Actually Dustin Hoffman said they were "stealing the scene" as no one wanted to finance the movie. The producer, director and Hoffman practised the timing so that they'd hit the green and cross, but a taxi jumped the lights. Hoffman just stays in character whilst being understandably furious. He could have been killed but he doesn't break character. That's acting. Or is it the next level above? Amazing.
I believe that it was truly improvised because If you realize his voice it's different, it's not Ratso duck - voice, it's the Dustin Hoffman real voice. He was really talking to Jon Voight. I think.
From an interview in Maxim with DH. It was Ad Lib and Dustin wanted to say to the cabie; "Where shooting a movie here!" but he couldn't just say that on camera. That is how this scene came about. Acting is the reality of doing.
What I kinda noticed was that Hoffman starts off in character with Ratso's voice. And then after the improv scene with the cab, i think he forgets about the voice and continues with his normal voice. Listen to it closely. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's just something I've kinda noticed...
Possibly improvised but Hoffman did break character when he yelled at the cab driver. Notice how his voice went from nasaly ritzo to distinctively Hoffman.
This film is totally amazing, one of the best ever, Rizo is just the best character and John Voight did a great job playing the not too bright cowboy, masterful movie making. Everyone should see this. Sad at the end though.
The movie was made before the lawyers ruined everything. They used to "steal" shots like this with real pedestrians all the time in the 70's. I bet that cabbie brags about being in the movie, if he's still alive.
Kinda funny how many people here have it wrong. They had the street closed down and that was a real cab that drove through or past the barricades and was not part whatsoever of the script and Dustin Hoffmans reaction and interaction was completely improvised
As want-to-be gigolo Joe Buck (Jon Voight) and crippled scam artist Ratso (Dustin Hoffman) cross a street in New York City, a REAL NYC taxi cab driver who ignored all the "Street Closed for Filming" signs drives through the scene. Obviously this wasn't scripted and Hoffman's response and actions were all improvised, in character, as a result.
They were not holding back traffic. It took them 14 takes to time the scene with the light correctly, so they didn't have to stop. When that cab driver almost hit them (with a red light), Duston wanted to angrily say, "We're filming here!" and changed it quickly in his head to "I'm walkin' here!" Inside the Actors Studio /watch?v=YaVwKN8DdkI&t=32m54s
I worked in a drive-in movie and would have to alert all the cheap motel cars that were still at it or had fallin asleep at the end of the movie. Walking up and down the roadways of the drive-in and telling folks to get a move on while listening to the beautiful score at the end of the movie brings back wonderful memories. And it was rated X.
That was improved, checked out a bit of trivia on it. The taxi driver has no idea what's going: he broke onto the set by accident, Hoffman managed to stay in character despite nearly being run over. Hats off to him for being able to keep in character like that.
If I ever travel to New York I'm gonna be spending a lot of time trying to brake a hasty car on the crosswalk just to shout: I'M WALKIN' HERE! I'M WALKIN' HERE!
Actually I think they could. When the Bourne film was recorded they included scenes with the main character running through crowds of people. None of them were extras. And the director needed no permission from the people to include them in the movie.
Improvised or scripted? I believe this is improv, Hoffman is doing a character voice than all of a sudden I hear Dustin Hoffman in real life, and he sounded legit pissed too.
This movie broke through genres of the day like a wild bull, guess you had to be there. Jon Voight came out of the screen like very few have ever done since and for me this was Hoffmans best. Even the critics, in the day, had a tough time with this one, it was just different, for me moviemaking at it's best.
I don't think he was improvising :P Notice how his voice goes normal! I think he actually gets angry and puts on the New York attitude. "That ain't a bad way to pick up an insurance" that's improvised though, and a good one at that
What you see on screen is what actually happened. I remember Dustin Hoffman explaning it on a TV show a few years ago. The bit about the taxi driver is just something I would have liked to have seen happen, but, alas, it didn't!
