MovieChat Forums > Boxcar Bertha (1972) Discussion > This is essential to understand Scorsese

This is essential to understand Scorsese

posted 17 years ago by liamiswatching
20 replies | jump to latest

Looking at the script and much of the acting, one might think that this is certainly not the work of a master. And this is exactly what I was saying after I watched the trailer... DO NOT judge this film by its cover. Although you will certainly have to deal with the above mentioned complaints, Martin Scorsese more than makes up for them with outstanding shot work and cinematography. This film is almost a ballet, that compels you and then leads to a fantastically tragic ending.

Throughout the film, you can really sense the patience of the director, and it is masterful. If possible, see this before you see raging bull, goodfellas, or the departed (in that order). Once you see all of those tell me that you have not seen am amazing evolution in talent. He is truly an effective storyteller.

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

[–] FloatOnDC 17 years ago

I agree and definately enjoyed watching this film.I think a 6.0 is a little low even though there are some flaws with the script and acting. However there are moments where the actors really shine through. Overall very enjoyable for a Scorsese fan.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] freakhoofd1 17 years ago

Taxi Driver is his best..

[–] jaket83 17 years ago

Most say Taxi Driver or Goodfellas. Both of those movies are great as well as many others and I know I may get sh!t, but I'm gonna say Gangs of New York for my fav. I am looking up all is older less known works which brings me to this page.

"You fu(kers think just because a guy reads comics he can't start some sh!t?"

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] IceboxMovies 15 years ago

I beg to differ that this movie is required in order to understand Scorsese. There's more Roger Corman in this film than there is Scorsese- with the exception of that amazing shot from the ground of Bertha trying to keep up with the train.

You would actually get a better glimpse of what Scorsese is all about with something as minor as Who's That Knocking at My Door.

"What I want to know is how we're going to stay alive this winter."

[–] montyadam 17 years ago

I just saw this at home, and agree with the above subject line. While certainly a minor film, there are many themes here that Scorcese will later develop and improve on. I could help but feel premonitions of his later works throughout. E.g., the prostitution montage (taxi driver), the crucification (last temptation), the absurd level of violence (pretty much everything that follows with a few exceptions), the attention to period detail (age of innocence, gangs of new york, aviator). Not a great film, but historically important.

[–] reservoirdogqt92 16 years ago

in the end shoot out there is a very scorsesesque shot of one of the villains, or lawmen, being shot by von. he flys back to hit a small tin structure. very scorsese-like.

[–] Dr_Giggles7 16 years ago

Scorsese is a legend without a doubt but come on, Raging Bull is something else, for me a much better film than Taxi Driver, but don't get me wrong we're comparing the best with the best here.

"I hate to say this, but this place is getting to me. I think I'm getting the fear."

[–] AcousticRiot 15 years ago

agreed.

[–] Grammaw_Oddree 16 years ago

I agree and I really thought that the opening scene with the airplane really reminded me of the opening to "The Aviator".

[–] bstar56 16 years ago

I just watched this and had the great fortune of not knowing this was a Scorsese film until I got imdb to rate it. Cool.

[–] Lackc 15 years ago

Me, too!

[–] emilyk_haha 12 years ago

i totally agree. i feel like since was the start of his career he was trying to establish himself as a innovative filmmaker and so he tried to do all this stuff that was really unique (like just the shots and music, etc) and in doing so it sooooooort of comes across as lame. don't get me wrong i enjoyed watching the film, just some of the stuff was very much for shock or just like look what i did, no one else's done this yet. which is awesome, it needs to be done if you want to get noticed in film, it is just clearly before he really found his style.

everyone should watch this before watching any other scorsese film.

if this sounds really random it because i'm a lil' stoned.

[–] intexor 12 years ago

All I can say is that is hardly looks or feels like an exploitation film to me. Yes, you can see at moments that this wasn't made by some thirteen in a dozen sleaze movie director. For the whole to work though he basically missed budget and other talented people. I thought the editing and pacing of this movie was quite bad.

[–] franzkabuki 12 years ago

No, I don´t think it´s anywhere near as impressive as Mean Streets or Taxi Driver aesthetically. Mainly, it has to do with editing more than cinematography though - there are some almost bafflingly crude and clumsy transitions and the flow of images isn´t nearly as smooth and inspired as it became later. It´s not a bad film, but also very far from Scorsese in his prime.

Besides, the OP never actually got around explaining how is Boxcar Bertha "essential to understand Scorsese". Personally, I agree with Icebox on the previous page that Marty´s debut Who Comes Knocking At My Door is a much better tour guide to Scorsese´s sensibility and preoccupations.

"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan

[–] rascal67 12 years ago

Watched this for the first time yesterday and was quite impressed. Knew it was Scorcese, but a little sceptical being a Roger Corman produced explotation flick and not a big fan of depression era films either. The directors talent is evident in nearly every scene and has many imaginative shots. Did find it a little choppy editing wise and thought it could have done with being a little longer. I wouldn't say the film is essential to understand Scorsese, but it does express his film making skills and creativity quite well.

[–] smiley_b81 9 years ago

Its only essential in relation to some of his crappier recent work as a paid-for-hire studio director (think films like "Shutter Island"), because that's what he was here (except it was for Roger Corman's B-Movie Studio). It was the first movie he made where not he but the producer$ were in control..

His great run of 'personal' masterworks began with "Mean Streets" and kind of ended with "Bringing Out The Dead" IMO

"Go balls deep, Dad!"
-Scotty Crane

[–] nutsberryfarm 8 years ago

'the color of money'---classic marty.

"Hipness is not a state of mind, it's a fact of life!" - Cannonball Adderley

[–] talisencrw 8 years ago

Know what you mean. Though of course at 46, I've seen some of his films (most of the obvious and most celebrated in his oeuvre), I'm now going through his films in chronological order to see his evolution. This was 8/10 for me.