Martin Scorsese | Biography, Films, Taxi Driver, & Facts | Britannica

Martin Scorsese: Biography and Film Legacy

Martin Scorsese (born November 17, 1942, Queens, New York, U.S.) is an American filmmaker renowned for his intense and often violent portrayals of American culture. Emerging in the 1970s, he developed an ambitious and bold body of work that established him as one of the most influential directors of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Notable Films

Artistic Vision and Cultural Reflection

Scorsese’s films express both a deep cynicism toward modern culture and a passionate love of cinema itself. His work blends harsh social realism with rich storytelling that has left a lasting impact on American filmmaking.

Contribution to Film Preservation

In a 2018 essay for the Encyclopædia Britannica Anniversary Edition: 250 Years of Excellence, Scorsese detailed his enduring commitment since the 1970s to preserving the history of filmmaking. He succeeded in raising greater awareness about film preservation and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the original film image.

“In the future the memory of the actual film image will have to be preserved as carefully and lovingly as an ancient artifact at the Met.”

Summary

Martin Scorsese remains a pivotal figure in cinema, known for his bold storytelling, cultural critique, and dedication to preserving film heritage.

Would you like the summary to be more formal or informal?

more

Britannica Britannica — 2025-11-03

More News