It's often said to have been improvised, but producer Jerome Hellman says the cab was driven by a hired actor during a scripted take and they filmed it to look like an ad-lib. On Inside the Actors Studio Hoffman said there were many takes to hit the traffic light right so they didn't have to pause while walking. That take, the timing was perfect and the cab came out of nowhere and nearly hit them. Hoffman wanted to say "We're filming a movie here!" but decided not to ruin the take." (wikipedia)
The line "I'm walkin' here!", is often said to have been improvised. The cab was driven by a hired actor during a take, the production team filmed it to look like an ad-lib. Hoffman told it differently. He stated that there were many takes to hit that traffic light just right so they didn't have to pause while walking. That take, the timing was perfect and the cab came out of nowhere and nearly hit them. Hoffman wanted to say "We're filming a movie here!", but he decided not to ruin the take.
a very interesting detail - and as it's clearly true, then it could be possible that the box set take was, in fact, a shot of the (claimed) accidental incident, and then, if the sound quality or whatever was not up to scratch on that take, they might have got the taxi guy to redo it (as it is a good part of that scene) and it's that next version that's in the film - wnichever way, thanks for the info - martin.
It's called "gesto dell'ombrello" meaning literally "umbrella gesture". Though the common version of it requires the right hand closed in a fist, Rizzo's version is valid and popular all the same. I hope my explanation makes sense.
well usually the signs warning of a film shoot also warn the general public that filming is going on and to avoid being near, because if they happen to end up on camera, that footage can be used in the film
Imagine the cab driver's embarrassment when he goes to the theater and sees this exchange once more.
Best part is that this was entirely improvised.
"Actually, that ain't a bad way to pick up insurance, you know."
Awesome.
That cab driver unknowingly just took part in a well known scene. I wonder what he felt when he realized that...
Fun fact, the driver is actually a real man who had no idea they were shooting and Hoffman played it nicely :)
Greatest ad lib in the history of cinema. How Dustin came up w/ the line about 'picking up insurance' in tempo still amazes me.
The official mascot of NYC.
Anyone have the idea whom that cab driver is and if he ever knew he was in a famous movie scene
EY! im walkin heeere
love how the cig falls out of his mouth
Actually Dustin Hoffman said they were "stealing the scene" as no one wanted to finance the movie. The producer, director and Hoffman practised the timing so that they'd hit the green and cross, but a taxi jumped the lights. Hoffman just stays in character whilst being understandably furious.
He could have been killed but he doesn't break character. That's acting.
Or is it the next level above? Amazing.
It's great that he even remembered to keep the limp up after the fight, I know sure as hell would've forgotten with something like that on my mind.
I believe that it was truly improvised because If you realize his voice it's different, it's not Ratso duck - voice, it's the Dustin Hoffman real voice. He was really talking to Jon Voight. I think.
"that ain't a bad way to pick up insurance."
True showmanship... LIKE A BOSS!!!
I love the fact that he spits out his cigarette when he starts yelling. Classic!
No WAY that's improv!!! For real? If so Hoffman is indeed a genius.
Genius. Hoffman really kept this scene flowing.
From an interview in Maxim with DH. It was Ad Lib and Dustin wanted to say to the cabie; "Where shooting a movie here!" but he couldn't just say that on camera. That is how this scene came about. Acting is the reality of doing.
that's just brilliant to be caught off guard like that and go with it. Turned into a great/funny scene to me
What I kinda noticed was that Hoffman starts off in character with Ratso's voice. And then after the improv scene with the cab, i think he forgets about the voice and continues with his normal voice. Listen to it closely. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's just something I've kinda noticed...
Another beautiful day in New York for a walk.
actually he was really pissed off that the scene was ruined so he just put it on the cab and the director didn't cut it
So cool... i love the way Hoffman says: "...actually, that ain't a bad way to pick up insurance you know..." genius!
in this scene he remembers me a lot of Al Pacino
Possibly improvised but Hoffman did break character when he yelled at the cab driver. Notice how his voice went from nasaly ritzo to distinctively Hoffman.
