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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
 Posted - 09/20/2007 : 20:21:48
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Been in bed for two days with a fever and most of Scorsese's films, which I've tried to watch in chronological order:
Mean Streets
Taxi Driver
(skipped non-mafia flicks, including the Last Waltz, no interest in hippies)
Raging Bull
King of Comedy
After Hours
Color of Money
Goodfellas
Casino
Gangs of New York
and the Departed
My fever-induced point is a valid one: Scorsese is brilliant and funny. I dunno anything about the significance of his contributions to the cinematic world (floop?) I just know I love him, especially when he's got his mom popping into one of his films to do what looks like a buncha ad libbing with De Niro and Joe Pesci.
Can we not discuss how violent his movies can be? Yes, there is lots of blood. But they are good, people. Except After Hours. Was that supposed to be funny? It kinda sucked.
the cure make me want to die, but in a good way -- mr.biscuitdoughhead
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Srisaket
= Cult of Ray =
Thailand
313 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 07:30:16
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He’s made many fine films for sure, but to be fair he has also made some real stinkers as well. Gangs of New York and The Aviator are two of the most execrable, boring, vapid films I’ve watched in recent memory.
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Edited by - Srisaket on 09/21/2007 08:18:24 |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 08:05:36
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My 3 fav's: WHO'S THAT KNOCKIN" AT MY DOOR? MEAN STREETS
TAXI DRIVER
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 08:09:56
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quote:
Originally posted by kathryn
I dunno anything about the significance of his contributions to the cinematic world
the cure make me want to die, but in a good way -- mr.biscuitdoughhead
Well, if it weren't for Marty, Both Bobby DeNiro and Harve Keitel's careers would be very different...it's kinda like what if JFK fired back, or Eve found kumquats instead?
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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trobrianders
> Teenager of the Year <
Papua New Guinea
3302 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 08:52:47
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After Hours (sort of Orson Welles' The Trial, no?) and King of Comedy - golden period like with Woody Allen's Broadway Danny Rose and Zelig. Gangs of New York for Daniel Day-Lewis' performance alone. Agree with the execrable, boring, vapid comments for later films. K I notice the Edith Wharton adaptation didn't make the list. Another where only the book counts? I love his eyebrows.
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Ed is the hoo hoo |
Edited by - trobrianders on 09/21/2007 08:56:33 |
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shineoftheever
> Teenager of the Year <
Canada
4307 Posts |
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shineoftheever
> Teenager of the Year <
Canada
4307 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 09:02:43
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don't worry it's under 2 minutes
The waxworks were an immensely eloquent dissertation on the wonderful ordinariness of mankind. |
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 09:42:27
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That is fucking awesome, shiner! I only know "detachable penis." I feel that way about Frank. He makes such excellent music.
tro, yes on the eyebrows, yes on the book-to-movie adaptation. She's my fave female novelist, after as byatt and atwood.
Sri, you didn't feel the magic with Aviator?
Later films are still good. The Departed, for instance.
the cure make me want to die, but in a good way -- mr.biscuitdoughhead
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 12:17:10
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i love Scorsese. he deserves to be on the list of best American directors based on MEAN STREETS or GOODFELLAS alone. or TAXI DRIVER. or RAGING BULL. as for his contribution to the cinematic world.. for starters, he directed 4 of what most critics would consider among the best films ever made. most critics would say GOODFELLAS was the best film of the 90's.
looking at his overall work, the one thing you could say he brought to American filmmaking (through his whole catalog) is the theme of the unsympathetic character. most of his films explore the lives of people who are extremely fucked-up and difficult to like, but he still manages to suck you into their world. also, his use of violence. it's not the typical stylized Hollywood violence that looks neat and fun, but it's presented in a very sudden, realistic, shocking manner, which is more true to how actual violence happens. it's more visceral and more frightening.
there are also stylistic things that are Scorsese signatures, which have been copied and borrowed throught the years. like his use of freeze frames and long tracking shots and slow-motion (combined with popular music). i think Scorsese's use of music is probably his biggest signature (besides the violence). if you watch MEAN STREETS, you can totally see where Wes Anderson got a lot of his ideas from.
i think he's probably the best living director at this moment (or, in the top 5).. i hope he makes another 20 films.
beyond giving the world his cinematic gems (and, as Tranny said, discovering some of the greatest actors) he's also heavliy involved in film preservation. saving and restoring old films that would otherwise wither away to nothing..
plus he seems like the coolest guy in the world. Leonardo DiCaprio is a lucky motherfucker to be able to work with him
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 12:43:46
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Thank you, floop. I started this thread only so I could get a post like that out of your encyclopedic cinematic knowledge.
