Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese is one of those directors that gets my attention IMMEDIATELY upon release of a new film. So basically, there are not many that I have missed and certainly not from "The Book".

Mean Streets (1973) Scorsese's first real film that would feature a signature style. Gritty street-wise characters, bloody-violence, guilt (especially Catholic guilt) and redemption. First of long string of films with Robert DeNiro.

Taxi Driver (1976) DeNiro isTravis Bickle. The anti-hero in this raw story of a confused man looking for an outlet for his disgust with the human race, especially as seen in New York City. Seems to have trouble relating to women. For Travis, the stock piling of an arsenal leads him to contemplating the assassination of a presidential candidate. While that doesn't come to pass, he turns his attention to a more noble cause as he tries to help a young streetwalker out of her situation.

Raging Bull (1980) The story of prize fighter Jake LaMotta (Robert DeNiro, of course) career. From highest to lowest. It is amazing to see Deniro's transformation from lean, mean punching machine to over-weight, wash up. An early film for Joe Pesci, who would play major roles in a few more Scorsese films.

The King of Comedy (1983) Rupert Pupkin (DeNiro, again) is an aspiring stand-up comic who is willing to kidnap a late night talk show host (played by a no nonsense Jerry Lewis) for a chance at the big time.

Goodfellas (1990) Probably the greatest underworld crime drama ever. Focuses on a character going from his teen years as a valet for the local pizza parlor that serves as the headquarters for the syndicate's operations through the end when he turns states evidence. It follow Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) with retrospective voice over, ending with Henry in the witness chair, who turns to the camera to finish his tale for the audience, not the court. DeNiro and Pesci add to the authenticity by providing tough performances as wise guys.

Casino (1995) Certainly a good film but I felt like it was just a continuation of previous mob film. Could easiliy have been "GoodfellasII, the Further Adventures of Jimmy and Tommy". The story leaves NY behind and focuses on the syndicates involvement in Las Vegas.

Gangs of New York (2002) An amazing period piece showing the rise of gangs in 1800's New York City. First time that Leonardo DiCaprio would work with Scorsese. It seems that DeNiro has passed the torch to Leo. Between portrayal of Bill "The Butcher" Cutting by Daniel Day-Lewis and the costume, setting it feels like some kind of alternate reality fable.

The Aviator (2004) A straight story about the life of Howard Hughes from aviation pioneer through his Hollywood years and his business aviation while shedding light on his germophobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hughes.

Notable exclusions: In my humble opinion, the absence of "The Last Temptation of Christ" is possibly the biggest flaw in "The Book's" represention of the best of Scorsese's career.