Best Martin Scorsese Films & Movies, Ranked
“There’s no such thing as simple. Simple is hard.” – Martin Scorsese
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Legend. Master. The OG of modern-day cinema in its infinite glory. Director, writer and producer Martin Scorsese is undoubtedly one of the most influential and greatest filmmakers of all time. His visceral focus and acute devotion to moviemaking have inspired generations of artists not only in directing and screenwriting but also with aspiring actors, artisans and anyone in love with the medium.
To celebrate Scorsese’s visionary touch on cinema, Variety ranks all 26 of the narrative feature films of his career so far.
I was first hypnotized by Scorsese with his remake of the 1962 film “Cape Fear” (1991), which starred the Oscar-nominated Robert DeNiro and a young Juliette Lewis, whom I had known from the cult classic “My Stepmother is an Alien” (1988). The visceral nature of how the film is framed, cutting back and forth between DeNiro’s loud and boisterous monologues, terrified me. That Oscar ceremony marked the first I watched from beginning to end, which saw the likes of “The Silence of the Lambs” win the “Big Five” including best picture. But, more importantly, it showed the Academy’s appetite for suspense and tension, something Scorsese has excelled at.
From his endless list of accolades in the U.S. and internationally, he’s amassed an impressive roster, including nine Oscar noms for best director, the most of any living, and second to William Wyler’s 12 overall. They include “Raging Bull” (1980), “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988), “Goodfellas” (1990), “Gangs of New York” (2002), “The Aviator” (2004), “The Departed” (2006), “Hugo” (2011), “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) and “The Irishman” (2019). His sole statuette is for the 2006 remake of “Infernal Affairs,” which also won best picture, adapted screenplay (William Monahan) and editing (Thelma Schoonmaker).
His entire filmography has grossed more than $2.1 billion worldwide. On the domestic side, his total films have him in the top 50 of the highest-grossing directors in history. Born in New York City to Italian parents, he’s known for his undying love for movies, and it’s been reciprocated ten times over. After attending Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, Scorsese initially set out to become a priest and attended a preparatory seminary but dropped out after the first year. He later enrolled in New York University, earning a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in education.
After making several short films in the 1960s, he made his directorial debut “Who’s That Knocking at My Door” (1967), originally titled “I Call First,” starring his fellow Tisch School actor Harvey Keitel and longtime editor Schoonmaker. From there, he was off to the races, working with countless actors, many of whom have been embraced by the Academy Awards. Some of those include winners Ellen Burstyn for “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974), Robert DeNiro for “Raging Bull,” Paul Newman for “The Color of Money” (1986), Joe Pesci for “Goodfellas” and Cate Blanchett for “The Aviator.”
Next up for Scorsese will be his adaptation of the David Grann book “Killers of the Flower Moon” (now added to the list below) which reunites him with his frequent muses and Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro, alongside Jesse Plemons and Lily Gladstone. It had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and is scheduled to be released in select theaters on Oct. 6 before going wide on Oct 20 by Paramount Pictures. It will also stream on Apple TV+ following its theatrical run.
Read Variety’s list below, along with the best scene from each of his films.
“Death comes in a flash, and that’s the truth of it, the person’s gone in less than 24 frames of film.”
26. Boxcar Bertha (1972)
Starring: Barbara Hershey, David Carradine, Barry Primus, Bernie Casey, John Carradine
Written by: Joyce H. Corrington, John William Corrington (based on “Sister of the Road” by Ben L. Reitman)
Produced by: Roger Corman
Studio: American International Pictures
Synopsis: During the Great Depression, a union leader and a young woman become criminals to exact revenge on the management of a railroad.
The scene that proves it: “Von’s vengeance.”
Scorsese’s sophomore effort, and likely the least seen, this Barbara Hershey starring vehicle has some good points to make about a Depression-era criminal following in the footsteps of her father. But it merely serves as an example of a revered director getting comfortable in his own cinematic skin and hinting at what he will achieve in his future. It just lacks that quintessential Scorsese “pizzazz” that we’ve grown to adore.
