Martin Scorsese is one of the giants of film directing. With twenty Academy Awards under his belt, there are few others who have left their imprint so firmly on American and global cinema.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the milestones in Martin Scorsese’s career as a director.
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, 1974
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore revolves around Alice Hyatt, a recently widowed woman who finds herself determined to forge a new path for herself and her young son, Tommy. With her dreams of becoming a singer reignited, she sets off from New Mexico to California, in a wayward adventure. As Alice navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and personal fulfillment, the film provides a heartfelt exploration of resilience and the pursuit of happiness.
The film beautifully captures the emotional depth of the character and her transformative journey. Burstyn’s portrayal is both vulnerable and fierce, as she brings Alice to life with authenticity and charisma. The supporting cast, including Kris Kristofferson as Alice’s love interest, Harvey Keitel as a charming suitor, and Jodie Foster as a young friend, adds layers of depth and complexity to the narrative.
Scorsese’s direction combines elements of drama and comedy, creating a compelling blend of heartwarming moments and gritty realism. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore remains a timeless classic and gave Scorsese his first Academy Award.
Casino, 1995
Casino is an intense and gripping crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 1995. Set in the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas during the 1970s and 1980s, the story follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein, brilliantly portrayed by Robert De Niro, as he becomes the manager of a casino empire.
Ace navigates the treacherous world of organized crime and corrupt politics and his life becomes intertwined with his volatile friend Nicky Santoro, played by Joe Pesci, and the alluring hustler Ginger McKenna, portrayed by Sharon Stone. Today users do not have to travel to Vegas and can enjoy online casinos in a safer environment. These experts look at safety and licensing of online casinos in Canada, though the list will change with each country.
Scorsese’s masterful direction immerses the audience in the dark underbelly of the casino industry of the 1970s and 1980s. With its themes of power, greed, and betrayal, Casino is exhilarating and thought-provoking.
Hugo, 2011
Huge is a magical and enchanting film released in 2011. It earned Scorsese five Academy Awards and made a splash in the media for its use of 3D technology and for being a family-friendly feature from a director known for his portrayals of crime.
Set in 1930s Paris, the story follows a young orphan named Hugo Cabret, portrayed by Asa Butterfield, who secretly lives within the walls of a train station. Fascinated by mechanical wonders and the art of filmmaking, Hugo embarks on a thrilling adventure to uncover the mysteries surrounding an automaton left behind by his late father.
Along the way, he befriends Isabelle, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz, and together they embark on a journey that leads them to the renowned filmmaker Georges Méliès, played by Ben Kingsley. Through stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, Hugo captures the essence of wonder and the power of imagination.
The Irishman, 2019
The Irishman was on the list of the top ten most watched movies on Netflix until this very month. The streaming platform Netflix has frequent new releases, so it is no surprise that this list rotates titles in and out frequently. This does not take away from the power of this great film.
The Irishman is a masterful crime drama released in 2019. The film tells the captivating story of Frank Sheeran, played by Robert De Niro, a World War II veteran turned hitman who becomes entangled with powerful figures in the organized crime world.
Spanning several decades, the narrative delves into Frank’s complex relationships with notorious mobster Russell Bufalino, portrayed by Joe Pesci, and union leader Jimmy Hoffa, played by Al Pacino. As the film unravels, it explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of a life lived in the shadows. You will definitely recognize Scorcese’s trademark style and a remarkable ensemble cast, including memorable performances by its veteran actors, The Irishman offers a rich and introspective examination of morality, regret, and the allure of the criminal underbelly.
