15 Interesting Facts About Martin Scorsese
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Martin Scorsese, a prominent American filmmaker, has had a six-decade career spanning various genres. His early life in Little Italy, New York, and his love for cinema, nurtured by childhood illness, shaped his unique filmmaking style. Scorsese’s collaborations with Robert De Niro, his struggles with addiction and depression, and his contributions to film preservation through The Film Foundation are notable aspects of his career.
Honoring The Legendary Filmmaker on his 82nd Birthday
Martin Scorsese is one of the greatest American filmmakers in history. Today, November 17th, marks his 82nd birthday, and in celebration, we're diving into some fascinating aspects of his life and career. Spanning over six decades, Scorsese's work has influenced countless filmmakers and has made an indelible mark on the history of cinema. Known for his incredible storytelling, vivid depiction of New York life, and unflinching portrayals of humanity's darker sides, Scorsese has truly become one of the legends of the film industry. Here are 15 interesting facts about the director that provide a glimpse into his fascinating journey from the streets of Little Italy to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1. He was raised in Little Itally in NYC
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Martin Charles Scorsese was born in Queens, New York, on November 17th, 1942. He was the son of Charles, a clothes presser, and Catherine, a seamstress. When Martin was young, his family moved to Little Italy in Manhattan, where he spent much of his childhood. The tight-knit community in Little Italy would become a significant influence on his films, giving his work a sense of authenticity and connection to his Italian-American roots. The streets of Manhattan, bustling with life and occasionally rife with crime, would later become the backdrop for many of his most iconic films.
The neighborhood’s influence is particularly evident in films like Mean Streets and Goodfellas, where Scorsese paints vivid pictures of the Italian-American experience. Growing up in this vibrant yet challenging environment, Scorsese witnessed firsthand the clash between traditional values and the emerging modern world, which deeply shaped his understanding of character dynamics and moral conflict. His upbringing in Little Italy is integral to understanding the grounded, gritty quality that permeates his best works.
2. Childhood illness forged a love of cinema
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As a child, Scorsese struggled with severe asthma, which prevented him from participating in many physical activities like sports. His condition kept him inside, but his parents and older brother Frank encouraged his curiosity by taking him to movie theaters regularly. These frequent trips sparked Scorsese's passion for cinema, as he spent hours escaping into the worlds depicted on screen, which helped him cope with his physical limitations and gave him a rich visual education.
Instead of playing outside, Scorsese found himself drawn to the magic of storytelling, which would ultimately pave the way for his career. He became an avid viewer of movies, studying each one like a textbook. Among the films he frequently rented from the library was Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s The Tales of Hoffmann, which left an indelible impression on him. His fascination with movies during his formative years laid the foundation for the director he would become—one with an unmatched grasp of film history and a deep appreciation for the cinematic art form.
3. He was a child prodigy
Scorsese’s affinity for cinema started early, and by the time he was 11, he was already dreaming up and storyboarding his own films. One of his early creations was a fictitious movie about the Roman Empire called The Eternal City. This early work, though never filmed, showed Scorsese’s early aptitude for storytelling, as he intricately detailed every scene in the storyboard, showcasing an impressive understanding of film language.
These storyboards were more than just the creative musings of a child; they were an early glimpse of the director's meticulous attention to detail. Scorsese's passion for capturing scenes on paper was a precursor to the methodical planning that characterizes his filmmaking process today. His early fascination with storytelling and visualizing scenes would become one of his hallmarks, later exemplified by his detailed shot lists and intricate camera work in movies like Taxi Driver and Goodfellas.
4. He originally wanted to be a priest
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Growing up in a devoutly Catholic family, Scorsese initially envisioned a future in the church. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx and then entered a preparatory seminary with the intention of becoming a Catholic priest. However, after struggling through the first year and ultimately failing, he realized that his true calling might lie elsewhere. This turning point prompted him to follow his passion for film.
