Legendary Filmmaker Martin Scorsese Talks Challenges of Filmmaking at 80
Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, famed for classics like “Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas,” opened up about the rigors of filmmaking at the ripe age of 80. During the London Film Festival screening of his latest creation, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Scorsese shared insights into his enduring passion for the craft.
When asked whether he ever felt like taking a break, Scorsese bluntly responded, “The point is it’s very hard work and you have to really want to do it.”
This revelation has left movie enthusiasts in a bit of a shock, as Scorsese has recently mused about the possibility of making just one more film. He emphasized, “To be on a movie set or on a location, to be involved in the production, you have to want to do it; it has to be something that you’re burning to say.”
In his latest cinematic venture, Scorsese rekindles his collaboration with actor Leonardo DiCaprio. The film, a somber western of sorts, unveils the forgotten tale of a series of killings in Oklahoma during the 1920s and 1930s. These gruesome events unfolded as indigenous Native Americans faced violence during a ruthless land grab for the oil beneath their settlements.
Scorsese expressed his disappointment over the US actors’ strikes, which prevented some of the cast from joining him on the red carpet to promote the film. The strikes, initiated by SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Union members, aim to secure greater protection regarding the use of AI by studios. This comes at a time when cinemas are still grappling with audiences yet to return to pre-COVID levels.
However, amidst these challenges, Scorsese remains optimistic about the future of film. He placed his hope in new technology and the younger generation’s ability to shape the future of cinema. He said, “My hopes are with the new technology, with younger people seeing it in a new way, that cinema will evolve into a new form. That’s up to the younger people.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is scheduled for release on October 20.