Martin Scorsese's Comparison to Quentin Tarantino: Similarities Explored

The Big Picture

Martin Scorsese, a highly acclaimed filmmaker, discusses his career and new movie, emphasizing his intention to continue doing what he loves despite his age.

Scorsese acknowledges that his storytelling approach differs from that of a writer, specifically emphasizing Quentin Tarantino's talent for crafting his own unique universe through writing, which Scorsese himself is unable to replicate.

Killers of the Flower Moon holds great importance for Scorsese, reuniting him with his frequent collaborators Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. The profound bond Scorsese shares with them has played a significant role in shaping the course of cinema history.

It is widely accepted that Martin Scorsese is among the most talented filmmakers globally. His numerous Academy Awards nominations and diverse filmography, spanning from gangster movies to documentaries on unique individuals, validate this reputation. Even at the age of 80, the director has no plans to stop doing what he loves. In an interview with The Associated Press, Scorsese delved into his illustrious career and discussed his latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon.

During the interview, Scorsese took the opportunity to acknowledge his equally esteemed colleague, Quentin Tarantino. While discussing the areas where he feels he lacks, Scorsese highlighted Tarantino's exceptional ability to craft his own universe and transform it into a screenplay. Scorsese humbly confessed that he does not possess this particular talent, instead sharing that his approach to storytelling differs significantly:

“[Tarantino is] a writer. It’s a distinct craft. Stories captivate me through various sources and avenues. Therefore, I believe the approach is different… My sincere admiration goes to writers and I yearn for the ability to immerse myself in a room and craft these expansive narratives. Not films, but novels. Tales that span the pages.”

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Scorseses Breaks Down His Process With 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and Other Projects

In Scorsese's view, his process diverges significantly from that of a writer. Initially, he immerses himself in the story, absorbing its intricacies, and if it piques his curiosity, he will diligently find a way to bring it to life. Only later does he shift his focus to the characters and, ultimately, "the spectacle around them." This approach partly explains the substantial transformation undergone by Leonardo DiCaprio's character in the course of producing Killers of the Flower Moon.

At this stage of his career, any movie by Scorsese holds significance, but Killers of the Flower Moon is particularly noteworthy as it reunites the director with two of his most frequent collaborators: DiCaprio and Robert De Niro (Amsterdam). In a recent interview with Our website, Scorsese revealed that his continued collaboration with this duo is partly due to his long-standing friendship with DeNiro during their youth, where they shared a passion for revolutionizing cinema through iconic films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. DiCaprio, who was recommended by DeNiro, quickly forged a strong connection with the director while working on The Aviator and further solidified their bond during the production of The Departed.

Killers of the Flower Moon is currently showing in theaters worldwide. Take the opportunity to watch it at your local cinema.

Killers of the Flower Moon is an upcoming film directed by Martin Scorsese set to be released on October 20, 2023. The movie features a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, Tantoo Cardinal, and Cara Jade Myers. With a runtime of 206 minutes, the film is rated R and is produced by Paramount Pictures. The screenplay is written by David Grann and Eric Roth.

You can watch the full Scorsese interview below: