As we all know, Martin Scorsese is one of the greatest directors in the history of cinema. His style, technique, and craft have been imitated and influential since his 1967 debut, Who’s That Knocking at My Door? However, he is also a truly gifted artist who became a major figure of the New Hollywood era during the late ’60s and ’70s, especially when he made short films during his time at NYU. The five shorts that accompany the release from Criterion, signify his artistic and innovative developments that would eventually lead to one of the most seminal and important directing careers of all-time.
They include:
- Italianamerican: An intimate snapshot of his parents (Catherine and Charles Scorsese).
- American Boy: An uninhibited portrait of a larger-than-life raconteur.
- The Big Shave: A bracing response to the Vietnam War.
- What’s a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This?: A rousing portrait of a writer who buys a picture of a boat, which changes his life forever.
- It’s Not Just You, Murray!: A stark depiction of a middle-aged mobster’s reflections of his humble beginnings to being wealthy and infamous.
Also included are some pretty neat supplements, such as new conversation between Scorsese and film critic Farran Smith Nehme; a new discussion with filmmakers the Sadfie Brothers (Josh and Benny) and Ari Aster; and a public radio interview with Scorsese from 1970. Lastly, there is a booklet with a new essay by critic Bilge Ebiri and materials from Scorsese’s archives (storyboards, treatments, and correspondence).
If you’re a die-hard fan of Scorsese and his incredible cinema, film in general, or need a much-needed boost to your film studies, then I highly recommend adding this amazing set to your collection. It’s Scorsese-approved!
Other notable releases:
Husbands (Criterion): John Cassavetes’ grueling and unflinching portrait of toxic masculinity, starring Cassavetes, Peter Falk, and Ben Gazzara as a trio of Long Island men who channel their grief into an epic, extended bender after the death of their best friend.
Wildlife (Criterion): A haunting coming-of-age story about a 14-year-old named Joe, the only child of a housewife and pro golfer (Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal). When an uncontrollable fire rages near the Canadian border, Joe’s father decides to join in fighting the fire, leaving him and his mother to fend for themselves. When he becomes an adult, he witnesses his mother’s struggle to keep her sanity.
The Deer Hunter (Shout Factory 4K): The harrowing 1978 masterpiece, starring film legends Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage as three Vietnam veterans trying to adjust to normal, civilian lives. They realize that the horrors of war are no match for the horrors that await them in the future.
The Invisible Man: Elisabeth Moss stars in the acclaimed modern version of the H.G. Wells novel, as a terrified woman who may or may not be stalked by her abusive ex-husband.
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (Shout Factory): Late, great director Sidney Lumet’s astounding thriller, starring Ethan Hawke and the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman as brothers who organize the robbery of their parents’ jewelry store, which goes awry, triggering a series of events that they don’t see coming. Also starring Marisa Tomei, Rosemary Harris and the late, great Albert Finney.