I wonder if in Disney's Hercules when Phil screams "HEY I'M WALKING HERE!" Is a reference to this scene. Probably is!
This film is totally amazing, one of the best ever, Rizo is just the best character and John Voight did a great job playing the not too bright cowboy, masterful movie making. Everyone should see this. Sad at the end though.
Like a boss.
Oh so THAT'S where it's from!
Now I can die in peace...
Just cracks me up!
The movie was made before the lawyers ruined everything. They used to "steal" shots like this with real pedestrians all the time in the 70's. I bet that cabbie brags about being in the movie, if he's still alive.
Kinda funny how many people here have it wrong. They had the street closed down and that was a real cab that drove through or past the barricades and was not part whatsoever of the script and Dustin Hoffmans reaction and interaction was completely improvised
no, the cab wasn't supposed to be on the set, they were holding back traffic to shoot the scene and the one cab got trough, and hoffman improvised
"Heeey! I'm waaalkin' heayah!!!'''
3 words that changed people walking...I'm walking here!!!!
As want-to-be gigolo Joe Buck (Jon Voight) and crippled scam artist Ratso (Dustin Hoffman) cross a street in New York City, a REAL NYC taxi cab driver who ignored all the "Street Closed for Filming" signs drives through the scene.
Obviously this wasn't scripted and Hoffman's response and actions were all improvised, in character, as a result.
Far ahead of its time.. rare masterpiece movie.
That he waggled that on the fly is amazing.
Dustin Hoffman- God's gift to the world of acting.
This movie is a hell of a movie. With two great actors and a impressive story.
True that. Watched the film last night and loved it. one of the best
This wasn't even scripted! This is legend!
And that FAMOUSE SCENE was UNSCRIPTED!
From I recall after living by the city for 10 years....that means "Up yours !!"
lol classic,so seamless you cant tell between the dialogue and the improvisation,fucking genius.
were filming here were filming here
They should remake this scene with Christopher Walken, just to have him say "Hey, I'm Walken here!"
It was brilliant. Especially since the cab was not planned and Hoffman ad-libbed.
They were not holding back traffic. It took them 14 takes to time the scene with the light correctly, so they didn't have to stop. When that cab driver almost hit them (with a red light), Duston wanted to angrily say, "We're filming here!" and changed it quickly in his head to "I'm walkin' here!"
Inside the Actors Studio /watch?v=YaVwKN8DdkI&t=32m54s
I worked in a drive-in movie and would have to alert all the cheap motel cars that were still at it or had fallin asleep at the end of the movie. Walking up and down the roadways of the drive-in and telling folks to get a move on while listening to the beautiful score at the end of the movie brings back wonderful memories. And it was rated X.
i love the fashion of the women walking around!
"up yours"
Only in New York City are you allowed to say this.
That was improved, checked out a bit of trivia on it. The taxi driver has no idea what's going: he broke onto the set by accident, Hoffman managed to stay in character despite nearly being run over.
Hats off to him for being able to keep in character like that.
Oh boys those were movies! I'd give anything to be there when they were first released at cinema.
If I ever travel to New York I'm gonna be spending a lot of time trying to brake a hasty car on the crosswalk just to shout: I'M WALKIN' HERE! I'M WALKIN' HERE!
Yeah Dustin; Your Walking Here !!!
Actually I think they could. When the Bourne film was recorded they included scenes with the main character running through crowds of people. None of them were extras. And the director needed no permission from the people to include them in the movie.
I bet that cabbie thought twice about getting out the car when he saw the 6 foot two Jon Voight standing next to Dustin.
great man, he even drops the cigarette, nice touch
i love this movie, and dustin sounds like bugs bunny, so hilarious !
thanks for all your movies dustin. It's a pleasure to watch your awesome performances
great casting. great film.