25. The Color of Money (1986)
Starring: Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Helen Shaver
Written by: Richard Price (based on “The Color of Money” by Walter Tevis)
Produced by: Irving Axelrad, Barbara DeFina
Studio: Buena Vista
Synopsis: Fast Eddie Felson teaches a cocky but immensely talented protégé the ropes of pool hustling, which in turn inspires him to make an unlikely comeback.
The scene that proves it: “It’s like a nightmare, isn’t it?”
One year after the Academy gave Paul Newman an Honorary Oscar after he lost multiple times for acting, Scorsese got his hands on the classic actor for the sequel to “The Hustler.” Newman won his overdue best actor trophy for his efforts. While not living up to its predecessor, a superb Tom Cruise makes this somewhat forgettable flick a bit more memorable.
24. Who’s That Knocking at My Door? (1967)
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Zina Bethune
Written by: Martin Scorsese
Produced by: Joseph Weill, Betzi Manoogian, Haig Manoogian
Studio: Joseph Brenner Associates
Synopsis: A young man can’t accept the girl he likes because of her bitter past.
The scene that proves it: “I won’t marry you.”
With a constantly naked Harvey Keitel (one of many), Scorsese’s debut feature explores a relationship that doesn’t fit into what viewers want to see today. It also doesn’t “feel” like him, or the idea that we’ve grown to know of his filmmaking sensibilities. But the promise of what to come is so visible. You know with a few more swings at the bat, he’ll make his masterpiece. He eventually does, many times over according to his most ardent fans (that’s me!)
However, it’s never boring, even brave at times, and finds an accomplished director in his early days, wanting to come into his own.
23. Hugo (2011)
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield, Chlo? Grace Moretz, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer, Jude Law, Helen McCrory, Michael Stuhlbarg, Christopher Lee
Written by: John Logan (based on “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick)
Produced by: Graham King, Timothy Headington, Martin Scorsese, Johnny Depp
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Synopsis: In 1931 Paris, an orphan living in the walls of a train station gets wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
The scene that proves it: “Started out as a magician…”
There’s so much technical beauty in “Hugo” that even if you are “so-so” on the story as I am, you’ll sit down for the ride on the Scorsese train through the history of moviemaking. Harnessing a surprisingly incredible Sacha Baron Cohen, and the beautiful Helen McCrory, Scorsese’s ode to the cinema almost won him his second Oscar against Michel Hazanavicius for “The Artist.” Despite that, it was the biggest winner of the night, netting five statuettes for cinematography, production design, sound mixing, sound editing and visual effects.
22. The Aviator (2004)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Jude Law
Written by: John Logan (based on “Howard Hughes: The Secret Life” by Charles Higham)
Produced by: Michael Mann, Sandy Climan, Graham King, Charles Evans Jr.
Studio: Miramax Films
Synopsis: A biopic depicting the early years of legendary director and aviator Howard Hughes’ career from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s.
The scene that proves it: “The way of the future.”
The reverse of how “Gangs of New York” grew in estimation, the look at Howard Hughes’ life has diminished in the years since. Although its production values are unspeakably gorgeous, and its strong performance from the Oscar-winning Cate Blanchett is indeed memorable, the John Logan script makes it feel a bit cold, and perhaps the performance was a bit too “big” for DiCaprio at this time in his career.
I fully understand I’m in the minority on this one.
21. New York, New York (1977)
Starring: Liza Minnelli, Robert DeNiro, Lionel Stander, Barry Primus, Mary Kay Place,
Written by: Mardik Martin, Earl Mac Rauch
Produced by: Robert Chartoff, Irwin Winkler
Studio: United Artists
Synopsis: An ordinary word processor has the worst night of his life after he agrees to visit a girl in Soho he met that evening at a coffee shop.
The scene that proves it: “Escaping the hotel.”
Often regarded as his “worst,” mostly due to its “rotten” status on RT, you can never deny the fact that Martin Scorsese has a way with a camera, and I’d rather see someone like him take a big swing and miss, rather than something safe and predictable. This pioneering blend of music and Scorsese’s signature styles, held up by Liza Minnelli’s go-for-broke portrayal, wins me over by the end.
