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To Be a Filmmaker: Pesci on Scorsese
From: American Film Institute
| By:
Joe Pesci |
EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION |
What's it like to work with acclaimed director Martin Scorsese? Joe Pesci (right), who has worked with Scorsese on several projects, including Casino (1995), GoodFellas (1990) and Raging Bull (1980), talks about Scorsese's directorial style and the controversial use of violence in his films. |
 hile there were, and are, many great directors, for me the greatest is Martin. Why? First of all, he's a filmmaker. He can take a story and rewrite it. If it's fiction, he can make it real, and if it's true he can bring it to the screen. Martin can take a camera and make a movie all by himself. He can light it, shoot it, and God knows, he and Thelma Schoonmaker can edit it like no one else. |
Martin can cast better than any casting director. He's tireless in his search for the right actors to play his roles. And when he finds them, he frees them and lets them go. "Don't act! Behave!" he says. He is the most supportive director I've ever worked for. He has no ego. He asks the actor how he thinks the scene should be played. Martin has allowed me to rewrite scenes and dialogue and to write scenes and direct them. He is the greatest audience I have ever worked in front of. Martin is like a great conductor leading an orchestra: He stands next to the camera, and you can feel him giving you levels and crescendos and accents and timing while you're playing your instrument for him. |
Martin loves actors and we love him. If you're in trouble with a scene, he knows just how to tell you to find the emotions or attitude needed to play the scene properly. He is truly amazing. I have never met anyone more dedicated to great filmmaking and acting in my life. And how about his tireless efforts to restore and preserve our classic films? He gives his money, talent and time for all of us. |
You may have heard that Martin was going to become a priest. Some of us still fondly refer to him as "the Monsignor." In my eyes, he is a great spiritual leader. Even though many people think that Martin, Bob and I are ambassadors of violence, I can assure you, we detest it as much as everyone else. But, under Martin's watchful and meticulous eye, he tries to show how terrible and violent life can be. If you never see the evil man can do, you will never long for the goodness. |
You should see Martin on the set when he's talking about any subject. He's so inspirational. Sometimes there are actors and crew members sitting on the floor around him like a flock listening to the shepherd. I've never seen film crews more eager to work and please "the Master." |
For me, Martin has awakened my spiritual side to unbelievable heights. We talk for hours about life, death and spirituality. I can't say enough about how much I love and respect him. Honest to God. |
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