Scorsese subsequently enrolled at New York University (NYU), where he earned a B.A. in English in 1964, followed by an M.A. in Film in 1968. His education at NYU was crucial to his development as a filmmaker, providing him with a foundation in the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. The experience helped him merge his religious upbringing with a newfound creative outlet, which became evident in his films’ frequent exploration of themes like guilt, redemption, and morality—concepts that stem from his Catholic background.
5. At college, Scorsese Really
developed his filmmaking skills
Scorsese’s time at NYU was pivotal in shaping him as a filmmaker. During his studies, he experimented with different genres and began to hone his craft through a series of short films. His early works included What’s a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This? (1963), It’s Not Just You, Murray! (1964), and The Big Shave (1967). These films showcased his evolving style and interest in character-driven stories that examined the complexities of human behavior.
His first feature-length film, Who’s That Knocking at My Door (1967), starred Harvey Keitel and was edited by Thelma Schoonmaker, marking the beginning of two of his most important collaborations. This film, made on a shoestring budget, caught the attention of critics and set the tone for his future explorations of urban grit, religious conflict, and moral dilemmas. Scorsese’s time at NYU laid the groundwork for his later successes, giving him the confidence to experiment and refine his storytelling techniques.
6. Scorsese was a movie brat
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In the early 1970s, Scorsese found himself part of a burgeoning community of talented young filmmakers who were later dubbed the "movie brats." This group included influential directors like Brian De Palma, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg. They all shared a passion for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking, and they supported each other in their creative endeavors. It was Brian De Palma who introduced Scorsese to Robert De Niro, a collaboration that would go on to become legendary in the film industry.
This camaraderie led to Scorsese working as an assistant director and editor on the concert documentary Woodstock(1970), which gave him practical industry experience. He then made Boxcar Bertha (1972) for producer Roger Corman, a low-budget film that taught him how to shoot efficiently while keeping a focus on entertainment. These experiences, along with the encouragement of his peers, laid the foundation for Mean Streets (1973), a film that catapulted him into the mainstream and established his distinctive voice as a filmmaker.
7. Mean Streets changed Scorsese’s life
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Mean Streets was a significant milestone in Scorsese's career, representing his breakthrough as a filmmaker capable of telling compelling stories with gritty realism. The film featured Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel and depicted the lives of small-time hoodlums in New York City’s Little Italy, a reflection of Scorsese's own experiences growing up. The themes of Catholic guilt, moral conflict, and the raw energy of New York City would become trademarks of Scorsese's work, establishing his unique storytelling style.
Following the success of Mean Streets, Scorsese went on to direct Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), which earned Ellen Burstyn an Academy Award for Best Actress. He also made the documentary Italianamerican (1974), featuring his parents and exploring their experiences as Italian immigrants. These films helped cement Scorsese's reputation as a filmmaker with a deep understanding of character and a talent for portraying complex human relationships. Mean Streetsmarked the beginning of a long and successful partnership with Robert De Niro, which would lead to some of the most celebrated films in cinema history.
8. Scorsese used to be extremely superstitious
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Throughout the 1970s, Scorsese was plagued by anxiety and became extremely superstitious, particularly about the number 11. He believed that the number brought misfortune and went to great lengths to avoid it. He would steer clear of flights, hotel rooms, and even dates that involved the number 11, fearing that it would bring bad luck. Scorsese’s fear was so intense that it affected his daily life, contributing to the challenges he faced during this period.
Ironically, despite his fear of the number, there were moments when the number 11 seemed to work in his favor. For instance, Mean Streets premiered at the 11th New York Film Festival, and Scorsese later noted that some of the best takes of his films happened to be the 11th. His superstition was a reflection of the immense pressure he felt to succeed during this period of his career, a time when he was still trying to establish himself as a filmmaker while battling personal demons. Eventually, Scorsese overcame these anxieties, but they left an indelible mark on his life and work.
9. The mid-70s brought filmmaking
highs and lows for the emerging director
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The mid-1970s were a rollercoaster for Scorsese, with both significant successes and setbacks. After the critical acclaim of Mean Streets, he directed Taxi Driver (1976), a film that became an iconic piece of American cinema. The film, which starred Robert De Niro as a mentally unstable cab driver, was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Taxi Driver established Scorsese as one of the most exciting directors of his generation, cementing his reputation for exploring dark, complex characters.
