Auteur 04: Scorsese

A tragic figure finds redemption. If there's hope for him, there's hope for humanity. Scorsese made his most poetic film in stunning black and white with the intention of never making another film again. He put everything he had into it. As did De Niro. The results are so powerful, the viewer truly feels as if they are intruding in on these character's lives.

Disturbing character study. Scorsese's technical prowess is matched by a brilliant performance by De Niro, capturing self-induced loneliness perfectly. Paul Schrader wrote this classic script.

Best film of the 90s. Hugely influential and technically brilliant. Addictive to watch.

Truly disturbing and cringe worthy. De Niro hs never been better and Scorsese has never been so uncompromising. Absolutely brilliant and ahead of its time. A scathing attack on the mediocrity of TV.

Proof that Scorsese has range. Outstanding adaptation with fantastic casting. The form compliments content perfectly.

The epic film for the 90s. Complex and brilliantly made. Scorsese is working on all cylinders.

One of Scorsese's most accessible but no less brilliant films. Apparently, Marty's inspiration was the Greek myth about Icarus who flew too close to the sun - the fake wings melted and he plummeted down to Earth. Great analogy for Hughes. Like many ambitious geniuses, for anyone to reach such heights (literally) a price must be payed. Scorsese handles the epic and the intimate with equal measure. The film is perfectly balanced and astonishingly varied. It's a story that spans decades and Scorsese matches each era with a different cinematic style. It's all in the details. Like Kundun, I love the opening credit. There's something about the elegant simplicity of the image that somehow captures what's to come. Also, De Caprio delivers an outstanding performance which definitely deserves mention. Then of course, the always wonderful Blanchett gives us her Oscar-deserving take on Hepburn. All in all, a masterful film on every level.

An epic, remarkable story that dares to ask the question, "How did America come to be"? Scorsese's most ambitious, old-fashioned film is a mosiac of characters and historical moments. Flawed maybe, but still admirable.

A remarkable, yet flawed, masterwork. Scorsese's most personal and controversial film. Peter Gabriel's score is a serious bonus.

The film that put Scorsese and De Niro on the map. Not to mention Harvey Keitel. Brilliant, truthful, funny and tragic.

Scorsese's experimental art film is years ahead of its time. Compelling, enigmatic and visually stunning. (You also can't go wrong with Phillip Glass.) It doesn't preach buddhism, it helps you experience it.

Out of the three short films, Scorsese's Life Lessons is by far the best and clearest statement about the artist. In fact, it is 45 minutes of sheer perfection. The energy with which Scorsese captures the images is hypnotic - a highlight being where Nolte paints feverishly to Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone. Woody Allen's short is funny but light. There's a charming quality to it but you can't take it too seriously. Coppola's is dreadfully childish. Life Lessons deserves four stars but the other two bring the film down half a star.

Scorsese's feminist movie is a wonderful character study of a Mother and her son on the road. Burnstyn won the Oscar for her honest and soulful performance. You can clearly see the influence that Cassavetes has made on Scorsese. There isn't a false moment and the realism of the relationships is established early on.

One of Scorsese's most entertaining films. Sure, he's made better, but he's become not unlike the old pioneers of the past. Making genre films that are deceivingly simple and smuggling in substance amidst the action and suspense. Dynamite script and cast. (It was also great to see Marty finally get his Oscar.)

The greatest rock n' roll movie ever made. The Band's last concert is filled with incredible rock stars. Not just the end for a band, but the end of an era. Scorsese brilliantly captures the last few moments of the 70s.

Scorsese makes a four hour documentary on Bob Dylan. Can one ask for anything more? Being a Dylan fanatic, this film is pure heaven. Incredibly, we witness the famous "play it fucking loud" moment. Even more fascinating is watching Dylan and The Band hurry off stage and into the waiting car. We watch as they drive off and a new dawn rises. The man had just made rock history and he's sleeping uncomfortably in the backseat of a car. Ballad of a Thin Man is another highlight - the sheer passion Dylan shows while hammering on the piano keys is breathtaking. All in all, this is a top notch, thoroughly entertaining and emotionally profound documentary. I can't wait until they release something on Dylan's Rolling Thunder years in the 70s. They teased us with the Isis clip off the Bootleg CD.

The perfect film course with one of the most passionate film conniosseurs. A remarkably varied and idiosyncratic collection of film choices. Nearly 4 hours and it could have been twice as long. Marty is the man!

Scorsese's tribute to Italian cinema. 4 hours of clips from classic Italian movies. A perfect companion piece to the also excellent A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies.

Scorsese's tribute to the Hollywood musical. At times flawed but always compelling. De Niro and Minnelli are captivating.

One of Scorsese's most commercial films. Very stylish and entertaining. Clearly, not as good as The Hustler but still worth checking out.

A very odd black comedy. A one-of-a-kind ride through the dark and bohemian streets of New York.

Watching this legendary and passionate group on such a large screen is a remarkable experience. In the hands of Scorsese, the film technique is genius. Highlghts include Jack White's joyous guest appearance, Buddy Guy's electrifying stare, Keith sharing secrets with his guitar and Mick's intense and energetic performance. A shame the film wasn't in 3-D. Ultimately, it's a miracle this band remains better than most live acts today.

Extremely compelling character study of Steven Prince. A wonderful companion piece to Italianamerican (documentary on Scorsese's parents).

Expertly made and brilliantly acted. However, it's just a re-made thriller and I expect more from Scorsese. Still, the interplay between De Niro and Lewis is remarkable - the tension palpable. It's also wonderful to hear Herrmann's classic score brought back to life, lending this disturbing movie an old-fashioned feel. All in all, fine suspense with complicated character moments.

A tender and poignant portrait of Scorsese's parents. Their matter-of-fact approach is both hilarious and very insightful. Not only does this one hour documentary capture the thoughts and feelings of Italians immigrating to New York, but it's also a touching snapshot of Marty's endearing family history.

Scorsese's first fim is a fun, experimental student film. Very inlfuenced by Cassavetes. Definitely shows signs of what's to come.

A disappointing excessive mess. Visually over-the-top. Nic Cage and Patricia Arquette's relationship is the only highlight. For every fascinating scene, there's another which feels as if it's Scorsese doing Scorsese.

Scorsese's one and only piece of shit. Exploitation garbage.