When Martin Scorsese tells you to watch a movie, you watch the damn movie. The legendary director is not just well-established as one of cinema's greatest talents but also acts as the preeminent sage on everything film-related. Having consistently demonstrated his virtuosity behind the camera, Scorsese stands out for his remarkable ability to spotlight other filmmakers' work. His efforts have often included paying homage to cinematic masters like Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger, Andrzej Wajda, and Federico Fellini.
Throughout his career, Scorsese has passionately articulated his belief in cinema as high art, emphasizing storytelling over commercialism and corporate-driven blockbusters. Recently, he expressed his views on classic films, highlighting one title he strongly recommends. Speaking with The Associated Press, the director pointed to the overlooked 1957 political drama, A Face in the Crowd, stating, "People should see A Face in the Crowd over and over again. I think that'll be important." Why is this film so valuable to him? This potent cautionary tale belts out timeless warnings against charismatic, self-serving figures leading followers astray.
Featuring Andy Griffith as Larry 'Lonesome' Rhodes, the film follows the rise of this musician and drifter who, after being discovered by journalist Marcia Jeffries, achieves immense popularity due to his musical prowess and folksy charm. But beneath the surface, Rhodes' character embodies contempt for the people he professes to represent, leading to his eventual downfall. When Scorsese urges viewers to return to the film, he's implicitly recommending reflection on how such characters continue to shape public perception.
Shifting gears to contemporary culture, Scorsese's influence reached the music world recently. SZA's latest release, SOS Deluxe, dropped on December 20, 2024, introducing 15 new tracks, one of which humorously references the filmmaker. Titled “Scorsese Baby Daddy,” this catchy rhythm not only plays with familiar nomenclature but also aligns with Scorsese's reputation for exploring themes of complex drama. SZA's lyrics include the line: “Addicted to the drama / Scorsese baby daddy,” which struck a chord with cultural audiences.
Francesca Scorsese, the daughter of Martin Scorsese, took to Instagram to reveal her father's admission of the song: “SZA, Queen sh*t.” Her post delighted fans, leading SZA to respond with her own message of gratitude. “The fact this isn’t AI, and it is actually Martin Scorsese,” she wrote, astonished by the connection to the acclaimed filmmaker.
This connection isn’t merely coincidental; SZA's work increasingly embodies high-level storytelling often seen within cinema, including her prior collaboration with actor Ben Stiller for the music video of her song “Drive.” The playful name-drop of Scorsese has sparked excitement among fans, with many now hoping it could lead to potential collaborations or even visual interpretations of “Scorsese Baby Daddy” featuring the director himself.
While SZA is reveling in the acclaim, Scorsese continues to shape the cinematic canon. Sometimes seamlessly interlaced with music, his influence also shines brightly through collaborations on significant projects. One such endeavor is the new documentary titled Beatles '64, arriving on Disney+ on November 29, 2024. Produced by Scorsese alongside director David Tedeschi, this documentary utilizes rare footage shot by documentary filmmakers Albert and David Maysles, all restored to create vibrant new experiences for audiences.
Featuring live performances from the Beatles’ monumental American debut and classic appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, the film reassembles past footage using the latest digital techniques. The project sees Scorsese teaming up with industry giants, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and many other integral figures of the Beatles’ legacy.
Enhancing the documentary is the involvement of Peter Jackson, who notoriously transformed Beatles imagery with his previous documentary, Get Back, giving Scorsese's vision the means to reach both existing fans of Beatlemania as well as new audiences unfamiliar with the band’s revolutionary impact.
Scheduled for release just after the reissue of numerous out-of-print Beatles albums on vinyl, both upcoming projects reaffirm Scorsese's commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of music and film – reminding audiences why figures like him remain integral to the narratives we consume.
From the cynical cautionary tales of the past to lighthearted references blending music with cinema, Martin Scorsese remains resiliently engaged with both the classic and the contemporary. His recent projects serve as bridges across generations, offering unique examinations of influences, not just within film but the broader cultural spheres as well.
