Since the early 1960s,Steven Spielberghas helmed over 35 films, won over 150 awards, and is regarded as one of the best directors of all time. Many of the films he’s worked on, including 1975’sJaws, 1998’sSaving Private Ryan, and 2018’sReady Player One, have cemented his status as a timeless Hollywood icon. Suffice to say, if you have a role in one of Spielberg’s movies, and he says how you blew him away with your performance, taking the compliment in stride would be quite a difficult thing to do. Well, it seems as thoughChristopher Walkenwas in that exact situation over 20 years ago, and the then-59-year-old actor’s surprisingly nonchalant reaction was captured on film.
Immediately following a scene between Frank Abagnale Sr. and his son (played by Walken and Leonardo DiCaprio, respectively) in the early 2000s filmCatch Me If you may, Spielberg and Walken have a quick one-on-one. The director seemed to be awestruck by Walken’s quick-thinking — and impassioned — dedication to the character. “Brilliant, what you did was brilliant,” Spielberg went on. “Unbelievable. Seriously, Chris. That was an amazing choice.”
Of course, theDeer Hunterstar had to appreciate the sentiment, but was also distracted by something off-camera, as well as wiping his nose from the impromptu crying he had done moments ago. This isn’t meant to question Christopher Walken’s professionalism, but the contrast in attitudes highlights Spielberg’s surprising and candid reaction. Even though this behind-the-scenes clip has beenuploaded to YouTubein various formats (video format, reel format, etc.), the special edition 2-disc DVD, released on July 11, 2025, was the first official source to feature the memorable interaction.
The ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Scene in Question
As much as Spielberg going head-over-heels for Walken is a sight to see, there issomething special about that particular sceneinCatch Me If You Canas well. DiCaprio’s Frank Abagnale Jr. is having lunch with his father in a “fancy restaurant.” Some of the high-class dining hall’s customs go over Abagnale’s head. The viewer can instantly see that while this unfamiliar setting is not any danger to the father, there is certainly an impostor syndrome enveloping him (another innate ability of Walken — show, don’t tell).
These displays of extravagance begin to overwhelm him when DiCaprio’s character gifts him a 1965 Cadillac Deville Convertible. Just a moment later (and as a defense mechanism), Frank’s fatherrecounts a quote said earlier in the filmabout mice falling into a bucket and the fact that he is the mouse who lived (regarding his fight to be something in this world).
Frank Jr.’s mother is brought up, and Frank Sr. once again talks about the past — how out of 200 men in Montrichard, France, he was the one who took her home.This is when Walken instinctively decided to add tears to his scene and show a glimpse of the character’s broken facade. The world he felt most comfortable in is now gone. With everything falling apart around him (having to close the store, his wife leaving, the IRS hunting him down), the memories of a happier time are all that remain.
But having the experience and the know-how of acting that he does,Walken pounces on the one scene— more specifically, the one moment — and that is, the beginning of the end for the character. As much as the movie is about Frank Jr, his father (through Walken) makes a stand here. He quickly moves on from the teary moment, shifts gears, and asks his son where he is flying to next.
Christopher Walken Wanted More
A replacement for his ailing life is right there in front of him. Frank Sr. isn’t afraid of filling himself with the fantastical life that his son has built, even though parts of it may not be truthful. With 36 years of acting experience at this point,Walken expertly navigates the scene, conveying both the highs and lows of his character with ease. Spielberg noticed this as well. As made clear by even more ofthe BTS featurette, Walken suggested that they do more versions of the restaurant scene (Spielberg does say there were at least eight takes). Each take was done in a different style, showcasing a distinct side of Abagnale Sr.
The last clip shows that Walken wanted to do a take where he and DiCaprio’s character talk over each other in an almost frenzied and tense state. But the downtrodden style won over Spielberg. This emotionally driven improvisation not only dazzled the director but also caught the attention of some prestigious award ceremonies. Walken won Best Supporting Actor at the BAFTA, the National Society of Film Critics, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. He was also nominated for the role of Frank Abagnale Sr. at that year’s Academy Awards. Suffice to say, he might have only had a short part, but still managed to make a worthwhile impact in this crime-drama film.Catch Me If You Canis currently available to stream onMGM+.
Catch Me If You Can
