Midnight Cowboy, a 1969 American drama film, is celebrated for its gritty portrayal of two hustlers in New York City. Directed by John Schlesinger, the film stars Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight, and is based
on the novel by James Leo Herlihy. The production of Midnight Cowboy was a complex process, marked by casting challenges, location choices, and the involvement of notable figures from the art world.
Casting Challenges
The casting of Midnight Cowboy was not straightforward. Jon Voight, who played the naive Texan Joe Buck, was not the first choice for the role. Initially, Michael Sarrazin was cast, but he was let go due to financial disagreements with Universal, who had him under contract. Voight, a native New Yorker, was paid the Screen Actors Guild minimum wage, a concession he made to secure the part. Dustin Hoffman, who portrayed the ailing con man Rico Rizzo, was from Los Angeles, adding an interesting dynamic to the film's portrayal of New York's streets.
Harrison Ford auditioned for the role of Joe Buck, but ultimately did not get the part. The casting process reflects the film's commitment to authenticity and the challenges of aligning actors with the complex characters they were to portray.
Filming Locations and Artistic Influences
The film's opening scenes were shot in Big Spring, Texas, capturing the essence of Joe Buck's origins. In New York City, Joe stayed at the Hotel Claridge, a location that overlooked Times Square. This choice of location was significant, as it added to the film's gritty atmosphere. The building was demolished in 1972, but its presence in the film remains iconic.
Director John Schlesinger and producer Jerome Hellman sought to incorporate elements of the contemporary art scene into the film. Andy Warhol was approached to play the role of an underground filmmaker, but he passed it on to Viva, one of his superstars. The film set was decorated with original Warhol works, rented from the Museum of Modern Art, adding a layer of cultural significance to the production.
Iconic Moments and Ratings
One of the most memorable lines from the film, "I'm walkin' here!" spoken by Dustin Hoffman, was initially thought to be ad-libbed. However, producer Jerome Hellman clarified that it was part of the original script. The line has since become iconic, ranking 27th on the American Film Institute's list of 100 movie quotes.
Midnight Cowboy was initially rated X by the Motion Picture Association of America due to its content, making it the only X-rated film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. The rating was later changed to R for a reissue in 1971, reflecting changes in the MPAA's rating system.
