Martin Scorsese
American filmmaker and major figure of the New Hollywood era.
A major figure of the New Hollywood era, he is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential directors in the history of cinema.
- field
- Filmmaker
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Directing films such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Departed
Lore & Background
Martin Scorsese was born in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York City, and grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan. Raised in a predominantly Catholic environment, Scorsese developed a passion for cinema as a boy after his parents and older brother took him to movie theaters due to his asthma.
Reader's Guide
Martin Scorsese's significance lies in his profound influence on American cinema, particularly as a central figure of the New Hollywood era. His films, often centered on macho-posturing men and exploring crime, machismo, nihilism, and Catholic concepts of guilt and redemption, reflect his Italian-American background and upbringing in New York City. Scorsese's technical innovations—including extensive use of slow motion, freeze frames, and voice-over narration—along with his graphic depictions of violence and profanity, have become hallmarks of his style. His long-term collaborations with actors Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio produced numerous critically and commercially successful films. Beyond directing, Scorsese has been an advocate for film preservation and restoration, founding The Film Foundation in 1990.
Did You Know?
- Scorsese's original family surname was Scozzese, meaning 'Scot' or 'Scottish' in Italian, and was changed to Scorsese because of a transcription error.
- Scorsese initially desired to become a priest and attended a preparatory seminary, but failed after the first year.
- He worked as a gaffer for Albert and David Maysles and as an editor for CBS News, but declined a full-time position to pursue film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which films is Martin Scorsese best known for?
His most recognized titles include Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Departed. These four movies are frequently cited as the core of his artistic legacy.
What era of filmmaking does Martin Scorsese belong to?
He is a defining name in the New Hollywood period. His work during that era helped reshape the landscape of American cinema.
Why do fans and critics rank Martin Scorsese so highly?
His body of work is frequently cited as some of the most powerful and influential in all of cinema. As a central voice of New Hollywood, he changed how filmmakers approach character and narrative.
More in Film & Theater 1-24
Elsewhere in the Film & Theater universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record