the world from her career.

Why was the second kiss so important?

The second kiss shifted the power in the scene to her character. It turned a passive action into a decisive statement. This small change was crucial for the character’s motivation.