I think this is not only the finest of Scorcese's work, but one of the finest American films ever made. Interestingly, I do not believe it could have worked as a full length feature. The film is nearly perfect in camera work, acting, production design and all those little details that you keep picking up as you watch it over and over again. For instance, the rose painted on the post leading to his assistant's bedroom. You see it one scene and it makes you wonder, did Lionel paint it for her when she first moved in, another girlfriend, did the assistant paint it...There are so many of these details it's astounding. Arquette, who is not very "good" in this, is actually perfect for the role because she is not very good, her acting is as superficial as the character. Nolte's indulgence, in painting and personality is so raw and real...As one gets older and lives through their relationships this is one of those films that illuminates more and more the dynamics between a man and a woman at the end of a relationship. Along with Rivette's "la belle noiseause" the finest film ever made about the inner demons and angels of an artist and his muse.
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dosdanmalo
16 years ago
Yep, LL was simply awesome. When you consider that Goodefellas came out the following year, I think a strong case can be made that this period was the pinnacle of Marty's still brilliant career.
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stevenwasalreadytaken
15 years ago
I really love the way that the film implies that Lionel's character preys upon these women in his life to help him create beautiful art. Throughout the short you see him cyclically angry, jealous, smitten, amorous, etc, and throughout it he channels his emotions into his art. He never seems to become angry when he is mistreated or ignored, he just shrugs it off, but his art prospers and we see at the end his show is a huge success. At the beginning his art is unfinished and his progress is slow as Paulette has been away.
I kind of felt for his character throughout the majority of the film since Paulette always seems to be in control and domineering. He just seems kind of pathetically lovestruck. But the final scene is a brilliant conclusion. He is using these women (perhaps subconsciously) and it is Paulette who has been the victim all along.
It's almost like his art is a carnivorous beast that needs to feed upon these women...
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Islandrodmon
15 years ago
I've struggled with balancing my art within my life. I often throw myself into my work and need to re-assure my girl friend/wife that I love her more than my work. When Lionel says,"Baby I'ld hang canvas for you." I understand. Anyone who has hung canvas knows how difficult that is and anyone stretching canvas, painting it true white to accept the paints for someone else to do their art is a gift from the heart.
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Zando777
11 years ago
"Like some sort of human sacrifice" -- Paulette.
I agree it's subconscious, except maybe near the end. Not sure how Paulette is really a victim, though. Aside from having to deal with his cloying attentions. She could leave at any time, was getting free room/board, and was basically a mooch.
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