Liza Minnelli is causing a stir in Hollywood with revelations about her tumultuous relationship with director Martin Scorsese during the troubled production of their film “New York, New York.” In her new memoir, “Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!”, the 80-year-old icon details a passionate and drug-fueled romance with Scorsese, now 83, that has left the acclaimed filmmaker seething over her portrayal of him as a jealous and cocaine-addled lover.
The affair unfolded against the backdrop of the chaotic production of “New York, New York,” which was plagued by budget overruns and scheduling delays. At the time, Minnelli was married to producer Jack Haley Jr., while Scorsese was married to writer Julia Cameron. Sources close to Scorsese reveal that he is incensed by Minnelli’s depiction of their relationship, particularly the emphasis on jealousy and substance abuse.
In her memoir, Minnelli recounts how their bond deepened as they both spiraled into heavy cocaine use. She describes how they were inseparable, with drugs becoming a constant presence on set and in their personal lives. The memoir paints a picture of a passionate but destructive relationship fueled by substance abuse.
Scorsese is said to be “deeply unhappy” and “furious” with how he is portrayed in Minnelli’s book. According to a source, the director believes that the memoir reduces a complex period in his life to sensationalistic storytelling. The memoir also details a jealous confrontation between Scorsese and Minnelli over rumors of her relationship with dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov.
The memoir’s depiction of their relationship as “amour fou,” a term for a passionate and self-destructive romance, has sparked fresh debate about the infamous production of “New York, New York.” The book underscores the intense and volatile nature of their creative partnership, with insiders noting that the portrayal of Scorsese as consumed by jealousy and drugs has ruffled feathers in his camp.
Despite the tumultuous nature of their personal relationship, Minnelli and Scorsese continued to collaborate professionally after “New York, New York.” Minnelli asked Scorsese to direct her Broadway musical “The Act,” a decision that ultimately led to his dismissal from the production. Reflecting on that moment, Minnelli writes that the experience “damn near killed me and broke my heart.”
The making of “New York, New York” remains a challenging chapter in both Minnelli and Scorsese’s careers, with Minnelli’s memoir shedding new light on the emotional and creative turmoil that surrounded the film’s production.
