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

Martin Scorsese Biography

Martin Scorsese (born November 17, 1942, Queens, New York, U.S.) is an American filmmaker renowned for his stark, often violent portrayals of American culture.

Artistic Significance

He is widely regarded as one of the most influential American directors of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Since the 1970s, Scorsese has built an ambitious and bold body of work that reflects both cynicism toward modern culture and a deep love for cinema.

Notable Films

Film Preservation Efforts

In a 2018 essay for the Encyclopædia Britannica Anniversary Edition: 250 Years of Excellence, Scorsese described his efforts to preserve the history of filmmaking since the 1970s. He stated, "[i]n 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."

Legacy

Scorsese’s work not only defines cinematic artistry but also champions the importance of safeguarding film heritage for future generations.

Author's summary: Martin Scorsese is a pivotal American filmmaker whose bold, critical vision and commitment to film preservation have shaped modern cinema profoundly.

more

Britannica Britannica — 2025-11-03

More News