In Martin Scorsese’s recent films, “The Irishman” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the renowned director takes a new approach to depicting violence. Gone are the stylized and intricately edited set pieces that characterized his earlier work. Instead, Scorsese presents violence in a more grim, blunt, and fast-paced manner. He opts for wide shots and medium-wides, allowing the audience to observe the brutality from a distance. The absence of musical accompaniment further emphasizes the harsh reality of the killings. This stripped-down portrayal of violence, focused on its raw essence, may stem from Scorsese’s own contemplation of mortality and a desire to present violence as he remembers it, rather than how it is often glamorized in films.
I. Rethinking Violence in Scorsese’s Recent Films
A. Introduction to Scorsese’s recent films
In his recent films “The Irishman” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese has taken a fresh approach to the portrayal of violence. Known for his intense, gritty, and often stylized depictions of violence, Scorsese has challenged himself to rethink his approach and present violence in a more grim, blunt, and fast-paced manner. This departure from his earlier work has sparked conversations among critics and audiences alike, as Scorsese continues to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
B. Portrayal of violence in a grim, blunt, and fast-paced manner
Scorsese’s recent films demonstrate a significant departure from his previous stylized and intricately edited set pieces. In “The Irishman” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” he has traded in the meticulously choreographed violence of films like “Goodfellas” and “Casino” for a more straightforward and brutally honest portrayal. This change in approach allows Scorsese to focus on the brutality and harsh reality of violence without the embellishments that may have accompanied his earlier works.
II. Departure from Stylized and Intricately Edited Set Pieces
A. Scorsese’s earlier work and its stylized set pieces
Throughout his career, Scorsese has been celebrated for his ability to create stylized and intricately edited set pieces that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Films like “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull” showcase his mastery of crafting violence in a way that is both beautiful and powerful. These earlier works often featured meticulously choreographed fight scenes, accompanied by carefully chosen music and innovative editing techniques.
B. Transition to a different approach in recent films
However, in “The Irishman” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Scorsese takes a departure from these stylized set pieces and instead goes for a more raw and unpolished approach. This shift can be attributed to his desire to portray violence in a manner that aligns more closely with his own personal experiences and memories. By moving away from the stylized depiction of violence, Scorsese aims to present a more honest and unvarnished portrayal.
III. Increased Use of Wide Shots and Medium-Wides
A. Observing violence from a distance
One notable change in Scorsese’s recent films is the increased use of wide shots and medium-wides in the depiction of violence. Rather than immersing the audience in the middle of the action, Scorsese chooses to observe the violence from a distance. This stylistic choice creates a sense of detachment, allowing the audience to witness the brutality without getting lost in the graphic details.
B. The impact of wide shots and medium-wides on audience perception
By employing wide shots and medium-wides, Scorsese offers the audience a broader perspective on violence. This approach encourages viewers to consider the larger implications and consequences of violent acts, rather than becoming solely focused on the immediate action. Furthermore, this distancing effect prompts the audience to critically examine the consequences of violence, evoking a more contemplative response rather than simple shock value.
IV. Depiction of Violence without Musical Accompaniment
A. The absence of music highlighting the harsh reality
In Scorsese’s recent films, violence is often depicted without musical accompaniment. This deliberate choice serves to highlight the harsh reality of the killings and remove any romanticization that may typically be associated with violence in cinema. By stripping away the emotional cues provided by music, Scorsese forces the audience to confront the brutality in its rawest form.
B. Emphasizing the rawness and authenticity of the violence
The absence of music in the portrayal of violence also emphasizes the rawness and authenticity of the scenes. Without the cushioning effect of a musical score, the audience is left to confront the violence on a visceral level. This unadorned depiction aims to convey the true impact and consequences of violent acts, allowing the audience to experience the gravity of the situation without any artistic embellishments.
V. Stripped Down and Focused Portrayal of Violence
A. Shifting the spotlight to the essence of violence
Scorsese’s recent films place a greater emphasis on the essence of violence itself. Rather than getting caught up in elaborate set designs or intricate action sequences, the focus is squarely on the act of violence and its effects. This stripped-down approach allows the audience to examine the violence in its purest form, devoid of any distractions or excess artifice.
B. Simplifying the depiction for greater impact
By simplifying the depiction of violence, Scorsese seeks to make a greater impact on the audience. He wants viewers to confront the reality of violence head-on, without any cinematic tricks or manipulations. This simplicity serves to heighten the emotional impact of the violence, as the audience is presented with a stark and unfiltered portrayal that cuts straight to the core.
VI. Influence of Scorsese’s Mortality on Violence Portrayal
A. Scorsese’s own mortality as a driving force
It is worth considering how Scorsese’s own mortality may have influenced his recent portrayal of violence. As a seasoned filmmaker who has witnessed the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life, Scorsese’s mortality becomes a driving force behind his artistic choices. The urgency to portray violence realistically and non-glamorously may stem from a deep-seated desire to capture the essence of mortality itself.
B. Desire to portray violence realistically and non-glamorously
Throughout his career, Scorsese has challenged conventions and sought to present a more realistic portrayal of violence. His recent films take this desire to a new level, leaving behind the stylized and glamorous depictions often seen in mainstream cinema. By diving into the harsh reality of violence, Scorsese demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of his storytelling, even if it means confronting the uncomfortable truth head-on.
In conclusion, Martin Scorsese’s recent films “The Irishman” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” showcase a rethinking of violence in his body of work. Departing from his earlier stylized and intricately edited set pieces, Scorsese opts for a more grim, blunt, and fast-paced portrayal of violence. Through the increased use of wide shots and medium-wides, the absence of music, and a stripped-down and focused approach, Scorsese aims to present violence as he remembers it, devoid of the glamor and romanticization often found in cinema. This exploration of violence may be influenced by Scorsese’s own mortality, driving him to seek a more authentic and unfiltered portrayal, making audiences confront the gravity and consequences of violence in its purest form.
