The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast After Hours with Martin Scorsese, Griffin Dunne and Raymond De Felitta (Ep. 533)
Mar 24, 2025
Join legendary director Martin Scorsese, known for classics like Goodfellas, and Griffin Dunne, actor and producer of After Hours, as they dive into the making of this cult favorite. They share insights on the film’s original endings and how humor was woven into its serious narrative. Scorsese reflects on the challenges of low budgets in New York cinema, while Dunne shares humorous behind-the-scenes anecdotes. They also discuss the film's evolving reception, highlighting the anxiety-comedy balance that resonates differently across cultures.
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Scorsese's Personal Struggle Reflected
- Scorsese was living in tough Manhattan lofts during the making of After Hours reflecting his own struggles.
- The movie's bleak urban environment mirrors his emotional state and desire to work with minimal budget and resources.
Script Origins and Scorsese's Recruitment
- Joe Minion wrote the After Hours script inspired by a Sundance lab connection through director Dujan Makaveyev.
- Producer Griffin Dunne and Amy Robinson sent the script to Scorsese, who was location scouting in Morocco before taking it on.
Rejected Ending with Verna Bloom
- An early ending featured Paul hiding inside Verna Bloom, which Scorsese pitched to the studio.
- David Geffen laughed, calling it crazy, but supported finishing the film without rushing.