I'm considering watching Scarface tonight but worry that De Palma will sully the Scorsese thing I've had going on the last few days.
the cure make me want to die, but in a good way -- mr.biscuitdoughhead
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Useyourname
- FB Fan -
185 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 12:49:32
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No one ever mentions it, but my favorite film EVER is BRINGING OUT THE DEAD. Scorsese's often overlooked and barely seen Paramedic flick. Great cast, great music, great writing and directing. Buy it.
Jimmy |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 12:59:02
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Brian De Palma is a FUCKING HACK. No talent, completely unoriginal, mind-bogglingly inept. He's even worse than John Landis. De Palma is a con artist who's not even confident...and it's present a mile away. A thief, cheap, and lucky. Ugh, he makes me ill.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 13:29:48
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I guess you're saying I shouldn't invite you over tonight to watch some videos and eat popcorn?
the cure make me want to die, but in a good way -- mr.biscuitdoughhead
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2007 : 13:56:33
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| I believe Mean Streets is his personal fave, although he said years ago that Last Temptation was the only one of his films he felt he could watch, for some reason I forget. I haven't seen Temptation, but Mean Streets is one of his best, it feels more natural and human than something like Goodfellas (which is also terrific), Taxi Driver and Raging Bull are of course right up there, Color Of Money and Cape Fear are a bit ho-hum, Last Waltz is a good concert film. After Hours I only saw once years ago and really liked, like to see it again. Casino is really good, though not quite as effective as Goodfellas. Bringing Out The Dead was a bit of a wash out, but it had it's moments, Gangs Of New York was well made, but a bit phoney I felt, The Aviator wasn't bad, The Departed was kind of a return to form, but not up there with his best. Haven't seen Boxcar Bertha, Who's That Knocking At My Door?, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, The Age Of Innocence or Kundun. |
Edited by - Carl on 09/21/2007 13:57:19 |
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trobrianders
> Teenager of the Year <
Papua New Guinea
3302 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2007 : 09:21:58
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Scorsese has demonstrated his brilliance in ways that floop has already outlined not least in his efforts in film preservation, and I could listen to him for hours, but he wouldn't make my top 5 directors list because his talents are limited. Critical response in recent years confirms it. Even when you're on his side you struggle to like his films more. His later films are over-ambitious - that seems to be the common complaint; maybe that's a New York directors thing. Woody Allen and Spike Lee have suffered similar criticism. Talented though he is, he does not hold a monopoly. There's just so much talent out there, and so many acknowledged masters of the art. Carl's run-down is spot-on I think.
PS De Palma sucks big elephant dicks.
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Ed is the hoo hoo |
Edited by - trobrianders on 09/22/2007 09:33:16 |
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jimmy
= Cult of Ray =
USA
876 Posts |
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trobrianders
> Teenager of the Year <
Papua New Guinea
3302 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2007 : 11:14:11
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What's "Bad" Jimmy?
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Ed is the hoo hoo |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2007 : 12:45:56
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it's true that Scorsese hasn't made anything recently that matches his early work, but that doesn't take away the brilliance of those films. if he only made MEAN STREETS and GOODFELLAS he'd still be among the best living directors, in my opinion. people always accuse him of "ripping himself off" and making too many gangster films, but, he actually hasn't made that that many gangster films and, fuck it, he's allowed to rip himself off (what artists don't have idiosyncrasies that pop up throughout their work?)
DePalma is a hack but i do like some of his early films, like DRESSED TO KILL and OBSESSION. most of his early work is blatant Alfred Hitchcock, but i do think that he was trying, with all that, to be post-modern and "reference" those films. not rip off. either way, they're very heavily influenced by Hitchcock and, maybe he could have mixed it up and found someone else to emulate. and yeah, most of his recent stuff is embarassingly bad |
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shineoftheever
> Teenager of the Year <
Canada
4307 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2007 : 15:07:07
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quote:
Originally posted by trobrianders
What's "Bad" Jimmy?
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Ed is the hoo hoo
Scorsese directed MJ's 'bad' video, you know it! who's bad? i'm bad! you know it!
The waxworks were an immensely eloquent dissertation on the wonderful ordinariness of mankind. |
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2007 : 17:27:57
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shiner, you sound awfully cute in your post.
floop, yes, dressed to kill was great. when i watched scarface last night , i thought of your earlier post about scorsese pioneering the sympathetic anti-hero (to butcher your words). his tony montana is one-dimensional, unlike scorsese's several gangsters, who he portrays as warm and marinara-obsessed -- multi-faceted humans beings, to the point where the viewer forgets that they're antisocial psychopaths, as is tony montana who comes across as just a psychopath. Plus, the cheeseball Georgio Moroder soundtrack...yeeesh.
