Martin Scorsese
Biography and Artistic Significance
Martin Scorsese (born November 17, 1942, Queens, New York, U.S.) is an American filmmaker renowned for his gritty and often violent portrayals of American culture. Since the 1970s, he has crafted a bold and ambitious body of work, establishing himself as one of the most influential American directors of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Notable Films
- Taxi Driver
- Raging Bull
- GoodFellas
- The Departed
- The Irishman
- Killers of the Flower Moon
Artistic Vision and Film Preservation
Scorsese’s films often convey a mix of cynicism toward modern culture alongside a profound passion for cinema itself. In 2018, he wrote an essay for the Encyclopædia Britannica Anniversary Edition titled 250 Years of Excellence, where he detailed his long-standing efforts to preserve the history of filmmaking since the 1970s.
“[I]n the future the memory of the actual film image will have to be preserved as carefully and lovingly as an ancient artifact at the Met.”
Through these initiatives, Scorsese successfully brought new attention to film preservation and its vital importance.
Summary
Martin Scorsese remains a pivotal filmmaker whose powerful storytelling and dedication to film preservation have deeply influenced American cinema.