20. Mean Streets (1973)
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Robert DeNiro, David Proval, Amy Robinson, Richard Romanus, Cesare Danova
Written by: Martin Scorsese, Mardik Martin
Produced by: Jonathan T. Taplin
Studio: Warner Bros.
Synopsis: A small-time hood tries to keep the peace between his friend Johnny and Johnny’s creditors.
The scene that proves it: “Pool Hall fight.”
Marking Scorsese’s third directorial effort, this powerful tale about friendship and loyalty showcases a magnanimous Harvey Keitel. Often cited by the likes of Spike Lee, it’s a clear through-line to contemporary crime stories.
19. After Hours (1985)
Starring: Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Verna Bloom, Thomas Chong, Linda Fiorentino, Teri Garr, John Heard, Richard Cheech Marin, Catherine O’Hara
Written by: Joseph Minion, Joe Frank
Produced by: Amy Robinson, Griffin Dunne, Robert F. Colesberry
Studio: Warner Bros.
Synopsis: An ordinary word processor has the worst night of his life after he agrees to visit a girl in Soho he met that evening at a coffee shop.
The scene that proves it: “Phone call.”
The black comedy starring and produced by Griffin Dunne has become a cult classic. Michael Ballhaus’ cinematography is slick in its framework, showing the filmmaker’s voice and vision exploring the shadowy demi-monde of downtown Manhattan. This film also marks his first (and still only) best director win from the Cannes Film Festival.
18. The Irishman (2019)
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Anna Paquin, Ray Romano, Stephen Graham, Bobby Cannavale
Written by: Steven Zaillian (based on “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt)
Produced by: Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Irwin Winkler, Gerald Chamales, Gastón Pavlovich, Randall Emmett, Gabriele Israilovici
Studio: Netflix
Synopsis: Hitman Frank Sheeran looks back at the secrets he kept as a loyal member of the Bufalino crime family.
The scene that proves it: “I get the feeling she don’t like me.”
Scorsese’s monster epic that de-aged his older actors and paired him with the likes of streaming giant Netflix is a fun, even poignant piece. While admittedly bloated, it features Joe Pesci’s career-best work (yes, even better than “Goodfellas”) and reminded cinephiles how great Al Pacino can be in the right role. As the story, crafted by Steven Zaillian, looks at the vast life of the man that may or may not have killed Jimmy Hoffa, it becomes a prime example of something that would have been a better television limited series.
17. Casino (1995)
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods, Don Rickles, Alan King, Kevin Pollak
Written by: Nicholas Pileggi, Martin Scorsese (based on “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas” by Nicholas Pileggi
Produced by: Barbara De Fina
Studio: Universal Pictures
Synopsis: A tale of greed, deception, money, power, and murder occurs between two best friends: a mafia enforcer and a casino executive compete against each other over a gambling empire, and over a fast-living and fast-loving socialite.
The scene that proves it: “Ginger’s mission in life was money.”
After being labeled only as a “sex symbol,” Sharon Stone earned raves under Scorsese’s direction. Giving all the humor that’s equally matched by tension, the crafts and commanding direction run the gamut with a sharp, dedicated focus.
16. Kundun (1997)
Starring: Tenzin Thuthob, Gyurme Tehtong, Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin, Tenzin Yeshi Paichang, Tencho Gyalpo, Tenzin Topjar, Tsewang Migyur Khangsar, Tenzin Lodoe
Written by: Melissa Mathison
Produced by: Barbara De Fina
Studio: Buena Vista
Synopsis: From childhood to adulthood, Tibet’s fourteenth Dalai Lama deals with Chinese oppression and other problems.
The scene that proves it: “The Chinese have invaded.”
Scorsese’s look at a young Dalai Lama is a visual spectacle, with beautiful lighting and cinematography by the master Roger Deakins, and incredible music by Philip Glass. In many ways, it’s his smallest endeavor (with a “modest” $28 million budget), and likely one of his least revisited by general moviegoers. However, it offers a rich and vast commentary on coming of age as a leader, and what it means to actually “lead.”
15. Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, John Goodman, Ving Rhames, Tom Sizemore, Marc Anthony, Cliff Curtis, Nestor Serrano
Written by: Paul Schrader (based on “Bringing Out the Dead” by Joe Connelly)
Produced by: Barbara de Fina, Scott Rudin
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Synopsis: Haunted by the patients he failed to save, a monumentally burned-out Manhattan ambulance paramedic fights to maintain his sanity over three increasingly turbulent nights.
The scene that proves it: “The city’s burning.”
If it had been released five years earlier, or even later, I believe this would have become an instant classic and probably Marty’s Oscar moment. The compelling drama that pairs Marty with Oscar winner Nicolas Cage finds its voice in the anxiety that it unleashes on the viewer for 122 minutes. A smart script from Melissa Mathison makes this brutal cousin of “Taxi Driver” feel original and new again.
14. Shutter Island (2010)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, Max Von Sydow
Written by: Laeta Kalogridis (based on “Shutter Island” by Dennis Lehane)
Produced by: Mike Medavoy, Arnold W. Messer, Bradley J. Fischer, Martin Scorsese
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Synopsis: In 1954, a U.S. Marshal investigates the disappearance of a murderer who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane.
The scene that proves it: “Baby, why are you all wet?”
A February release may suggest this was a “throwaway” movie from Scorsese, but it’s a riveting thriller, often taking many cues and signals from Alfred Hitchcock (which he’s done many times over the years). Boasting a terrific Leonardo DiCaprio, and a brief, terrifyingly complex turn from Michelle Williams, the thriller excels in its production design, cinematography and palpable sound. Unfortunately, it was completely shut out at the Oscars.
13. Cape Fear (1991)
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis, Joe Don Baker, Robert Mitchum, Gregory Peck, Illeana Douglas
Written by: Wesley Strick (based on “Cape Fear” by James R. Webb and “The Executioners” by John D. MacDonald)
Produced by: Barbara De Fina
Studio: Universal Pictures
Synopsis: A convicted rapist, released from prison after serving a fourteen-year sentence, stalks the family of the lawyer who originally defended him.
The scene that proves it: “Come out, come out, where you are?”
You always remember your first, and this was my introduction to Martin Scorsese. Having never seen the original 1952 feature, DeNiro’s scathing villain shook me to my core. The director plays with light, time and the loss of innocence, as conveyed lusciously through the nominated performance of Juliette Lewis.
12. Gangs of New York (2002)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, Henry Thomas, Brendan Gleeson
Written by: Jay Cocks, Steven Zaillian, Kenneth Lonergan (based on “The Gangs of New York” by Herbert Asbury)
Produced by: Alberto Grimaldi, Harvey Weinstein
Studio: Miramax Films
Synopsis: In 1862, Amsterdam Vallon returns to the Five Points area of New York City seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher, his father’s killer.
The scene that proves it: “Fear.”
It may be messy, but it’s my mess. Nominated for 10 Oscars, it’s one of Scorsese’s films that grew in my estimation after my initial viewing. Showcasing a brutish Daniel Day-Lewis in Bill the Butcher, the veteran filmmaker navigates revenge, period design and the evolution of toxic masculinity with stunning resolve.
11. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert DeNiro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow, Tantoo Cardinal
Written by: Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese (based on “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann)
Produced by: Dan Friedkin, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Martin Scorsese, Bradley Thomas
Studio: Apple Original Films
Synopsis: Members of the Osage tribe in the United States were murdered under mysterious circumstances in the 1920s, sparking a major F.B.I. investigation involving J. Edgar Hoover.
The scene that proves it: “Insulin.”
One of Scorsese’s finest qualities as a filmmaker is allowing the silence to tell his stories, even if it’s uncomfortable or pads the running time. With “Killers of the Flower Moon,” he demands the viewer to witness the carnage of a tribal community through greed and thirst for power, shepherded by the masterful performance of Lily Gladstone and the villainous and maniacal antics of veterans and frequent collaborators Leonardo DiCaprio (also one of his best) and Robert DeNiro.
Some may feel the film asks a lot of its audience. However, don’t we owe the original inhibitors of America, at minimum, the time to learn about the atrocities committed against them?
