Key Takeaways:
– Martin Scorsese regrets glamorizing mafia life in ‘Mean Streets’.
– He felt the glamorization was misplaced and led due to his youthful perspective.
– The director’s rude awakening to life’s harsh realities greatly influenced his work in cinema.
The 1973 movie, ‘Mean Streets’ marked the beginning of a successful collaboration between world-renowned director Martin Scorsese and iconic actor Robert De Niro. This cinema gem told the gripping story of a man stuck between climbing up the mafia ranks and listening to his moral conscience. But did you know, Scorsese holds one significant regret about his direction in the film?
Martin Scorsese’s Regret: Glorifying the Mafia Life
Mean Streets successfully portrayed the tension-struck dichotomy between good and evil, tracing the journey of its protagonist, Charlie. But reflecting on his creation after all these years, Scorsese admitted to having glamorized the mafia life a bit too much. He revealed this in an honest interview with The NY Times, sparking refreshed interest in his early work.
Scorsese stated, “It’s glamorous at first if you’re young and stupid, which a lot of people are. I was.” Evidently, the director believes that portraying mafia life as stylized might have stemmed from his brash youth perspective.
How Scorsese’s Life Influenced His Movies
While exploring Scorsese’s personal life during the interview, it became clear that his life experiences had a significant influence on his films. Scorsese’s films often showcase crime, murder, and the human psyche’s complexity. He attributed this to his own personal awakening.
As a teenager, Scorsese suffered the loss of two dear friends. The harsh realization of the unfairness of life occurred when attending a burial of a friend. He said, “This is what it comes to? To squeeze us in a little plot of land in Queens somewhere, against this ugly, destructive backdrop?”. This realization was his rude awakening, leaving a lasting impression that would greatly influence his film methodology.
His Triumph Over Time
After this life-changing experience, Scorsese went on to engrave his name in moviemaking history. His exceptional storytelling gifts have compelled millions worldwide to anticipate and enjoy his cinematic creations.
Despite Scorsese’s self-confessed misstep of overly glamorizing crime, ‘Mean Streets’ has received high ratings from audiences and critics alike. The film currently holds a 7.2/10 rating on IMDB and an impressive 94% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
Wrapping Up
Nearly five decades since its release, ‘Mean Streets’ continues to elicit strong reactions in viewers worldwide, not only because of the star-studded cast but also because of its masterful storytelling. It serves as an enduring reminder of Scorsese’s journey as a filmmaker. It reveals his transformation from a young, brash director making his first strides to the creative genius he is today.
His expressed regret on the glamorization of mafia lifestyle is indeed valuable, giving both fans and critics a fresh perspective on his film. Scorsese’s acknowledgment demonstrates his growth over the years and his commitment to portray the real world, including its harsh realities and nuances.
Scorsese’s personal awakening and life experiences have been pivotal in shaping the narrative style he is celebrated for. This revelation indeed enhances his standing in the hearts of his global audience, adding another layer of depth to his bodywork.
You can watch ‘Mean Streets’ and make your judgments on Hoopla, where it is currently streaming in the U.S. We encourage every movie enthusiast out there to take a slice out of classic cinema and see the origins of one of Hollywood’s most remarkable partnerships – Scorsese and De Niro.
