Martin Scorsese wants young filmmakers to make cinema over “content”

Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese recently shared his perspective on the future of cinema, urging young filmmakers to embrace innovation and highlighting the distinction between cinematic experiences and mere “content.” Speaking at the BFI’s London Film Festival during a Screen Talk with host Edgar Wright, Scorsese discussed his extensive career, spanning from his breakthrough film “Mean Streets” in 1974 to his latest project, “Killers Of The Flower Moon,” featuring Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Scorsese, who has previously critiqued franchise films like those produced by Marvel, emphasized that the destiny of cinema lies in the hands of both filmmakers and audiences. He humorously remarked, “I didn’t want to be the last line of defence,” and expressed uncertainty about the future of cinema. He encouraged everyone to question whether cinema must adhere to the conventions of the past century, acknowledging his own preference for the cinematic traditions of the past while acknowledging that change is inevitable.

The director contended that young people, with their unique perspectives and the influence of evolving technology, have the potential to “reinvent” the cinematic landscape. He pondered the evolving significance of a single shot in modern cinema, acknowledging the transformative impact of technology on the medium. Scorsese believes that this era presents unprecedented creative freedom and called on filmmakers to rethink how they convey their stories.

While expressing concerns about the dominance of franchise films in theaters, Scorsese expressed hope that there would still be a place for “serious” films on the big screen in the future. He stressed the importance of preserving the possibility for “serious” films to reach a broad audience through the cinematic experience.

When Edgar Wright suggested that Scorsese prefers filmmakers to be directors rather than mere “content providers,” Scorsese drew a clear distinction between the two terms. He likened “content” to something disposable, akin to candy, while characterizing cinema as an art form that can enrich and transform lives.

In addition to discussing the future of cinema, Scorsese touched upon his past experiences in filmmaking. He recounted how his 1982 film, “The King Of Comedy,” was initially perceived as a commercial failure upon its release. He explained that audience expectations for a collaboration between Robert De Niro and himself differed from the unconventional and subversive nature of the film, which led to its rejection at the time.

In closing, Martin Scorsese’s insights into the evolving landscape of cinema underscore the importance of embracing innovation while preserving the essence of cinematic artistry. His call for young filmmakers to challenge conventions and think critically about storytelling in the digital age reflects a deep commitment to the craft and an enduring passion for the medium. As “Killers Of The Flower Moon” prepares for its release, Scorsese’s wisdom serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of cinema and the limitless potential for artistic expression in the digital era.