Thank You!! Finally someone telling the ACTUAL account of what happened!
Thank you very very very very very much for this interesting tidbid!
Improvised or scripted? I believe this is improv, Hoffman is doing a character voice than all of a sudden I hear Dustin Hoffman in real life, and he sounded legit pissed too.
This movie broke through genres of the day like a wild bull, guess you had to be there. Jon Voight came out of the screen like very few have ever done since and for me this was Hoffmans best. Even the critics, in the day, had a tough time with this one, it was just different, for me moviemaking at it's best.
hoffman looks and walks like he's in 1977 lol i love this guy the taxi was so funny good job man
I Love the film and the scene^^
Rico 4-EVER and Joe^^
Dustin's voice sounds like Bugs Bunny
My favourite of all time. "I'm walking here"!
was also used in Forrest Gump.
Brilliant!
I don't think he was improvising :P Notice how his voice goes normal! I think he actually gets angry and puts on the New York attitude. "That ain't a bad way to pick up an insurance" that's improvised though, and a good one at that
What a brilliant ad lib. Love how he came up w/ the insurance line on the fly
a fantastic actor.
look at hoffman in this and the graduate.
its like seeing two different people
What you see on screen is what actually happened. I remember Dustin Hoffman explaning it on a TV show a few years ago. The bit about the taxi driver is just something I would have liked to have seen happen, but, alas, it didn't!
that's a cool piece of trivia!
hoffman...what a guy.
He was in the movie without their permission.
This line was used in "Back to the future" and "Apacalypto"
Similar scene was made later in Forrest Gump (Gary Sinise on wheelchair crossing a street). Everything is a remix ;)
This is one of my favorite scenes in MC. This and the scene where Rico tells a group of people protesting to "go to work".
Indeed you have.
Why ya gotta love the character Ratso and crossing the streets of Manhattan.
Kudos for your trivia knowledge here (I knew this too)
It's often said to have been improvised, but producer Jerome Hellman says the cab was driven by a hired actor during a scripted take and they filmed it to look like an ad-lib. On Inside the Actors Studio Hoffman said there were many takes to hit the traffic light right so they didn't have to pause while walking. That take, the timing was perfect and the cab came out of nowhere and nearly hit them. Hoffman wanted to say "We're filming a movie here!" but decided not to ruin the take." (wikipedia)
the best, the best Dustin Hoffman
You are so very very very welcome.
priceless
This really makes me laugh everytime I see it!
The 32 Greatest Unscripted Movie Scenes...
how do you know a great actor? when he improves this good
The line "I'm walkin' here!", is often said to have been improvised. The cab was driven by a hired actor during a take, the production team filmed it to look like an ad-lib. Hoffman told it differently. He stated that there were many takes to hit that traffic light just right so they didn't have to pause while walking. That take, the timing was perfect and the cab came out of nowhere and nearly hit them. Hoffman wanted to say "We're filming a movie here!", but he decided not to ruin the take.
Classic.
a very interesting detail - and as it's clearly true, then it could be possible that the box set take was, in fact, a shot of the (claimed) accidental incident, and then, if the sound quality or whatever was not up to scratch on that take, they might have got the taxi guy to redo it (as it is a good part of that scene) and it's that next version that's in the film - wnichever way, thanks for the info - martin.
It's called "gesto dell'ombrello" meaning literally "umbrella gesture". Though the common version of it requires the right hand closed in a fist, Rizzo's version is valid and popular all the same.
I hope my explanation makes sense.
well usually the signs warning of a film shoot also warn the general public that filming is going on and to avoid being near, because if they happen to end up on camera, that footage can be used in the film
great improv
When I heard this line in Apocalypto I just about lost it. It was so unexpected for a movie like that.... so kudos to Gibson.
"its not a bad way to pick up insurance." nice.