Martin Scorsese on the U.S. Election: “Democracy Could Continue, or This Experiment Could End”

Martin Scorsese on the U.S. Election: “Democracy Could Continue, or This Experiment Could End”

As a lifelong cinephile and student of cinema history, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for Martin Scorsese. His unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to continuously reinvent himself is truly inspiring. From his early works like “Mean Streets” and “Taxi Driver,” to the epic masterpieces of recent years like “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Silence,” Scorsese has consistently pushed the boundaries of what cinema can achieve.


There was talk that Martin Scorsese might be retiring due to delays in his upcoming movies about Frank Sinatra and Jesus. However, he has clarified these rumors, stating at a press conference during the Turin Film Festival on Monday: “I’m not bidding farewell to cinema whatsoever.” He further expressed his intention to continue making films, adding, “I still have more stories to tell, and I pray that I am granted the strength to do so.

Tonight, I’ll be graced with the Stella della Mole award in Turin, a moment that feels surreal. Friends like Willem Dafoe, the esteemed Giuseppe Tornatore, and the talented Dante Ferretti will be there to celebrate me. I can hardly wait!

In an informal chat with reporters in Turin, Scorsese voiced his opinions about the approaching U.S. elections as well.

During the filming of ‘Gangs of New York’ at Cinecittà, we portrayed a savage, bloody 19th-century America, with a ruthless character — Bill the Butcher, played by Daniel Day-Lewis. It seems such individuals are resurfacing once more. The future is uncertain in a few weeks’ time, as he spoke in reference to the November 5 election,” said [the person], “Either democracy may persist, or this endeavor could come to an end.

The director spoke up once more, drawing parallels between the present political situation and his 2002 historical movie, “Gangs of New York,” which portrays the conflict between rival Irish gangs in New York at the end of the 1800s. He expressed a sense of déjà vu, saying, “I never thought I’d witness such a moment. It evokes the feelings Federico Fellini had while shooting Satyricon, as he walked through Rome, stating, ‘I feel like I’m back in ancient Roman times.’ Today, I find myself transported to the world of ‘Gangs of New York,’ a film depicting brutal conflicts among immigrant ethnic groups battling for dominance over New York and, symbolically, America.

As a passionate cinephile, I had the privilege to attend an event where Martin Scorsese was present, introduced by none other than the president of Turin’s Cinema Museum, Enzo Ghigo, and the outgoing director, Domenico De Gaetano. During this gathering, he shared insights about his ongoing cinematic endeavor that centers around Italy.

As I traverse the scenic route between Ustica and Taormina, I’m capturing footage for a documentary that delves into marine archaeology – a field that’s been my fascination for quite some time now. This project is inspired by the Shipwreck of Sicily research, spearheaded by the brilliant British underwater archaeologist Lisa Briggs. Using cutting-edge DNA analysis on artifacts retrieved from ancient shipwrecks, she paints a vivid picture of the tales of ships, sailors, and their cargo that sailed in eras long past.

The upcoming documentary, a collaborative effort with Sicily, is planned to capture footage at various locations such as the Selinunte Archaeological Park, Pantelleria, the Museum of the Dancing Satyr in Mazara del Vallo, and the Salinas Archaeological Museum in Palermo. Scorsese expressed his emotions by stating, “Upon witnessing an amphora retrieved from the sea, I felt a profound connection.

Apart from that, he’s planning to stop by Polizzi Generosa, a town known to him through his grandfather Francesco. It’s interesting to note that our surname, ‘Scorzese,’ might have an ‘z’ ending, potentially indicating some ancient links to Scotland. This is what Scorsese mused on.

Transitioning from archaeological discoveries to speculating about the future, Scorsese pondered over the evolution of cinema: “Perhaps someday, films might be experienced via a chip embedded within our brains. Visualize ‘Orlando Furioso’ [the Italian epic poem by Ludovico Ariosto from the 1500s] or ‘Hamlet’ in virtual reality. The Prince of Denmark would appear before you as if he were truly present. However, regardless of the technology, one aspect will always remain crucial: Can you convey a message? Can you narrate a story? Tales aid us in comprehending ourselves.

Inquired about the frequent violent scenes in his art, Scorsese explained that violence manifests itself in various ways: “I believe violence is inherent within us. Throughout my upbringing, I witnessed it everywhere. I’ve seen good people commit evil acts. Violence isn’t merely confined to physical altercations; it can be found lurking beneath the surface of polite conversations and business negotiations. It’s often disguised as something more refined or civilized. Even when we choose not to confront someone directly, that too, is a form of violence.

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2024-10-07 23:26