How "Scorsese" is Silence? | Video Essay

We look at legendary director Martin Scorsese's most recent film, Silence (2016), in the context of his filmography. How much do his trademark style and thematic interests show up here? Does this feel like a "Scorsese" film? Buy or rent Silence on Amazon: amzn.to/2px0sKg
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[@guimrtns]

silence is probably the least appreciated and most underrated scorsese ever . it’s a pure work of art.

[@yqafree]

I think it was his best work! I deeply appreciated the message and the videography, I agree that his filmography is legendary though

[@brandfecund7346]

One of the best movies I've seen... I wish Christian movies can depict more details like this

[@jeynjohnstone5917]

7X watching this movie and still seeing subtle things like the slight tipping of the inquisitor's empty chair or Rodriguez' Japanese wife slipping the cross into his hands in his casket.

[@yqafree]

@@jeynjohnstone5917 As you see it what is the significance of the chair tipping?

[@dennyyshmael]

The Last Temptation is also insanely underrated!

[@brentberrington3531]

I feel like this will be a film that ages well and garnering more critical acclaim as time goes on, we will look back at an under appreciated masterclass of filmmaking

[@JHarder1000]

That is often the case with Scorsese's films.For example, The Age of innocence baffled many Scorsese fans; now it is increasingly seen as one of his masterpieces

[@MrCris2021]

@@JHarder1000 Yeah !! and now its happening with the king of comedy.

[@ivancorredera4241]

I'm not very religious myself, but even I really liked the movie. I thought that the use of 'silence' and cinematography really helped to demonstrate the level of religious devotion one is willing to go through, despite residing in a very hostile area.

[@LucyLioness100]

Ivan Corredera I’m not super religious either, but I really found the story engaging & the conflict is pretty rough to watch

[@michaal105]

Hi my friend. Please read this comment - because it goes somewhere Are you good enough for God to let you into heaven? Do you meet the standard of righteousness he requires? He shows us whether or not we do. Would you consider yourself to be a good person? How many lies have you told, and what do you call someone who lies? Have you ever stolen something, no matter how small, and what do you call someone who steals? Have you ever taken God's name in vain/blasphemed, even ‘OMG’? That’s taking the name of the God who gave you life and using it in the place of a cuss word - would you do that with your mother’s name? Have you ever dishonoured your parents? Jesus said whoever looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart. Have you ever looked with lust? Most people probably have broken all 5 of these commandments. I myself have. I’m not judging you but if you have done these things then you’re a lying, thieving, blasphemous, rebellious adulterer-at-heart by your own admission. That's only 5 of the 10 commandments. God is fully just so he must and will punish every and all sin (which is departure from/rebellion towards God and the conscience) when he judges us. He cannot simply cancel our debt and let us go, or else he would be unjust. If you went into the courtroom and said: ‘Yes Judge, I’ve done these things but I also give money to the Red Cross and volunteer at an old-age home. I try my best to love people’ the judge is not going to take that into consideration. You’ve broken the law; the good you’ve done won’t help at all on the day of judgement. If he judges you by the moral law will you be innocent or guilty? Heaven or Hell? The answer is Hell. Doesn’t that concern you? But, fortunately, that is not God’s will. He is so loving and merciful, he made a way for you to be forgiven. The Son of God came down as a man, Jesus Christ, and lived a perfect, sinless life, so was the perfect sacrifice. He excruciatingly suffered and died on the cross to pay the FULL debt we owe because of sin; justice is fully done. You and I broke God's law and Jesus paid the fine in his life's blood, being resurrected again 3 days later. That’s why he said “It is finished” on the cross - in other words the debt has been paid. God has the payment ready to go for you. What you need to do is repent (recognising you are a sinner deserving God's punishment, turn to Him) and trust ALONE in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins. Our works can do nothing as by the standard of God’s moral law we fail, but faith in him is enough to save us from all sin - past, present and future! Then though you have grievously offended God, he will forgive you and you will inherit eternal life being reborn in the Holy Spirit when you put your trust in the Lord and saviour. Too, you enter a covenant relationship with God - sonship, and truly I tell you your life will change in his presence. So repent and trust (i.e. Biblical faith), receive the free gift of grace. He redeemed me. God, The King of The Universe, came down as a man. He lived the first 30 years of his life as a poor carpenter then spent the next 3 preaching, healing and saving souls - all the while being persecuted, insulted and hated by his own people - and took the punishment to save our lives. It’s the most amazing love that anyone ever displayed. Christianity’s not just a religion. It's a pure, sweet relationship with God. Because of Jesus, I am now a son of God. He is my dad, and you can be his child too. God loves you. Will you let him come?

