MovieChat Forums > The Last Waltz (1978) Discussion > Scorsese in love with RR?

Scorsese in love with RR?

posted 9 years ago by sroy2001
4 replies | jump to latest

To me it seems that Robbie Robertson is way too prominently featured in this film. Scorsese manages to capture him in almost every shot and many closeups, even in the footage where the guest musicians like Clapton and Dylan should clearly have been the primary focal points. I know he's the lead guitarist and all but give me a break. RR is in nearly all of the behind the scenes interviews too. The camera doesn't lie and it reveals a lot about Scorsese's enamorment with Robertson. The dead giveaway is that he made him a Producer and his name comes right after Scorsese's in the credits roll at the end. I'm not implying anything gay here but not ruling it out either.

[–] yazoostreet 9 years ago

Robbie was the instigator in ending The Band, and suggested the possibility of filming their final concert. He was pointed in the direction of Scorsese, a director who is also a massive music fan, by Jonathan Taplin who was to become the film's Executive Producer. The rest of The Band were somewhat reluctant to be filmed, particularly Levon Helm, you can see it in the segments where he's involved in an interview, he's very awkward.

Anyway, Robertson and Scorsese hit it off during filming. They even ended up living together for a time while they were having troubles in their respective relationships/marriage.

Robertson works with Scorsese to this day as Music Director (and various other permutations) - he's credited on Raging Bull, The Departed and Wolf of Wall Street as a few examples.

[–] RobbieCalifornia 8 years ago

I think they all hated Robertson by then. It's obvious he felt he was the leader. For sure Scorsese shined the most light on him. I was dazzled by him when I first saw the film.

They were a great band. I especially like Levin Helm now.

[–] RobbieCalifornia 7 years ago

^Levon, sorry.

[–] RickVee 7 years ago

Marty definitely went out of his way to feature RR heavily. It ticked Levon off. Ronnie Hawkins, the first guest musician that night, thought so as well. At the premiere, when asked what he thought of the film, Hawkings jokingly said "Well, there weren't enough shots of Robbie!"