Marty is one of the greatest magicians in the cinematic world!
Grabbing movies from any decade since the 1970s American New Wave almost guarantees you some Martin Scorsese gems. Scorsese was part of the disruptors who reshaped filmmaking in the 1970s, discarding conventional wisdom and filming norms for a riskier yet more personal cinematic style. His films are vibrant and engaging, even when featuring mobsters and monsters. They reflect the passion of a genuine cinephile. So, if you're a cinema aficionado, chances are you've already checked off all the movies on our list today. Did we overlook anything? Let's explore together!
This movie is a profound exploration of our connection with God, or the creator, and the challenges posed by our physical existence to our understanding of Him. Scorsese skillfully addresses the priest's faith, brought to life by the brilliant performances of Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, and Liam Neeson. This deeply personal film, Scorsese's passion project, took over 25 years to develop, making it his third venture tied to faith after "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "Kundun." 'Silence' unequivocally affirms that Martin Scorsese stands as one of the true high priests of cinema.
Like many timeless classics, GoodFellas has become so deeply embedded in our culture that there's a risk of oversimplifying it as merely a collection of memorable quotes, stylish elements, and striking visuals. However, watching GoodFellas again reveals its absorbing and nuanced nature – portraying an aspiring mobster (Ray Liotta) as a distorted and corrupted embodiment of the American Dream. Stripping away The Godfather's sensational pleasures and laying the foundation (along with many cast members) for The Sopranos, GoodFellas doesn't forget that, fundamentally, these crooks relish their lifestyles. The movie remains devilishly entertaining and funny until it takes a dark turn. Scorsese openly admits to growing up around individuals like Henry Hill, admiring them despite knowing better. In GoodFellas, he navigates these conflicted feelings brilliantly. Even after all these years, we all remain torn about these incredibly charismatic rogues.
With a monochromatic palette, Scorsese explores the rise and fall of Jake La Motta, a middleweight boxer tormented by his own indulgence and pride. It stands as one of his most ambitious works, featuring Robert DeNiro in his Oscar-winning role, along with the notable performances of nominee Joe Pesci and the unfortunately snubbed Cathy Moriarty. The film offers a visceral commentary on violence, surprisingly delivered with what could be considered a softer touch.
Taxi Driver, like its main character, always feels so real. The way it paints New York as this hell waiting for rain to wash away the scum from the sidewalks is so vivid that ever since, people either see the city as the worst or the best place on earth, like they're either leaning into or pushing against Scorsese's take. DeNiro, who actually drove a taxi alone at night to prep for the role, plays Travis Bickle in a disturbed and anguished way that's just right there on the surface—almost too painful to look at. He's dangerous in a way that even he doesn't fully get. With Bickle, he and Scorsese give us this lonely, embittered, angry, messed-up young man you see everywhere, in every culture—these people are not quite formed, like ticking time bombs. And the ending, changing everything you thought about the movie, gives us a new messed-up world that feels more and more like what we see every day. Taxi Driver almost feels like too much filmmaking power for one person to handle.
Scorsese's take on Edith Wharton's novel is kind of underrated. It's like his dip into the romantic period genre. The film's got this stylish flair and a solid cast, with Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Oscar-nominee Winona Ryder holding it down. Also, it's one of his most visually sumptuous creations. They snagged a win for costume design by Gabriella Pescucci and got nods for adapted screenplay, production design, and Elmer Bernstein's original score—his second-to-last Academy Award nomination.
Wrapping things up with Scorsese's latest release, "Killers of the Flower Moon." Made at the age of 80, the film is not only electric, hypnotic, and consistently entertaining but also carries a deep sadness and heartfelt quality that seems to have matured with Scorsese at this stage in life. As an unexpected and incredibly powerful cameo takes you by surprise towards the end, you'll be genuinely moved! With the master director showing no signs of slowing down, even in his 80s, it's certainly good news for cinema!
