Martin Scorsese

ABOUT

Martin Charles Scorsese, born on November 17, 1942, in Queens, New York, is an iconic American filmmaker known for his profound contributions to the world of cinema. Praised for his distinct storytelling style, deep characters, and unflinching exploration of complex themes like crime, guilt, redemption, and the human condition, Scorsese has firmly cemented his place among the greatest directors in film history. Equally adept at directing, producing, screenwriting, and film preservation, his works often draw inspiration from his Italian-American heritage and Roman Catholic upbringing.

Scorsese's illustrious body of work includes classics such as "Taxi Driver" (1976), "Raging Bull" (1980), "Goodfellas" (1990), and "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013). His mastery and significant influence on modern cinema have earned him numerous accolades, including prestigious awards like the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Directors Guild of America Award.

BEFORE FAME

Scorsese's early life was influenced by his surrounding environment in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan. Stricken with severe asthma, young Martin often found solace in the nearby movie theaters, which would set the stage for his passion for filmmaking. His parents, Charles and Catherine Scorsese, were working-class immigrants from Sicily who instilled in him a strong work ethic and rich cultural roots.

Scorsese initially pursued a path towards priesthood but eventually shifted gears, enrolling at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. During his time at NYU, he developed his talent for filmmaking and crafted several short films, including the notable "It's Not Just You, Murray!" (1964). His NYU thesis film, "Who's That Knocking at My Door" (1967), starring a then-unknown Harvey Keitel, marked Scorsese's transition from student to professional filmmaker.

TRIVIA

• Scorsese's 2006 film "The Departed" earned him his first Academy Award for Best Director after several prior nominations.
• An advocate for film preservation, Scorsese founded The Film Foundation in 1990, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving motion picture history.
• Known for his frequent collaborations with actor Robert De Niro, the duo has worked together on several iconic films, including "Mean Streets" (1973), "Taxi Driver" (1976), and "Raging Bull" (1980).
• Besides De Niro, Scorsese has also developed a notable partnership with actor Leonardo DiCaprio, beginning with "Gangs of New York" (2002) and continuing through multiple acclaimed films, such as "The Aviator" (2004) and "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013).
• Scorsese is renowned for his fast-paced narrative style, innovative use of music, and distinct thematic elements revolving around guilt, redemption, and the darker sides of human nature.

FAMILY LIFE

Scorsese has been married five times. His current wife is Helen Schermerhorn Morris, with whom he has a daughter, Francesca. Francesca has inherited her father's passion for cinema and has appeared in minor roles in several of his films. Scorsese also has two other daughters: Catherine, from his first marriage to Laraine Marie Brennan, and Domenica Cameron-Scorsese, from his second marriage to Julia Cameron. Despite the turbulence in his personal life, Scorsese maintains close relationships with his family and often finds creative inspiration from his rich cultural and personal experiences.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his storied career, Martin Scorsese has collaborated with a diverse array of talent across the film industry. Besides his enduring partnerships with Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, he has worked with numerous renowned actors and filmmakers. Scorsese has directed noted performances from talents like Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Michelle Pfeiffer. He has also supported future directors, including mentoring Spike Lee and working closely with screenwriter Paul Schrader on several projects.

The influence of Martin Scorsese extends beyond his own films, as he continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and cinephiles worldwide. His dedication to the craft and unwavering commitment to storytelling ensure that his legacy will endure as a touchstone in the annals of cinema history.