During a recent interview, Winona Ryder shared a pivotal experience working with Martin Scorsese during the filming of his 1993 adaptation of Edith Wharton’s “The Age of Innocence.” While discussing her time on set, Ryder revealed a memorable moment involving a handwritten note from Scorsese that dramatically impacted her performance with co-star Daniel Day-Lewis. This insight into Martin Scorsese directing advice highlights the director’s hands-on approach and artistic precision.
The Scene That Changed Through a Simple Note
Ryder explained that while filming a scene set in Paris, Scorsese discreetly passed her a note that read “Kiss him twice.” This small direction, delivered just before a crucial interaction between Ryder’s character, May Welland, and Day-Lewis’s Newland Archer, changed the entire emotional direction of the moment. According to Ryder, Scorsese’s advice added layers to the scene, shifting its tone and deepening its complexity as her character confronted her fiancé’s intentions.
“I have all those notes. That was like the greatest thing in the world,”
Ryder said, reflecting on the personal impact of Scorsese’s guidance—Ryder, Actress. She continued,
“’Kiss him twice.’ When we’re in Paris and I basically destroy his plan,”
elaborating on how this guidance intersected with her character’s motivations—Ryder, Actress.
In “The Age of Innocence,” Ryder’s May Welland is a young socialite engaged to Newland Archer, who is secretly drawn to May’s cousin, Ellen, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. The plot intricately weaves themes of social expectation and hidden desire, culminating in a scene where May reveals her awareness of Newland’s feelings, disrupting his plans and revealing her own strength.
“It was such a perfect note because I kind of kiss him to end [his inquiry]. I guess they say it’ll put a button on it, but it really changed the dynamic. ‘Kiss him twice,’”
Ryder recounted—Ryder, Actress. She continued to capture the shift in power brought by that moment:
“It was just like, ‘No, this is the way it’s gonna be. I gave you a f—ing out. You didn’t take it. So from now on shut the f— up.’ You know what I mean?”
—Ryder, Actress.
Ryder concluded about the film and the experience,
“It was like the role of a lifetime. It’s a beautiful movie. A gorgeous movie.”
—Ryder, Actress.
Experiences with Other Notable Directors
While discussing influential directors, Ryder also praised Tim Burton, referencing her work on the original “Beetlejuice.” She highlighted his unique physical presence on set in contrast to modern practices.
“When I did the first one, there was no such thing as monitors or video village, which is like where everyone is today,”
she said—Ryder, Actress. She added about Burton’s style,
“Tim’s always right next to the camera and he often would [contort his body and make faces] like he’s doing… You’re not mirroring him, but I just remember his presence. And that, by the way, is such a gift to receive as an actor.”
—Ryder, Actress.
Ryder pointed out that she now misses having a director physically behind the camera and that this approach fosters intimacy and authentic connection with actors.
“I feel like every director should do some work next to the camera actually watching you,”
she explained—Ryder, Actress.
“It’s really meaningful to the actor. I just kind of miss the intimacy.”
—Ryder, Actress.
Impact of Directorial Engagement on Acting
Ryder’s reflections reveal the profound impact that direct communication and physical presence can have on actors’ performances, particularly in emotionally complex films like “The Age of Innocence.” With Scorsese’s handwritten advice and Tim Burton’s on-set dedication cited as key examples, Ryder draws attention to the artistic collaboration that defines compelling storytelling. Her experiences with acclaimed directors underline the importance of thoughtful direction and the rare insights actors gain when directors are fully engaged.
As the film industry evolves, the practices described by Ryder serve as reminders of the unique connections formed on set, shaping not only performances but the legacy of films themselves. The story behind Scorsese’s iconic Martin Scorsese directing advice and Burton’s immersive presence cements both as influential figures in cinema, with lasting effects on the actors and the audience alike.
