In 1979, legendary actor Robert De Niro and acclaimed director Martin Scorsese escaped to the picturesque Caribbean island of Saint Maarten for an unusual mission: to rewrite the screenplay of Raging Bull. The pair was determined to perfect the script for what would become one of the greatest films of all time.
Their time on the island wasn’t all work, though. On their final day, Scorsese decided to play a prank on the film’s producer, Irwin Winkler. To poke fun at the stereotype of writers retreating only to indulge in leisure, Scorsese staged a playful scene suggesting they had spent their days drinking rather than working on the screenplay.
Gloria Norris, who was tasked with transcribing their handwritten notes into a polished script, captured the humorous moment in photographs. These candid snaps offer a rare glimpse into the camaraderie and creativity behind the making of a cinematic masterpiece.
Raging Bull went on to become an iconic film, earning De Niro an Academy Award for Best Actor and cementing Scorsese’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s greatest directors. This behind-the-scenes story is a testament to the duo’s enduring partnership and the lighter moments that can accompany intense creative endeavors.
