Scorsese on Scorsese

by David Thompson and Martin Scorsese

Book Overview

In this book, Scorsese discusses his enormously controversial film, The Last Temptation of Christ, and expresses a passionate view of the cinema. He describes the battles to make the film and the text is illustrated with stills and sketches from his own archive.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0571152430
• ISBN13: 9780571152438
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Length: 178 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Master of His Craft, in His Own Voice

Now that Hollywood has finally given Scorsese his due with what amounted to a career-Oscar, the time is ripe to read the revised edition of this superb book. The questions asked of the director are intelligent, not fawning, and his answer's are lengthy and fascinating. The generous space devoted to his childhood and early years help one better understand why Scorsese has been so attracted to a particular genre and how he executes it so well. This director is, of course, immensely knowledgeable about the history of film, and his comments on other directors' work are fascinating. A readable mine of information about one of the most important popular artists of our time.

A Book That Would Satisfy ANY Scorsese Fan

I bought this book out of respect and deep admiration for Martin Scorsese. What I got was keen insight into a creative genius. The numerous interviews reveal a side to Scorsese that not many people see outside the camera. It's a lot more personal than that. When he talks about his movies, he ultimately parallels them to what his life was like at that time. So it's a fine blend of his personal life mixed with his professional life. There's also the obvious vibe that this man always was and always will be a student of film; his passion is infinite. Perhaps that's what makes him as influential and well-respected as he is.You're the best there is, Marty!!

Answers Scorsese Fans' FAQS

This reader felt almost privileged to read these interviews, lectures, and conversations with Martin Scorsese. He simply shares everything, and indeed he is, if nothing else, a true fan of movies! The insightful words of Scorsese, arranged to parallel his filmography up through New York Stories, are annotated by the redoubtable editors Thompson and Christie. Scorsese is arguably the greatest postmodern artist, (and I would have to say the only postmodernist I unhesitatingly adore -with possible exception of Matt Groening), and the reader really gets to see how Scorsese constructs a film. His inspirations are as predictable as directors Pasolini and Powell, yet as diverse as Mahatma Ghandi and Little Richard. He loves all with equanimity and enthusiasm.That's the joy of this book... the guy loves movies, loves making them, and all that energy just shines through.Extremely valuable resource for the student of film, but good fun for the humble film buff, too. Bonus: interesting black and white photos you won't find elsewhere. Excellent (though naturally out-of-date) filmography appendix.

A fascinating peek inside the mind of a film master

I absolutely devoured this book, essentially reading in two sittings a day apart. A rare and privledged look into the mind of Scorsese in his own words, followers of his work will be thrilled with the insights and anecdotes. Anyone half-aware of the man's work can recognize the thought that goes into it, but these interviews reveal the incredible depth and passion for film and its history that underlies his craft.An essential read for anyone that considers her- or himself a film buff.

Scorsese guides you through his life and american cinema

I thought this was a very good book, an essential for any scorsese or film buff. It's hard to take your eye's off it once you start you become entranced.