Martin Scorsese
American filmmaker and major figure of the New Hollywood era.
A major figure of the New Hollywood era, Martin Scorsese is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential directors in cinema history. His films, deeply shaped by his Italian-American upbringing in New York City, often explore crime, machismo, nihilism, and Catholic themes of guilt and redemption, frequently centering on macho-posturing men. His signature techniques—including slow motion, freeze frames, voice-over narration, graphic violence, and heavy profanity—first emerged in *Mean Streets* (1973). That film also began his long collaboration with Robert De Niro, whom he directed in nine more features, among them *Taxi Driver*, *Raging Bull*, *Goodfellas*, and *The Irishman*. Later, he achieved box-office success through six films with Leonardo DiCaprio, including *The Departed*, which won him the Academy Award for Best Director. His other notable works span *The Last Temptation of Christ*, *The Age of Innocence*, *Hugo*, and *Silence*. Beyond features, Scorsese has directed television episodes for HBO series and made documentaries on rock music and film history. An advocate for film preservation, he founded The Film Foundation in 1990. He has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, multiple BAFTAs, Emmys, a Grammy, and Golden Globes, plus honors such as the AFI Life Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center Honor. Five of his films have been inducted into the National Film Registry.
- field
- Filmmaker
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Directing films such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Departed
Lore & Background
Martin Scorsese was born in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York City, and grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan. Raised in a predominantly Catholic environment, Scorsese developed a passion for cinema as a boy after his parents and older brother took him to movie theaters due to his asthma. His early film influences included the works of Powell and Pressburger, as well as directors such as Jean Renoir, John Ford, and the Italian neorealists Roberto Rossellini and Vittorio De Sica. He also credited the French New Wave and filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Ingmar Bergman, and Federico Fellini as major influences. Scorsese earned a Master of Arts degree from New York University in 1968. His directorial debut, *Who's That Knocking at My Door*, was accepted into the Chicago Film Festival. His films are heavily shaped by his Italian-American heritage and New York upbringing, often focusing on macho male characters and exploring themes of crime, machismo, nihilism, and Catholic guilt and redemption. His signature techniques include extensive use of slow motion, freeze frames, voice-over narration, graphic violence, and profanity. He began a long collaboration with actor Robert De Niro on *Mean Streets* (1973), directing him in nine more films, including *Taxi Driver*, *Raging Bull*, and *Goodfellas*. Later, he achieved box office success through six collaborations with Leonardo DiCaprio, such as *The Departed*, which earned him the Academy Award for Best Director. He also directed documentaries on rock music and film history, and founded The Film Foundation in 1990 to advocate for film preservation.
Reader's Guide
Martin Scorsese's significance lies in his profound influence on American cinema, particularly as a central figure of the New Hollywood era. His films, often centered on macho-posturing men and exploring crime, machismo, nihilism, and Catholic concepts of guilt and redemption, reflect his Italian-American background and upbringing in New York City. Scorsese's technical innovations—including extensive use of slow motion, freeze frames, and voice-over narration—along with his graphic depictions of violence and profanity, have become hallmarks of his style. His long-term collaborations with actors Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio produced numerous critically and commercially successful films. Beyond directing, Scorsese has been an advocate for film preservation and restoration, founding The Film Foundation in 1990.
Did You Know?
- Scorsese's original family surname was Scozzese, meaning 'Scot' or 'Scottish' in Italian, and was changed to Scorsese because of a transcription error.
- Scorsese initially desired to become a priest and attended a preparatory seminary, but failed after the first year.
- He worked as a gaffer for Albert and David Maysles and as an editor for CBS News, but declined a full-time position to pursue film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which films is Martin Scorsese best known for?
His most recognized titles include Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Departed. These four movies are frequently cited as the core of his artistic legacy.
What era of filmmaking does Martin Scorsese belong to?
He is a defining name in the New Hollywood period. His work during that era helped reshape the landscape of American cinema.
Why do fans and critics rank Martin Scorsese so highly?
His body of work is frequently cited as some of the most powerful and influential in all of cinema. As a central voice of New Hollywood, he changed how filmmakers approach character and narrative.
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