the cure make me want to die, but in a good way -- mr.biscuitdoughhead
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Edited by - kathryn on 09/22/2007 17:30:01 |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2007 : 17:29:36
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| Dario Argento is another early De Palma influence, but then he owes a debt to Hitch too! |
Edited by - Carl on 09/22/2007 17:31:58 |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2007 : 11:15:31
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quote:
Originally posted by floop
DePalma is a hack but i do like some of his early films, like DRESSED TO KILL and OBSESSION. most of his early work is blatant Alfred Hitchcock
Yeah. OBSESSION was a rework basically of VERTIGO because the latter was tied up in rights issues and had not been seen for years. Even Bernard Herrmann scored OBSESSION. OBSESSION is viewed as a good movie. I think it's just embarrasing. I'm sure DePalma is a great guy and probably good to work for. I have nothing against him personally. But all his films should be burned. I've seen most of his films...I think it's important to be knowlegable even if you are anti-something. I have tried to watch his crap objectively without any bias, but it's almost impossible. When I see his name in the opening credits I squirm and upchuck a bit. Just enough to cause that burn in the esophagus for a couple hours. I haven't seen THE BLACK DAHLIA...but I think I could imagine pretty much what it's like. I have a sick urge to watch it...but I'm afraid it couldn't even do justice to what I imagine it to be. I'm sure it's full of Hitchcocked angles, spiraling shots, and six minute dolly tracking shots (from outside through a window, out a door, down a hall, through a wall, over a table, blah blah blah, finally settling on a body outside in a field, up to her eye, into her dead mind's flashback to her murder, some cacophony of Herrmannesque music and then quickly out of the eye of a detective waking up screaming in his bed because he's too close to the case and realizes something in his sleep).
Im sorry. This is about Scorsese. I actually liked THE AVIATOR...but it is distressing to see Marty becoming so Hollywoodish in his sunset years...however, he's always strived for it. He is a rebellious Hollywood outsider who loves the trappings of Hollywood, and the studio system of yesteryear. And as floop mentioned, his involvement in restoration is absolutely wonderful and caring and invaluable.
I thought THE DEPARTED was silly. If Baldwin had just made sure to keep tabs on his people's cell phone activity (they knew there was a leak in the department), everyone would have been spared all that nonsense.
Nothing will top MEAN STREETS in Scorsese's collection. I have always loved, and will continue to love that film.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5454 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2007 : 14:22:08
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| Wow, the content to noise ratio of this thread is off the charts compared to most of fb.net. I wish I could add something. I think the only Scorsese movie I've ever seen is King of Comedy. I liked it. Raging Bull is in netflix que. Maybe I should add Mean Streets. |
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2007 : 14:31:30
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darwin, also add to your netflix que The Departed. And Goodfellas. And Taxi Driver. And Casino.
Trans, I watched Black Dahlia three times and still can't find anything redeeming to say about it. I try,
Happy hearts fall from my shaking hands
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2007 : 09:18:06
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quote:
Originally posted by TRANSMARINE
I actually liked THE AVIATOR...but it is distressing to see Marty becoming so Hollywoodish in his sunset years...however, he's always strived for it. He is a rebellious Hollywood outsider who loves the trappings of Hollywood, and the studio system of yesteryear. And as floop mentioned, his involvement in restoration is absolutely wonderful and caring and invaluable.
I thought THE DEPARTED was silly. If Baldwin had just made sure to keep tabs on his people's cell phone activity (they knew there was a leak in the department), everyone would have been spared all that nonsense.
Yeah, it is a pity to see him-even on 'personal' projects like Gangs Of New York-go all Hollywood in style. Of course he has made a few contract movies-Cape Fear (he was meant to do Schindler's List but swapped movies with Spielberg) and Casino (believe it or not) were pretty much made because he owed Universal two movies. Yeah, his involvement in restoration is honourable.
Yeah, The Departed probably wasn't exactly realistic! Scorsese called it his B-movie. Actually, I know you're not criticising his performance, but I thought Baldwin was fine in it.
Anyone for knob Marmite? |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2007 : 09:49:16
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Yeah, Baldwin's always great! Such a great asshole! My favorite Baldwin role was in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS. Such a dickhead!
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2007 : 10:00:13
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Yeah he was an excellent dickhead in that.
 I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5454 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2007 : 10:01:25
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| Baldwin is really good in The Cooler and hilarious on 40 Rock. |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2007 : 10:17:53
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i'm not sure i understand what you mean about "contract movies" Carl.. i mean, most films are made under a contract.
i'm sure that even with those films he might not consider as "personal" as others, he still got behind them %100. CAPE FEAR is definitely not one of his best films, but i'm sure when he made it he believed in it and gave the project his all. i mean, his name's going to be on it. and CASINO is brilliant (and one he probably would consider more personal). i guess i'm unclear about what you mean regarding contracts with studios
tranny, that was a pretty funny version of a DePalma film.. that's about right. for some reason i had this idea that THE BLACK DHALIA would be like this major DePalma come-back film. or, at least be really good. it just seemed like a great project for him..
it was almost unwatchable. i would love to see what David Fincher would have done with it |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2007 : 10:18:12
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"You want a smoke, You don't smoke, do ya, right, what are ya, one of those fitness freaks, huh, go fuck yourself!!"
