AFTER HOURS (1985)

Featuring: Griffin Dunne; Rosanna Arquette; Verna Bloom

Director: Martin Scorsese

If you are into black comedy, you will be sure to enjoy this one. This was Martin Scorsese's first stab at this genre and laid the foundation for a number of his later films.

Done in typical Scorsese style, the story unfolds slowly to reveal a peek at one night out of the life of a very ordinary guy...when things go horribly wrong!

The cast is a veritable who's who of the 1980's comedy scene which include the likes of Cheech-and-Chong and a very young Bronson Pinchot. But don't let the names fool you. The comedy is as dark as they come and to many a bit off-putting. However, it is an acquired taste. So, if you are into stuff like the Blackadder series (which I am) this movie will definitely be right up your alley.

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMYk34uwFro

 Griffin Dunne and Rosanna Arquette

ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE (1974)

Featuring: Ellen Burstyn; Kris Kristofferson; Alfred Lutter

Director: Martin Scorsese

With this movie Martin Scorsese showed his versatility as director. Unlike his first few films which were based on sort of own experiences, this one is a totally different kettle of fish.

Ellen Burstyn (in a roll that earned her an Oscar for Best Actress) plays Alice, a single mother in search of a lost dream after the death of her husband. Along the way, she and her son, Tommy (brilliantly portrayed by newcomer Alfred Lutter) make their acquaintance with all sorts of people. But nowhere they arrive, feel like home...until they find Ben (Kris Kristofferson).

This is a timeless slice of life picture of so many women who feel trapped by the hand life dealt them. But when the opportunity comes to do something about it, they feel wholly unprepared for what lies ahead. Although Burstyn received the accolades, the real star here is young Lutter.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jFhv9mPqk4

Ellen Burstyn, Alfred Lutter and Kris Kristofferson in a scene from the movie

MEAN STREETS (1973)

Featuring: Robert De Niro; Harvey Keitel; David Proval

Director: Martin Scorsese

In so far as Who's That Knocking At My Door placed Martin Scorsese on the map, Mean Streets is generally regarded as the film that established him as director of note. It was also the first of many movies that he and Robert De Niro did together. 

This movie is about...actually, why should I be the one to tell you what the movie is about if the accompanying trailer does it so well? So, for once, rather watch the trailer (see link below) in stead of reading your truly's version...

One must keep in mind that this was made during the early '70's. So if everything - and I mean everything - seems to be a bit old fashioned and outdated, that is the reason.

With this in mind also, I can rate it 2 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCwjzn0CncA

 Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro in a scene from the movie

WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR (1968)

Featuring: Harvey Keitel; Zina Bethune

Director: Martin Scorsese

Last week it was mentioned that Robert De Niro (as actor) and Martin Scorsese (as director) made some fine movies together. This week we take a look at the latter's directorial debut. And although this flick looks more like something concocted by a student from film school with which he hopes to impress his professors, it did get Martin Scorsese noticed.

There is no real story; just a bunch of incoherent scenes from which one can deduce some sort of struggle by a guy who has to choose between hanging with his buddies or being with his girlfriend.

However, even though the plot is basically rubbish, the real significance of this movie lies on the one hand that it put Marty on the map as director. On the other hand it was also Harvey Keitel's big screen debut. Obviously it was made on a shoe-string budget which also explains why it was shot in black-and-white. In the weeks to come, I intend to look at a few more of Mr. Scorsese's (more) mainstream creations.

This one I rate at only 1 out of 5 stars and that is purely for its novelty value.

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh1yj9lMtVQ

 Martin Scorsese and Harvey Keitel then...

....and now