However, Scorsese's next project, New York, New York (1977), was less successful. The musical, which starred Robert De Niro and Liza Minnelli, was a box office disappointment and received mixed reviews. The failure of New York, New Yorkwas a major blow to Scorsese, who had high hopes for the film. This setback, combined with his escalating drug use, led to a period of deep depression. Despite these challenges, Scorsese's passion for filmmaking never waned, and he would soon bounce back with projects that would redefine his career.
10. Scorsese had serious health problems to deal with
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The late 1970s were a particularly challenging time for Scorsese, as he struggled with both professional setbacks and personal health issues. The poor reception of New York, New York exacerbated his depression, and he turned to drugs as a way to cope. By the end of the decade, Scorsese's drug use had spiraled out of control, culminating in a life-threatening incident of internal bleeding that left him hospitalized. It was during this time that Robert De Niro visited him and encouraged him to get back to work, offering him the chance to direct Raging Bull.
De Niro’s intervention proved to be a turning point for Scorsese, who decided to commit himself to his recovery and to filmmaking. Raging Bull (1980), which tells the story of boxer Jake LaMotta, became one of Scorsese’s most critically acclaimed films, earning eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Director. The film's success marked Scorsese's return to form and solidified his status as one of the most talented directors in Hollywood. It also marked the beginning of a more introspective phase in his career, as he began to explore themes of redemption and the human struggle for meaning.
11. His most famous cameo came about by chance
Martin Scorsese is known for his cameo appearances in many of his films, often playing minor roles that add an extra layer of intrigue for his fans. One of his most memorable cameos is in Taxi Driver, where he plays a passenger in Travis Bickle’s cab who obsessively talks about his wife’s infidelity and contemplates violence. This cameo is particularly notable for its intensity, as Scorsese delivers a chilling performance that adds to the film's unsettling atmosphere.
Interestingly, this role was not initially meant for Scorsese. The part was supposed to be played by another actor, but when the actor was unavailable at the last minute, Scorsese stepped in. Despite his limited acting experience, Scorsese's portrayal was powerful and memorable, contributing to the film's haunting tone. His cameos have since become a signature feature of his films, with Scorsese often appearing in brief but impactful roles that add a personal touch to his work.
12. Scorsese directed a very famous music video
In addition to his work in feature films, Martin Scorsese has also made significant contributions to the world of music videos. One of his most famous projects was directing the music video for Michael Jackson’s Bad in 1987. The video, which runs for 18 minutes, was more like a short film, showcasing Scorsese's flair for storytelling and his ability to capture the energy and charisma of one of the world’s biggest pop stars. The video features elaborate choreography and tells the story of a young man struggling to prove himself to his peers.
Scorsese’s involvement in the project came at the request of Michael Jackson, who wanted a director of Scorsese’s caliber to bring his vision to life. Working with screenwriter Richard Price, Scorsese created a video that not only highlighted Jackson's incredible talent but also incorporated elements of New York street culture, drawing inspiration from West Side Story. The video was a massive success and further cemented Scorsese's reputation as a versatile director capable of working across different mediums and genres.
13. Marty almost directed Schindler’s List
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In the early 1990s, Steven Spielberg was developing Schindler’s List, a project that he felt deeply passionate about but initially hesitated to direct himself. Spielberg approached Scorsese, offering him the opportunity to direct the film. Scorsese, however, felt that the story, which dealt with the Holocaust, would be better told by a Jewish filmmaker. He encouraged Spielberg to take on the project, believing that Spielberg's personal connection to the subject matter would result in a more authentic and powerful film.
At the same time, Spielberg was in discussions to direct a remake of the thriller Cape Fear, a project he thought would be better suited to Scorsese’s sensibilities. The two directors essentially swapped projects, with Spielberg directing Schindler’s List in 1993 and Scorsese taking on Cape Fear, which was released in 1991. Both films were successful in their own right, with Schindler’s List going on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Director for Spielberg. Scorsese’s Cape Fear was also well-received, showcasing his ability to create suspenseful, character-driven thrillers.
