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Known as "The Greatest Living Filmmaker", Martin Scorsese is a living legend amongst everyday audiences and a god to filmmakers. His work has spanned over 50 years, winning countless awards and accolades. His films rank as some of the most diverse and yet distinguishable films ever made.
His directorial debut came in the form of the black and white drama, I Call First (1967). The film was later renamed Who's That Knocking At My Door (1967). Harvey Keitel and Thelma Schoonmaker both famed long time collaborators of Scorsese were also a part of this picture.
The screenplay, written by both Scorsese and Betzi Manoogian, clearly reflected Scorcese's Catholic background and the well-known fact that he once tried to enrol in a Seminary. The film demonstrates a serious amount of passion in its feel, however, earnest the attempt. As with most work, there are certain flaws structurally and in its story, but the film nonetheless announces Scorcese as one to watch.
Fast forward to 1973, it was the peak of chic, as disco, hip hop and punk music challenged social norms like never before. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road had then just established itself as one of the hits of the season, while lovestruck couples made love to Marvin Gaye's, Let's Get It on.
The atmosphere in New York was electric as cinema's all around the city hung the posters of the latest films out that year. Films like The Exorcist (1973), Live And Let Die (1973) and The Sting (1973) starring legendary actors, Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
All these films and the only one on Scorcese's mind, Mean Streets (1973). In what would prove to be one of the greatest actor-director partnerships, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro bring to life a film that would go on to be the start of the many crime/drama epics that Scorcese would become known for. Set in Little Italy, a place very near and dear to Scorsese's childhood, it becomes evident that he is a filmmaker that uses his roots to insert a level of authenticity in his films.
This next film, became known as one of the greatest films of all time and certainly a seminal masterpiece by Martin Scorsese. Once again teaming up with Robert De Niro, fresh off the success of Godfather Part II (1974), where he had already made a name for himself as a young, exciting actor. The film of course, is the legendary cult classic, Taxi Driver (1976).
A true canvas of beauty, its no surprise that the film went on to great success on the European circuit as much as it did on the US film circuit. Amongst the films multiple awards, was the Palme d'Or which was the highest prized award that one could receive at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Written by Paul Schrader, the character of Travis Bickle (De Niro) was immortalised as one of the greatest characters ever committed to film. Even now, 45 years later the film still garners huge praise from younger audiences that have been exposed to it. My only wish is that this film be re-released into cinema along with some other classic films for a newer audience to truly experience and appreciate its beauty.
The 1980s happened. New York was a vandalised, abused and abused the years prior. Buildings, walls and subways all stood, their shine covered beneath the paint and muck. Even with it's gentrification, the city still remained dull, dreary and life wasn't in colour. It was really a more monochrome existence for the city.
In came Raging Bull (1980). A black and white boxing film that showed the anger and frustration that people in that time had. The struggles and toxic social norms that led to such destruction and pain. The film beautifully, yet painfully depicts the deep and painful life of Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxing champion with more than his fair share of anger issues and paranoia to boot. A painful existence in a dark time. What a combo. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci both bring a level on intensity on screen that we just don't see in modern films today. The former (De Niro) bringing home a Best Actor Academy Award for his riveting and engrossing performance in the lead role. Long time collaborator and editor Thelma Schoonmaker also took home a Best Editor Academy Award for the sensational work she did in this film.
"Great Editing is when you can see it, but also when you can't" - Martin Scorsese.
Other great films of note that Martin Scorsese put his indelible mark on were; The King of Comedy (1982) another collaboration with De Niro where he plays a man who imagines himself as a successful stand-up comedian but in reality, hosts his "shows" in his mother's basement with next to no people coming to see it. The next one is The Color of Money (1986) based off The Hustler (1961) a cast led by legendary actor Paul Newman and young upstart, Tom Cruise in a film about pool hustling? Add Scorsese on the picture and you've got yourself a home run. Another notable film that strongly showcases Scorsese's ties to his faith and upbringing is The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) starring Willem Dafoe as Jesus. Enough said. *runs to go watch it.
Now onto the film that truly defined a genre. The film that is biographical in nature, but cinematic in execution. A true masterpiece of a film. One of the greatest movie quotes of all time came from this film.
The film is of course, Goodfellas (1990) in what can only be described as one of the quintessential gangster films of all time, Scorsese transports his audience into a world of larger than life characters that ACTUALLY existed. The beauty is in the authenticity of its surroundings and the person telling this tale. A gangster film for the ages and a true Scorsese classic. It is a fair assumption to note that a large number of Scorcese's best films are when he and Robert De Niro join forces. However, add Joe Pesci to that mix and you've got yourself a dynamite film that is explosive and intense no matter the genre. As you would definitely have seen in the above clip, Pesci plays an intimidating gangster that runs things in this film. He's loud, confident and is clearly the most intimidating of the lot, despite his stature, Bringing home a Best Supporting Actor for his troubles, Joe Pesci is not only a great actor but he directly refutes the stereotype that the tallest is the most powerful in the room. Which is a common trope when tackling this particular genre.
Ray Liotta and Robert De Niro both put in excellent performances in this film and the sensational score as well as the music choices by Scorcese truly make this film less of a biography and more of a film to be enjoyed. The below clip is tied with the above for my favorite in the whole film, and believe me when I say there are tons to choose from.
Robert De Niro as Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas (1990)
If I were to write about every Scorcese film ever made, i'd have to write 500 page novel. And that'd only cover part 1 of a 3 part series. The films that I've taken the time to introduce or delve into, just so happen to be my favorites of the lot. There are others however, that'd id just like to mention.
First Row: Cape Fear (1991), The Age of Innocence (2002), Casino (1995).
Second Row: Gangs of New York (2002), The Aviator (2004), The Departed (2006).
Third Row: Shutter Island (2010), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Silence (2016).
His latest film, a 3 1/2 long film about the death of Jimmy Hoffa a popular American politician who was second only to the President in popularity. The film is told from the perspective of hitman Frank Sheeran aka The Irishman. Robert De Niro and Al Pacino reunite on screen to once again deliver mesmerising and engrossing performances in their respective roles. The return of Joe Pesci who left retirement to do this film and plays a much more subdued character this time. A long, but fulfilling watch as the film is based off a book "I Heard You Paint Houses" and brings to light a well- known story from a different point of view we would never otherwise have gotten.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading! As you can tell I'm clearly madly in love with film and the artists behind the work. There will be many more articles just like this one on my favorite directors and actors alike. As well as other topics on film like "Digital or Film?" . Well. we'll save that for another time. Hope you enjoyed reading, and thanks once again for all the support!
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