10. The King of Comedy (1982)
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Jerry Lewis, Sandra Bernhard
Written by: Paul D. Zimmerman
Produced by: Arnon Milchan
Studio: 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios)
Synopsis: Rupert Pupkin is a passionate yet unsuccessful comic who craves nothing more than to be in the spotlight and to achieve this, he stalks and kidnaps his idol to take the spotlight for himself.
The scene that proves it: “I was born in Clifton, New Jersey…”
This Robert DeNiro-Jerry Lewis sensation, which was misunderstood at the time, was no laughing matter. People have found the tone puzzling, but the social satire it attempts to explore shows the world’s twisted adoration for the “celebrity” and doesn’t evoke a lot of hope by the end credits. A BAFTA winner for original screenplay, it’s found its audience decades later.
9. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jon Favreau, Jean Dujardin, Aya Cash
Written by: Terence Winter (based on “The Wolf of Wall Street” by Jordan Belfort)
Produced by: Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Riza Aziz, Joey McFarland, Emma Tillinger Koskoff
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Synopsis: Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.
The scene that proves it: “Quaaludes”
It’s the ride of the century as Scorsese brings the viewer down the cubicles of Wall Street and one of its central villainous figures Jordan Belfort, displayed magnificently by Leonardo DiCaprio. A character study about a downfall with no redeeming factors could be tricky, but with Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie on for the ride, in addition to Terrence Winter’s script, he achieves his mission.
8. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Harry Dean Stanton, David Bowie
Written by: Paul Schrader (based on “The Last Temptation of Christ” by Nikos Kazantzakis)
Produced by: Barbara De Fina
Studio: Universal Pictures
Synopsis: The life of Jesus Christ, his journey through life as he faces the struggles all humans do, and his final temptation on the cross.
The scene that proves it: “Tempted by Satan”
We’ve seen glimpses of Scorsese’s internal struggles with his faith in his work over the years, showcasing the torment of what could have been. He explores that with vivid Willem Dafoe as Jesus as Nazareth in this beautiful drama that landed him a nom for best director, the sole mention for the film. He’s one of few directors with that distinction, alongside the likes of David Lynch for “Mulholland Drive” (2001).
7. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Alfred Lutter, Kris Kristofferson, Billy “Green” Bush, Diane Ladd, Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel
Written by: Robert Getchell
Produced by: Audrey Maas, David Susskind
Studio: Warner Bros.
Synopsis: A recently widowed woman is on the road with her precocious young son, determined to make a new life for herself as a singer.
The scene that proves it: “Write it all out, all your problems…”
Ellen Burstyn won the Academy Award for best actress for her portrayal of a widow who tries to rebuild her life. There are not many Scorsese films that explore womanhood, but when he does, he finds the core meaning of redemption and self-assurance through Burstyn’s fearless turn. The film also marked his first in-competition film at the Cannes Film Festival, but it lost the Palme d’Or to “Chronicle of the Years of Fire.”
6. Taxi Driver (1976)
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Leonard Harris, Peter Boyle, Cybill Shepherd
Written by: Paul Schrader
Produced by: Michael Phillips, Julia Phillips
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Synopsis: A mentally unstable veteran works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action.
The scene that proves it: “You talkin’ to me?”
Dropped into what many consider one of the top strongest Oscar lineups in history, Scorsese’s bold introduction of Travis Bickle (played by Oscar nominee Robert DeNiro) in 1976 was quite extraordinary. The filmmaker has always been keen on exploring the depths of the human soul, even when it’s ugly, and the themes remain relevant today. It also marks the Academy’s introduction to young Jodie Foster, still one of the youngest nominees for best supporting actress. “Taxi Driver” was Scorsese’s first (and still only) Palme d’Or winner.
5. The Age of Innocence (1993)
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder, Miriam Margolyes, Geraldine Chaplin, Michael Gough, Richard E. Grant, Mary Beth Hurt, Robert Sean Leonard, Norman Lloyd, Sian Phillips
Written by: Jay Cocks, Martin Scorsese (based on “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton)
Produced by: Barbara De Fina
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Synopsis: A tale of nineteenth-century New York high society in which a young lawyer falls in love with a woman separated from her husband, while he is engaged to the woman’s cousin.
