Over the span of his remarkable filmmaking career, the native son of New York’s Little Italy, Martin Scorsese, has contributed significantly to the cinematic landscape with 27 feature films and 17 documentaries to his credit. It's quite remarkable that this masterful director has garnered eight Best Director nominations, only securing his first win for his 2006 masterpiece, The Departed. Given his extensive repertoire of exceptional cinema, American Domani has curated a list of seven must-watch movies from Martin Scorsese's body of work.
Who’s That Knocking at My Door (1967)
"Who's That Knocking at My Door," marked Martin Scorsese's groundbreaking entrance into feature films and initiated his long-standing collaboration with actor Harvey Keitel. The movie follows the story of a young man, played by Keitel, struggling to accept the woman he's drawn towards, portrayed by Zina Bethune, due to her painful past. The film foreshadows Scorsese's future cinematic direction, with its exploration of darker themes and gritty realism. Described as “fresh, experimental, and unrefined”, this debut feature provides a compelling glimpse into the beginning stages of Scorsese's directorial evolution.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
With his Roman-Catholic roots deeply influencing his storytelling, Martin Scorsese frequently intertwines aspects of Christianity into his cinematic narrative. You could argue that in Scorsese’s creative journey, he grapples with his faith. In his controversial film, "The Last Temptation of Christ," based on the novel of the same name by Nikos Kazantzakis, Scorsese provoked Catholic audiences with his depiction of Jesus and the implication of Mary Magdalene as his lover. However, Scorsese's rendition portrays Jesus as a real person capable of complex emotions and vulnerable to love. The film earned Scorsese a nomination for best director, underscoring his capacity to challenge established norms in film.
Goodfellas (1990)
No compilation of Martin Scorsese's cinematic masterpieces would be complete without the mention of the iconic 1990 mob film, Goodfellas. Positioned against many incredible crime films, Goodfellas stands out from the rest through the exploration of powerful themes such as familial ties, unwavering loyalty, and the enthralling yet terrifying life of the mafia, all based on Nicholas Pileggi's book, Wiseguys. The film provides an authentic and intense depiction of the tumultuous journey of mobster Henry Hill, brought to life by the unforgettable performance of the late Ray Liotta. We watch as the film details the allure of being in the mafia only to gradually witness its downfall resulting from indulgence and deceit. Despite losing to Dances With Wolves at the Oscars, Goodfellas' impact and storytelling brilliance were not overlooked. Joe Pesci, known for his riveting portrayal of the complex and volatile character, was awarded the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Cape Fear (1991)
Martin Scorsese's 1991 remake of the 1952 film by J. Lee Thompson, Cape Fear, is a chilling testament to the filmmaker's ability to reinvent classic narratives. The film follows Robert De Niro, who embodies the haunting character of a convicted rapist released from prison and consumed by vengeance against the public defender he holds responsible for his conviction. As the plot unfolds, viewers are subjected to a nerve-wracking experience, watching De Niro's character torment the lawyer's family. The intensity is amplified by Scorsese's utilization of lighting and sound techniques, casting a sinister ambiance over the entire movie. Both Robert De Niro and Juliette Lewis received Oscar nominations for their performances.
Gangs of New York (2002)
Martin Scorsese's historical epic, Gangs of New York, vividly weaves a tale of revenge set in the tumultuous backdrop of 1862 New York. The film showcases Leonardo DiCaprio as the driven lead and Daniel Day-Lewis as the chilling villain, delivering mesmerizing monologues throughout. DiCaprio's character, Amsterdam Vallon, returns to the infamous Five Points Area seeking vengeance on Day-Lewis's Bill the Butcher, his father's killer. Despite its captivating narrative and superb performances, the film, intriguingly, did not secure any of its ten Oscar nominations.
Shutter Island (2010)
Shutter Island, Martin Scorsese's version of the psychological thriller genre, is the adaptation of Dennis Lehane's novel of the same name. Featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, the narrative unwinds the intriguing mission of Federal Marshals Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule as they navigate a remote asylum investigating a patient's baffling disappearance. Though the film presents a suspenseful journey peppered with twists and slow revelations, it fell short of the usual Scorsese acclaim, failing to secure any recognition at the Oscars.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
The Wolf of Wall Street, a deviation from Scorsese's traditional crime films, presents Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker exploiting the financial system for personal wealth. The film follows his rise in the industry, accumulating an exorbitant fortune through deceit. While it doesn’t use Scorsese's typical focus on violent white-collar crimes, audiences were equally captivated by DiCaprio's swagger, providing unexpected comedic moments. Performing alongside Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie, the film earned 82 nominations and took home 22 awards.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.