Martin Scorsese’s long-awaited film, Killers of the Flower Moon, is set to have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The anticipation surrounding the film’s debut has ignited discussions about Scorsese’s age and the impact it may have on his future projects.
In a recent interview with Deadline, the acclaimed director, now 80 years old, expressed his anxieties about the limited time he has left to tell the stories he desires.
Scorsese revealed his deep passion for filmmaking and his desire to take a break to create more films. However, he acknowledged the reality of his age, lamenting that he reads inspiring material and witnesses captivating events, yet feels the weight of time slipping away.
He referenced the late Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, who, upon receiving an Oscar at the age of 83, stated that he was only beginning to grasp the potential of cinema but felt it was too late. Scorsese now understands the sentiment expressed by Kurosawa and shares his regrets.
The collective concern surrounding Scorsese’s aging process is a testament to his legendary status in the film industry. As one of the key figures emerging from the New Hollywood movement, Scorsese’s contributions have shaped the landscape of cinema. Fans and critics alike recognize his unparalleled understanding of the medium, but they also yearn for his creative output to continue unabated.
Returning to the Cannes Film Festival with Killers of the Flower Moon holds special significance for Scorsese. Cannes is a place where he made history in 1976 with the premiere of his masterpiece, Taxi Driver. Despite facing initial criticism and controversy, the film went on to win the prestigious Palme d’Or award. This recognition solidified Scorsese’s position as a major talent in the industry.
Scorsese’s relationship with Cannes extends beyond Taxi Driver. Two years prior, he showcased his breakthrough film, Mean Streets, at the Directors Fortnight. Cannes served as an international platform for the movie, providing Scorsese with the opportunity to connect with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals. The festival played a crucial role in announcing Scorsese’s arrival and showcasing his potential.
While Scorsese’s appearances at Cannes have become less frequent in recent years, Killers of the Flower Moon marks a significant return. This highly anticipated adaptation of David Grann’s bestselling book features an impressive cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, Jillian Dion, and Tantoo Cardinal.
Although the film will not compete for the Palme d’Or, its inclusion in the official selection holds great importance. Apple, in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, plans to release Killers of the Flower Moon in theaters on October 6. The runtime of the film spans an impressive 206 minutes, promising an immersive experience for audiences.
Looking ahead, Scorsese has expressed interest in directing two potential future projects. One is a collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio, an adaptation of another David Grann book. The second is a Jerry Garcia biopic, with Jonah Hill attached. As discussions turn to the final films of Scorsese’s illustrious career, audiences eagerly anticipate the conclusion of his cinematic journey.
In the meantime, Scorsese invites viewers to make a commitment to his forthcoming 3.5-hour Apple original. He believes it offers a unique and enriching experience that reflects on the world we live in today. Scorsese encourages audiences to embrace the opportunity to immerse themselves in the story, characters, and world he has crafted, as it holds the potential to deeply resonate with their lives.
“The more audiences see these films, the more they want to see other films like them, and then what happens is the audience changes which means the movies that are being made change,” Scorsese said. “There is an audience for special movies, and good movies, for a different way of looking at the world — and not just blockbusters.”
– Martin Scorsese
As Martin Scorsese’s age becomes a subject of collective concern, it is clear that his impact on cinema and his ability to tell captivating stories are irreplaceable. While the passage of time may limit his future projects, Scorsese’s contributions to the medium will forever remain a testament to his talent and passion.
As audiences eagerly await the premiere of Killers of the Flower Moon at Cannes, they do so with a mix of excitement and trepidation, hoping that Scorsese will continue to defy expectations and deliver yet another masterpiece.