If you’re a fan of classic Hollywood films – then you’ve definitely watched Midnight Cowboy and probably several times over. It’s one of the great drama films that depict a male friendship between two hustlers trying to make it in New York City. It remains one of the best films for both Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman.
▬Contents of this video▬ 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Its Legacy Lives On 01:27 - “I’m Walking Here!” 03:00 - We Almost Didn’t See Jon Voight! 04:02 - How Did Ratso Limp? 04:33 - John Schlesinger Comes Out 05:26 - It Took a British Director to Make an American Classic 05:56 - Would We See Midnight Cowboy Today? 06:30 - Outro
Midnight Cowboy was directed by John Schlesinger and it was written by Waldo Salt. The film was based on the novel by James Leo Herlihy and was a huge hit upon its release. It remains one of the greatest American films of all time.
But while there are so many fascinating stories and themes one can explore upon revisiting the film, there are many fascinating details about what happened behind the scenes. There are, in fact, many Midnight Cowboy behind-the-scenes details that deserve an X-rating!
For example, while we can’t imagine anyone but Dustin Hoffman playing Ratso – he was actually dissuaded by Mike Nichols from taking the role. He was only a couple years away from The Graduate so this role was a complete 360 from his most famous character.
And even Jon Voight wasn’t going to star as Joe Buck. He was actually hired only after the first actor was fired! One wonders and perhaps shudders at what would have happened to the film if Jon Voight didn’t get the role.
In fact, Jon Voight worked for a much lower salary than normal. And though he enjoyed the role, Dustin Hoffman had anxiety about whether the role would further his career or ruin it.
So, how did Midnight Cowboy become the success that it did? What are the fascinating details that we don’t know about that caused this unlikely film to resonate with audiences – even over 50 years later?
Midnight Cowboy Behind the Scenes Details That Deserve an X-Rating
By: Facts Verse Title: Midnight Cowboy Behind the Scenes Details That Deserve an X-Rating Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSRSJNi9LnY
