A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies (1995)
Average Rating: 8.5/10
Reviews Counted: 12
Fresh: 12 | Rotten: 0
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Release Date: Jan 1, 1995 Wide
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In 1994, the British Film Institute commissioned a set of films to mark the centenary of the movies. They would trace the history of several national cinemas, and the BFI's choice for interpreting the history of American film fell to director Martin Scorsese, a longtime champion of film history and preservation. Scorsese's approach to his subject is director-centered, as he examines the tension inherent in the struggle of an artist wishing to make a personal statement against the collaborative
Jan 1, 1995 Wide
Sep 12, 2000
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All Critics (14) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (12) | Rotten (0) | DVD (6)
For a thorough overview of film history and the art behind films ... can be no better guide than Martin Scorsese
Obviously, the man knows his movies.
Essential and joyful--a real blast.
Film buffs will savor Scorsese's enthusiasm for the medium and his championing of those who remained true to their vision.
Watching this documentary, we not only raise our appreciation for film art in general, but we also better understand Scorsese's vision in particular.
A dizzying and tantalizing skate across the surface of a deep and wonderful lake.
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Foreign Titles
- Personal Journey With Martin Scorsese through American Movies (DE)
- Personal Journey With Martin Scorsese through American Movies (UK)
Yeah, Marty only covers from silent filmsthrough the 1950s, with only a few entries from the 60s and 70s getting touched upon, and the genres are limited to primarily westerns, gangster films, and musicals for the most part, but this all gets made up for by Scorsese's obvious love, passion, and enthusiasm for the subject, and due ot the fact that, unlike a lot of documentaries, the clips that are shown here are often rather lengthy, and are given time to breathe, whether Scorsese talks over parts of them or not. Seriously, these clips sometimes go on for a few minutes at a time. Of course, along with this come a great many spoilers for the films he covers in depth, but if you've already seen them, then it's okay.
Even though the scope and depth in the broadest sense are limited, the fine print is where this film really shines, and why it happens to be nearly 4 hours long. Divided into parts, Scorsese looks at the changes within select genres over the years, the various factors related to those genres, and the effects this all had on movies and society at large. He also looks at technical innovations, social factors, and the messages, both discreet and overt, that directors threw in to really shape their visions.
It's basically a film class, taught by a real master, where you don't have to take tests or pay for textbooks. It's enjoyable and highly informative, and just listening to Scorsese ramble is a great pleasure in and of itself. If you love movies, then you really out to see this.