The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) Elevator Scene

After his mistress runs over a young teen, a Wall Street hotshot sees his life unravel in the spotlight and attracts the interest of a down-and-out reporter.

Trivia

The 330-second Steadicam shot of Peter Fallow arriving at the Palm Court of the Winter Garden was a tour de force for operator Larry McConkey. He had to track backwards, get on a golf cart, ride it for 380 feet, get off of it, track backwards 234 feet, get into the elevator, get out, and track for another 250 feet.

Steadicam operator Larry McConkey coordinated the complex, nearly 5-minute opening tracking sequence that included a cramped ride in a service elevator. It was the first of McConkey's collaborations with Brian De Palma.

Brian De Palma: In the opening tracking shot, dressed as a security guard, when Bruce Willis gets in the elevator. It was physically impossible for the camera crew and De Palma to stay off camera in that shot, so De Palma chose to do a cameo. To be unrecognizable, he shaved off his trademark beard.