14. He has courted controversy at times in his career
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Throughout his career, Martin Scorsese has never shied away from controversial subject matter, often pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in mainstream cinema. One of the most notable examples of this is The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), a film that portrayed Jesus as a man with human flaws and desires. The film, based on Nikos Kazantzakis' novel, sparked outrage among religious groups, who considered it blasphemous. Protests were held outside theaters, and Scorsese received death threats, leading to heightened security measures during the film’s release.
Despite the backlash, Scorsese remained committed to his vision, believing that the film offered a deeply spiritual exploration of faith and humanity. Another controversial project was Kundun (1997), which depicted the life of the 14th Dalai Lama and his struggle against Chinese oppression. The film drew the ire of the Chinese government, resulting in Scorsese being banned from entering China. These controversies, while challenging, have not deterred Scorsese from tackling difficult subjects. Instead, they have highlighted his dedication to telling stories that provoke thought and challenge societal norms.
15. Scorsese Founded a prestegious
film preservation group
Martin Scorsese's passion for cinema extends beyond his own work as a filmmaker; he has also been a tireless advocate for film preservation. In 1990, he founded The Film Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring classic films that might otherwise be lost to history. The foundation collaborates with studios, archives, and other institutions to restore old or damaged film prints, ensuring that future generations can experience the richness of cinema's history. The Film Foundation has restored over 800 films from around the world, preserving a diverse array of works that span different genres and cultures.
In addition to preservation, The Film Foundation runs educational programs to teach young people about the history of film and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. One notable project was the restoration of Powell and Pressburger’s The Red Shoes (1948), a film that is considered one of the most visually stunning and technically innovative movies of its time. The restoration process was meticulous, involving frame-by-frame scanning and color correction to bring the film back to its original glory. The project highlighted Scorsese's dedication to ensuring that classic cinema remains accessible to audiences today.
Through The Film Foundation, Scorsese has helped preserve a wide range of films, from Hollywood classics to international masterpieces, ensuring that the cultural legacy of cinema is not lost. His work in film preservation has earned him numerous accolades, including the Robert Osborne Award for his contributions to preserving classic films. Scorsese's efforts extend beyond merely saving films; he aims to educate and inspire future generations about the importance of cinema as an art form. His passion for film preservation underscores his belief that cinema is a vital part of our cultural heritage, deserving of care and reverence.
Scorsese’s Cinematic Legacy:
A Lasting Impact on Film and Culture
Martin Scorsese’s remarkable career has produced some of the most iconic films in American cinema, each marked by his distinct style and deep understanding of human nature. His collaborations with Robert De Niro gave us unforgettable movies like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas, films that delve into the dark corners of human psychology and the complexity of moral choices. The partnership between Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, which began with Gangs of New York, has continued to produce critically acclaimed works, including The Aviator, The Departed, and The Wolf of Wall Street, each showcasing a different facet of Scorsese’s storytelling mastery.
Scorsese’s filmography is a testament to his versatility as a director. From the gritty streets of New York in Mean Streets and Goodfellas to the spiritual journey depicted in Silence, Scorsese has explored a wide array of themes, including faith, guilt, ambition, and redemption. His ability to portray flawed characters with nuance and empathy has made his work resonate with audiences across generations. Scorsese’s films are often characterized by their bold visual style, innovative camera techniques, and evocative use of music, all of which contribute to their lasting impact.
Beyond his work as a director, Scorsese’s contributions to film preservation and his efforts to support the next generation of filmmakers through initiatives like The Film Foundation have cemented his legacy as one of cinema’s greatest advocates. His passion for the medium is evident not only in his films but also in his dedication to preserving the history of cinema for future audiences. Martin Scorsese’s legacy is one of storytelling excellence, unflinching honesty, and an enduring love for the art of filmmaking.
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