John Turturro says he worked with 'abusive' directors early in his career

John Turturro reflected on his early career in the 1980s, revealing that he worked with certain directors who were abusive. Known for his memorable character portrayals, Turturro noted that these directors made him feel more like a "punching bag" rather than a collaborator. He worked with established directors like William Friedkin, Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, and Michael Cimino on films such as "To Live and Die in L.A.," "Hannah and Her Sisters," "The Color of Money," and "The Sicilian."

However, Turturro remembered one particularly violent scene from "To Live and Die in L.A.," where he was thrown against a wall by a Secret Service agent. Turturro's father was a builder, so he knew that physical violence was not acceptable, even from a boss. Despite the challenging environment, Turturro learned the importance of asserting himself and speaking up.

His breakthrough came with the indie crime drama "Five Corners" in 1988, where he learned to give a full performance that made an impact. This experience also caught the attention of Spike Lee, leading to Turturro's collaboration on Lee's "Do the Right Thing." Over the years, Turturro has expressed his disinterest in films that are violent for the sake of violence, seeking projects that prioritize authenticity and artistic integrity.