While I dislike most remakes, I think Scorsese improved on the original. I just saw INFERNAL AFFAIRS last night. Scorsese is remaking this with DiCaprio (signed on) and probably Matt Damon (not signed yet). The movie was confusing as hell. I didn’t think it was all that great. I think Scorsese can definitely improve it with a remake.
Scorsese is one of my favorite directors. My thoughts on his films:
Taxi Driver (1976)
The story of Travis Bickle, a lonely New York cab driver who’s fed up with the disgust and filth of the streets. The art of filming can be studied with this film. Scorsese visual mastering at it’s best. Notice how the ending is not as crisp as the rest of the film… Scorsese did this in order to tone down the violence.
Raging Bull (1980)
Visually stunning depiction of the rise and downfall of Middleweight Champion Jake La Motta. Robert De Niro gained over 50 lbs. to play the old Jake here. Teamed up with screenwriter from Taxi Driver again, Paul Schrader. The most artistic boxing film ever made. The poetic ramblings of an ex-champion in the beginning set up the poetic nature of the fights in the ring Scorsese creates.
Goodfellas (1990)
True story of mob rat Henry Hill. Follows him through three decades of crime. Most telling depiction of the mafia since The Godfather I & II. Great use of music and narration, at one point having Karen, Henry’s wife, narrate.
Mean Streets (1973)
I always turn up the volume to the opening, set to The Ronettes “Be My Baby.” A home movie projected on a black screen sets up the setting of Little Italy, and introduces the characters, Charlie, Johnny Boy, and Michael, in what seems to be a happier time than when we meet them. The bar scene is most noteworthy in this tale about small town mobsters, friendship, and religion.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Taking a chance not only on style this time, but now on story, this film is what being a director is all about. Still banned from certain countries, Scorsese teamed with writer Paul Schrader again to tell the story of Jesus Christ, to make Him a character, and not just a one dimensional delusion. Was Jesus tempted by the simpler life? Watch Willem Dafoe’s stunning performance as our lord and savior to find out. Look out for David Bowie also.
The King of Comedy (1983)
Scorsese’s dark comedy follows Rupert Pupkin, a wannabe comedian who’s obsessed with getting a spot on the Johnny Carson-like talk show hosted by Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis). Another character film explores what celebrities must put up with from their die-hard fans. Sandra Bernhard hands in a chilling performance as Marsha, turning out to be a bit sicker than Rupert. What’s great about this one is how Pupkin perceives himself to be so normal, yet we can see how much of a, and Jerry puts it best, moron he is.
New York Stories: “Life Lessons” (1989)
What better way to show your artistic filmmaking then to tell a story about an artist, a painter. Nick Nolte plays Lionel Dobie, a painter who teaches, or is taught, life lessons by his female apprentices. Filled with great shots and the repitive use of the song Whiter Shade of Pale, the first segment of New York Stories stands out as the best of the three New York Stories. Cameo by Steve Buscemi.
Kundun (1997)
Beautifully filmed, Kundun tells the story of the Dali Lama and his influence on a nation. Scorsese’s fascination with religion is seen here again.
Cape Fear (1991)
With Scorsese’s love of film, it was just a matter of time before he ventured into a remake. This remake of the 1962 film starring Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum visually out styles the original with it’s fancy camera work. Robert De Niro pulls off a much more chilling Max Cady than Mitchum, adding to the suspense of the film.
The Color of Money (1986)
Before his remake, Scorsese continues the story of Fast Eddie Felson from The Hustler. Not exactly a sequel, but more like another chapter in Felson’s life. Paul Newman resumes his role as the aging pool player/hustler who takes Vincent (Tom Cruise) on the road and teaches him the ropes. Whereas The Hustler has a better, more tragic story, this one is like an homage to pool playing and more technically directed.
Casino (1995)
A nice follow up to Goodfellas, this Las Vegas mob movie set in the 70’s follows the rise and fall of Casino manager Sam “Ace” Rothstein. Joe Pesci plays almost the same character as he did in Goodfellas, every other word being the f-word again. It explores themes of trust, fidelity, and power. Sharon Stone’s performance deserves praise, as well as the cinematography. With minor characters played by James Woods, Don Rickles, Kevin Pollak, and John Bloom (aka Joe Bob Briggs).
Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
The camera techniques; the fast motion drug sequences, the ghosts rising from the streets, the streams of light from the ambulances; are what makes Bringing Out the Dead a visual experience, while lacking the usual substance of story. In his first Scorsese film, Nicolas Cage hands in a noteworthy performance. Recommended for true Scorsese fans.
The Gangs of New York (2002)
“While the sets and costumes are quite magnificent and detailed . . . the story and characters are not fully developed. . . . Though the most developed and one of the most evil and demented characters to hit the screen since Robert De Niro’s Max Cady is William “Bill the Butcher� Cutting. . . . History gets in the way of what could have been Scorsese’s best film.�
After Hours (1985)
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Who’s That Knockin’ At My Door? (1968)
The Age of Innocence (1993)
New York, New York (1977)
Boxcar Bertha (1972)
After the opening of the film, I said to myself this looks and feels like a Roger Corman flick. The opening credits rolled and what do you know, he produced it. What an awful, awful, awful film! Not even worth the watch to see the young De Niro. Also stars Barbara Hershey and David Carradine.