The scene that proves it: “Everybody knows.”
In many ways, the adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel is one of Scorsese’s underrated endeavors as it marks his walk into the romantic period genre. Stylistically, the film soars, featuring delightful turns from its core cast members – Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Oscar-nominee Winona Ryder. It’s also one of his most visually sumptuous films. A winner for costume design (Gabriella Pescucci), it also picked up mentions for adapted screenplay, production design and original score for Elmer Bernstein, his penultimate nom from the Academy.
4. The Departed (2006)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Alec Baldwin, Anthony Anderson
Written by: William Monahan (based on “Infernal Affairs” by Alan Mak and Felix Chong)
Produced by: Brad Pitt, Brad Grey, Gianni Nunnari, Graham King
Studio: Warner Bros.
Synopsis: An undercover cop and a mole in the police attempt to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang in South Boston.
The scene that proves it: “I am killing you.”
Marty’s only best picture winner was the crime thriller that won him his overdue Oscar for best director. “The Departed” is a taut thriller, orchestrated brilliantly by William Monaghan’s banger script, against the backdrop of Schoonmaker’s crisp editing (for which the two won also won statuettes). The way Scorsese directs his actors, particularly Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg, showcases his way of keeping his vision right on the edge of insanity, which is often a thrill ride to witness. It also has our beloved Jack Nicholson having a killer good time.
3. Goodfellas (1990)
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Frank Sivero, Tony Darrow, Mike Starr, Frank Vincent, Chuck Low
Written by: Nicholas Pileggi (based on “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi)
Produced by: Irwin Winkler
Studio: Warner Bros.
Synopsis: The story of Henry Hill and his life in the mob, covering his relationship with his wife Karen Hill and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito in the Italian-American crime syndicate.
The scene that proves it: “You insulted him a little bit.”
The internet favorite certainly, Scorsese’s crime opera lost out to “Dances with Wolves” at the Oscars but netted Joe Pesci his Academy Award for best supporting actor (and the shortest acceptance on record). With assurance and true sincerity, Scorsese mines the themes of family, loyalty and deception in Nicholas Pileggi’s pulse-pounding story. A stylish gangster drama that moves at a masterful pace, almost in the style of a stage musical — Scorsese has never strutted down “Cinema Ave” with more swagger.
2. Raging Bull (1980)
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty, Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana, Frank Vincent
Written by: Paul Schrader, Mardik Martin (based on “Raging Bull: My Story” by Jake LaMotta, Joseph Carter, Peter Savage)
Produced by: Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff
Studio: United Artists
Synopsis: The life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it.
The scene that proves it: “You never got me down.”
Using a monochromatic palette, Scorsese looks at the rise and fall of Jake La Motta, a middleweight boxer who’s tormented by his own indulgence and pride. In many ways, it’s his most ambitious effort. With Robert DeNiro in his Oscar-winning role, and the likes of nominee Joe Pesci, and the criminally snubbed Cathy Moriarty, the film marks a visceral commentary on violence, but surprisingly, through an arguably softer touch.
1. Silence (2016)
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Tadanobu Asano, Ciarán Hinds, Liam Neeson, Issey Ogata
Written by: Jay Cocks, Martin Scorsese (based on “Silence” by Shūsaku Endō)
Produced by: Martin Scorsese, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Randall Emmett, Barbara De Fina, Gastón Pavlovich, Irwin Winkler, Vittorio Cecchi Gori
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Synopsis: In the 17th century, two Portuguese Jesuit priests traveled to Japan to locate their mentor, rumored to have committed apostasy, and to propagate Catholicism.
The scene that proves it: Father Rodrigues takes the step.
An incredible meditation on our relationship with God (or the creator if you prefer) and how our physical manifestation limits our comprehension of Him. Scorsese wears the viewer down with the challenges of the priest’s faith, brilliantly portrayed by Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver and Liam Neeson. His most personal film managed to be monumental (in my eyes).
Scorsese’s passion project took him over 25 years to develop, marking the director’s third outing tied to faith after “The Last Temptation of Christ” and “Kundun.” It could only muster a single nom, for Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography, after a late drop during awards season.
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