Martin Scorsese's Cinema Love: His Top 10 Favorite Films

May 25, 2023, 4:39 a.m. Recommendations Evelyn Lark

Martin Scorsese is one of the most prominent and influential filmmakers in cinematic history. Born on November 17, 1942, in New York City, Scorsese was raised in a strong Catholic environment in the Little Italy neighborhood, a cultural background that would later heavily influence his cinematic style and themes. He initially aspired to become a priest, but his passion for movies led him to pursue a career in filmmaking.

Scorsese studied film at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in film. His career began in the 1960s with short films and documentaries, but he rose to prominence in the 1970s with movies such as "Mean Streets" and "Taxi Driver," the latter of which is often considered one of the greatest films of all time.

His filmography spans decades and crosses various genres, from crime films like "Goodfellas" and "The Departed" to historical dramas such as "Gangs of New York" and "The Aviator." Many of his films explore themes of guilt, redemption, faith, and the violent underbelly of society, often depicted through complex, flawed characters. Scorsese is particularly known for his gritty, kinetic visual style and his use of music to enhance narrative and emotional intensity.

Scorsese's collaborations with actors like Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Joe Pesci have become a hallmark of his career. His ability to elicit powerhouse performances from his cast has resulted in numerous Oscar nominations and wins for his actors.

A passionate advocate for film preservation, Scorsese established The Film Foundation in 1990, an organization dedicated to preserving and restoring classic films. In addition to his prolific directing career, he is also a successful producer, screenwriter, actor, and film historian.

His contribution to the film industry has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Academy Award for Best Director for "The Departed" and the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for "Taxi Driver." Martin Scorsese continues to create thought-provoking and visually stunning movies, solidifying his place as one of the greatest directors of all time.

His Top 10 Favorite Films: