Martin Scorsese, cinema's guiding light in the age of blockbusters

Martin Scorses's enduring influence on the world of cinema can be likened to a guiding light in the midst of rapidly shifting trends and technological advancements. His unparalleled filmmaking skills are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his contribution to the world of filmmaking. He has also been a relentless champion of preserving the essence of true art and has fervently advocated for a return to the fundamental principles of storytelling. With the recent release of Killers of the Flower Moon, Scorsese's significance in the film industry takes the spotlight once more, reaffirming his role as a saviour for cinema in our contemporary era.

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Scorsese's body of work, of course, stands as undeniable proof of his mastery. From classics like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull to more contemporary gems like The Departed and The Irishman, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess as a filmmaker extraordinaire. His ability to craft intricate narratives, depict compelling, complicated characters, and create stunning visual spectacles is second to none.

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In 1990, he founded The Film Foundation, an organisation dedicated to restoring and safeguarding classic films. Scorsese's reverence for the art form goes beyond his own work; he recognises that cinema's history is a collective heritage that must be protected. His tireless efforts ensure that films from yesteryears continue to inspire and educate generations to come. In an era when digital technology threatens to overshadow the beauty of analog film, Scorsese's dedication to preserving the past is nothing short of heroic.

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Scorsese's critique of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the prevailing blockbuster culture was another pivotal moment in his career. He boldly stated that these blockbuster movies are more akin to "theme park rides" than cinema, igniting a heated debate among Scorsese and MCU fans. While some viewed his comments as elitist or dismissive, others, including this scribe, saw in him once again one filmmaker taking on the tyranny of what I call cinematic cotton candy: films that are light, fluffy, and provide instant gratification but lack substance.

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And I am not even exaggerating about the 'tyranny' bit. Disney has been accused of, among other things, using the power of franchises like Marvel and Star Wars to strongarm cinema chains and hog theatres, basically ensuring original indie films, which are already sidelined due to lack of recognisable faces, will lose money. Quentin Tarantino famously dubbed the studio as "extortionist". Other studios like Warner Bros have also fallen back on the timeless appeal of popular franchises in these hard times after the pandemic.)

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Coming back to Scorsese's critique of Marvel, it wasn't an outright condemnation of popular entertainment. Scorsese's films, while rich in depth and artistic vision, are not at all inaccessible. His ability to craft compelling stories and complex characters doesn't make his work exclusive but rather speaks to the universality of human emotions and experiences he captures on screen. In his attack on the prevailing blockbuster culture, he aimed not to diminish the entertainment value of such films but to stress the importance of maintaining a diverse cinematic ecosystem.

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He believes that a thriving film industry should offer a spectrum of experiences, from grand spectacles to intimate character studies. His hope is that by nurturing this balance, we can continue to explore the full potential of cinema.

Scorsese, like many of us, yearns for cinema that makes storytelling, character development, and artistic vision a priority instead of interconnected cinematic universes, cameos, and algorithm. While the MCU and other franchise movies may exhilarate, they can also overshadow the depth and diversity that cinema can offer. His words were a plea for a return to the fundamentals of filmmaking, a plea for the preservation of genuine cinematic art.

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In the midst of the MCU's dominance and the overwhelming presence of remakes, sequels and prequels, he became a beacon of hope for many cinema enthusiasts. He embodied the idea that cinema should be an immersive experience that touches the soul and stimulates the mind.

Killers of the Flower Moon is the latest chapter in Scorsese's ongoing crusade to protect and celebrate cinema's fundamental values. The film, based on David Grann's non-fiction book, tells the chilling true story of a series of murders that occurred in the Osage Nation in the early 20th century, as the newly discovered oil beneath the land brought immense wealth and danger to the native people. It's a tale of greed, corruption, and a dark chapter in American history that deserves to be told.

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His decision to tell a powerful, historically significant story that sheds light on a tragic (and tragically forgotten) chapter in American history speaks to his dedication to the craft. By bringing this story to life, Scorsese reinforces the idea that cinema can be a vehicle for storytelling that informs, educates, and challenges our understanding of the world.

Scorsese remains a guiding light for those who continue to believe in the power of storytelling and its ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. His contributions to cinema, from his films to his advocacy for preservation and his bold critique of the blockbuster culture, mark him as a true champion of cinema as an art form. In the legacy of Scorsese, we find a shining example of what cinema can be — a medium that not only entertains but enlightens, not only excites but educates.

The greatest.

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