Key Takeaways:
– Steven Spielberg had initial doubts about directing Schindler's List.
– Martin Scorsese was slated to direct Schindler's List, but ended up directing Cape Fear instead.
– While rumors of a ‘film swap' have circulated, both directors deny this claim.
– Spielberg went on to nab the Best Director Award at the Oscars for Schindler's List.
The Spielberg and Scorsese Fellowship: Driving Change in Film History
The celebrated cinematic universes of Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese converged in a fascinating way during the early '90s, where both directors were on the cusp of adding another masterstroke to their illustrious portfolio. This intriguing behind-the-scenes story involves an alleged ‘film-swap' deal, resulting in Spielberg making the critically acclaimed Holocaust film, Schindler's List, while Scorsese took on the 1991 remake of Cape Fear.
Initial Moments of Doubt then Certainty
From its inception, Spielberg doubted his readiness to tackle such a substantial subject as the Holocaust as relayed to FandomWire. Despite his hesitation, Spielberg was not willing to let the golden opportunity to direct Schindler's List pass by. Award-winning director Martin Scorsese was also under consideration to helm the film. However, Spielberg made a decisive move to offer Scorsese the Cape Fear project, thereby taking the reins of the Liam Neeson-led Holocaust movie.
Spielberg's Risk Pays Off
Deciding to stay with Schindler's List, despite his initial reservations, turned out to be one of Spielberg's best decisions. The film won him the Best Director Award at the 66th Academy Awards, in addition to garnering critical acclaim for its exceptional performances and Spielberg's impactful direction. The movie was a major success, raking in $322.2 million at the box office against a budget of $22 million.
The Alleged Swap
Michael Ovitz, the co-founder of CAA, who represented Scorsese at the time, is credited with revealing details about this alleged swap. According to Ovitz, he was attempting to sign Spielberg and was in constant dialog with him, wherein Spielberg expressed interest in remaking the classic film Cape Fear. Ovitz proposed to Scorsese that Schindler's List might be more suited for Spielberg, given his Jewish heritage. Consequently, they traded films, with Scorsese agreeing to helm the Cape Fear remake.
Was there a Swap or Not: Hear it from the Directors
However, this ‘film-swap' theory was refuted by both Spielberg and Scorsese. According to Spielberg, while Ovitz may have recalled a swap, no such deal actually occurred. Scorsese affirmed this claim stating that he passed on Schindler's List primarily due to the controversy that he had just faced with The Last Temptation of Christ. He did not want to stir up another controversy, particularly with the Jewish community.
The Payback Theory
Scorsese further clarified that Cape Fear was not a film he received from a swap deal, but as a payback movie. Universal Studios allowed him to make The Last Temptation of Christ on the condition that he would assist them with Schindler's List, Cape Fear, and Casino. His subsequent work on Cape Fear and Casino were indeed his way of repaying his dues to the studio.
Decades after the films' releases, this fascinating story behind the making of Schindler's List and Cape Fear still sparks intrigue. Spielberg and Scorsese not only created masterpieces but set new milestones in cinematic history. The paths they took to arrive at these specific projects may be contended, yet what cannot be denied is the transformative impact they made on the world of cinema.
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