Ari Aster recently expressed his admiration for Martin Scorsese during a roundtable discussion at the New York Film Festival. This event centered around Rebecca Miller’s new documentary, “Mr. Scorsese,” which had its premiere at the festival. The five-part series from Apple TV+ explores Scorsese’s extensive career through a candid 20-hour conversation.
Ari Aster’s Insights on Scorsese’s Impact
Aster emphasized the liberating influence of certain filmmakers, particularly Scorsese. He stated, “I don’t like prescriptive art. I like difficult work.” Aster highlighted how Scorsese’s films often challenge expectations, noting that even celebrated works like “The King of Comedy” and “The Age of Innocence” faced mixed receptions over the years.
Reflecting on Career Reception
- Aster’s earlier films, “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” were well-received.
- His later works, “Beau is Afraid” and “Eddington,” garnered less favorable reviews.
He remarked on the emotionally taxing experience of releasing a film, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to release a film. It’s heartbreaking when it goes well… There’s something very alienating about it.” This sentiment resonates with many filmmakers who navigate the complexities of audience reception.
Documentary Highlights
Rebecca Miller described the backbone of her documentary as the intimate conversation with Scorsese. This dialogue unfolded over five years and included moments where they would work without crew distractions, allowing for deeper reflections. Miller noted that Scorsese aimed to convey honesty and originality in the documentary, saying he wanted to “till new earth.”
Support for Young Filmmakers
Scorsese’s mentorship of younger filmmakers has not gone unnoticed. Aster, along with panelists Michael Imperioli and Margaret Bodde, acknowledged his support. They highlighted the importance of Scorsese as a guiding force in the industry.
As the conversation continued, Aster reflected on the specific nature of film-making and the questions that arise when approaching a project. Scorsese’s approach, which emphasizes the needs of a story over commercial pressures, serves as a valuable lesson for many new and established filmmakers alike.
Conclusion
The documentary “Mr. Scorsese” not only celebrates the legendary director but also serves as a source of inspiration for filmmakers like Aster. As emerging talents forge their paths, insights from luminaries such as Scorsese remain crucial in shaping the future of cinema.