Anyone for knob Marmite? |
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Srisaket
= Cult of Ray =
Thailand
313 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2007 : 21:25:35
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quote:
Originally posted by TRANSMARINE
Im sorry. This is about Scorsese. I actually liked THE AVIATOR...but it is distressing to see Marty becoming so Hollywoodish in his sunset years...however, he's always strived for it. He is a rebellious Hollywood outsider who loves the trappings of Hollywood, and the studio system of yesteryear. And as floop mentioned, his involvement in restoration is absolutely wonderful and caring and invaluable.
I thought THE DEPARTED was silly. If Baldwin had just made sure to keep tabs on his people's cell phone activity (they knew there was a leak in the department), everyone would have been spared all that nonsense.
Nothing will top MEAN STREETS in Scorsese's collection. I have always loved, and will continue to love that film.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN
I think that The Aviator is great big Hollywood nothing, beautiful to look at for sure but no substance. I don’t mind if a big budget film is at least entertaining beyond its basic silly premise (i.e. The Terminator films) but The Aviator is just not entertaining. Also, Di Caprio is just not convincing as Hughes and Kate Blanchett’s portrayal of Hepburn is like an impersonation of Emma Thompson playing the same part.
Agree about The Departed, and also do people in Boston really dress that badly and still speak with Irish accents?
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2007 : 08:21:58
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I think in Bastan people pahk their cahs in the yahd.
Anyone for knob Marmite? |
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Jefrey
= Cult of Ray =
USA
918 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2007 : 16:08:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Srisaket
quote:
Originally posted by TRANSMARINE
Im sorry. This is about Scorsese. I actually liked THE AVIATOR...but it is distressing to see Marty becoming so Hollywoodish in his sunset years...however, he's always strived for it. He is a rebellious Hollywood outsider who loves the trappings of Hollywood, and the studio system of yesteryear. And as floop mentioned, his involvement in restoration is absolutely wonderful and caring and invaluable.
I thought THE DEPARTED was silly. If Baldwin had just made sure to keep tabs on his people's cell phone activity (they knew there was a leak in the department), everyone would have been spared all that nonsense.
Nothing will top MEAN STREETS in Scorsese's collection. I have always loved, and will continue to love that film.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN
I think that The Aviator is great big Hollywood nothing, beautiful to look at for sure but no substance. I don’t mind if a big budget film is at least entertaining beyond its basic silly premise (i.e. The Terminator films) but The Aviator is just not entertaining. Also, Di Caprio is just not convincing as Hughes and Kate Blanchett’s portrayal of Hepburn is like an impersonation of Emma Thompson playing the same part.
Agree about The Departed, and also do people in Boston really dress that badly and still speak with Irish accents?
Here's what I don't get about the Aviator. Scorsese is this walking encyclopedia of film history, but the Errol Flynn cameo in the Aviator is the worst Errol Flynn impression I've ever seen. Was that one of his jokes? Seriously, it ruined the movie for me. Cate Blanchette did a decent job as Hepburn, but seeing anyone so distinct and famous be impersonated in a drama makes me a little squirmy and takes me out of the movie.
If it's the main subject of the a biopic or something, you can give them a little room, but a major secondary character that is so distinct and well known - someone trying to be them is distracting.
Maybe it's just because I'm a huge Hepburn and Errol Flynn fan and watch a lot of old movies. you're supposed to be transported, not distracted by the acting.
It was worth it for the jars of piss and the "get me all the blueprints get me all the blueprints" scens though.
Qu'ils aillent se faire foutre <-- yeah, what he said. |
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Jefrey
= Cult of Ray =
USA
918 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2007 : 16:11:03
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Also, I appreciate Scorsese, and I'll watch anything he does.
but I only made it about a third of the way through "Bringing Out The Dead" - that was the one with nic cage as an ambulance driver, right?
Is there any reason to finish watching that film? It didn't engage me at all. I rarely just turn off a movie, but I did on that one.
Qu'ils aillent se faire foutre <-- yeah, what he said. |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2007 : 05:26:44
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Yeah that film is pretty poor.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2007 : 14:49:15
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I can't stand Nic Cage. He was likable in Raising Arizona, and I must admit I've hardly seen all his movies, but he just comes across like a gormless movie star who thinks he's cool in a lot of his roles. Sean Penn fell out with him after making some comment about him being becoming more of a performer than an actor.
Anyone for knob Marmite? |
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The Martin Scorsese Appreciation Thread™