[@profile1172]

@@michaal105 I'm not gonna read whatever you typed but I disagree with the first half in where you say "Have you ever taken God's name in vain/blasphemed, even ‘OMG’? That’s taking the name of the God who gave you life and using it in the place of a cuss word". Do you think God punishes hard working man who comes home from a tough honest day of work and something bad happens and out of frustration says OMG or used it in a place of a cuss word. Is it good? no. but that quote about not using it in vain is about doing sin in God's name.

[@michaal105]

@@profile1172 The scripture says taking the name of the Lord in vain. That means speaking His name irreverently and that's exactly what OMG is. Please read the rest of the comment. It shouldn't take long.

[@profile1172]

@@michaal105 American Protestant moment

[@Aldarux]

It's such a shame that SIlience made a huge loss with its cinema screenings. Silence for me was a work of art. The average joe does not seem to give a damn about art though. They just want to be milked with super heroes, fast cars and explosions.

[@hajuhnas6994]

not Art, propoganda

[@onewinter9411]

It's a matter of prospective

[@Johnconno]

I'd say you've lost your perspective...

[@roloug95]

It was the marketing department that failed this film, you can't blame audiences for not seeing a film they've never seen or heard anything about.

[@timothygray7798]

The real reason is the subject matter. It's a deeply religious movie, so of course, everyone who hates religion (or doesn't care) is going to immediately write it off. Those that do value religion, on the other hand, prefer watching movies like _God's Not Dead,_ which stupidly affirm all their values and make them feel good about themselves without asking them to seriously question anything. There's a reason why Silence took 25 years to get made. It was a tough sell, and everyone involved knew it. That's why they called it a "passion project".

[@HmmNeatCody0_o]

This movie was extremely profound for me. I felt Andrews character and understood his journey. It’s one of the greatest films ever made in my opinion

[@austinsop7434]

I did feel like this movie was very Scorsese, just because it did feel similar to the way The Last Temptation of Christ felt. Scorsese knows how to shoot fast and flashy, but he knows when to slow down, and he's one of the few directors where I don't mind when he uses or over-uses narration. I usually hate narration lol. Also this movie and Hacksaw Ridge made me look at Andrew Garfield's acting ability in a whole new light.

[@HBarnill]

Austin's Obsession Productions It's embarrassing Hacksaw Ridge got more love than Silence. Gibson can't ever match Scorsese.

[@RevAlvin]

Can i ask (somebody? To have a thesis statement about this movie ...? Thanks for your help.. (need for my educational study) this is my final defense on my class..

[@shivzzi]

Man that decapitating of the prisoner by the samurai though! So beautifully done.

[@PLZFILMZ]

Scorsese made a Japanese film. He took a lot from Kurosawa for this movie.

[@JHarder1000]

Yes! Many of the scenes are pure Kurosawa -or pure Ozu.

[@ifanismail6564]

Agreed! The Japan of this film felt very Kurosawa-ish. And the ever-switching Kichijiro felt like a Mifune-worthy role under Kurosawa's direction.

[@JHarder1000]

Yes! , it is a Kurosawa film, with strong echoes of Ozu and Mizoguchi. Now that I think of it, *The Age of Innocence* is very much a film by The Archers with shout outs to Ophuls (*The Earrings of Madame De...*) and Welles(*The Magnificent Ambersons*) . *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore *is a superbly crafted fifties "woman's melodrama", ala' Douglas Sirk, in a lass affluent setting than * All That Heaven Allows*,*written On the Wind*, Or Magnificent Obsession* .I am sure that the could be said of man of Scorsese's other films.

[@vincentknight27]

I love this channel more than I love Martin Scorsese. Okay maybe I don't, but the channel is still really awesome. Such a great video essay as ALWAYS.

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

Rest in Peace Michael Ballhaus, one of the best cinematographers

[@KennethPalmer10]

Amazing video! ‘silence’ is a top ten Martin Scorcese film. I’ve seen it four times and I get something new from it every time

[@joaquinchazarreta299]

I can't find the "i love this video" button.

[@robbi4219]

i loved this film, even though I don't think that it is a "classic" Scorsese. it was really beautiful picture and sound wise

[@VipinKumar77777]

This essay is so underrated

[@gabrielpagano_]

Incredible video. Keep up the great work. You deserve much more praise for the amazing content!

[@zabinegen]

people are so quick to talk about how long the movie is without understanding its essence. scorsese, garfield, and driver did such an amazing job and it’s not appreciated enough.

[@mikevalenzuela3974]

Those who say SILENCE is not a Scorsese film have really never "seen" a Martin Scorsese film.

[@RevAlvin]

Can i ask (somebody? To have a thesis statement about this movie ...? Thanks for your help.. (need for my educational study) this is my final defense on my class..

[@linternamagica100]

Guys, I just discovered you channel and I just fell in love with it, great work here, kudos to all of you.

[@Rapscallion2871]

He took the film more seriously and I loved it.

[@aadityabhattacharya]

love ur work Guys and Gals , Silence was one of my favourites of last year and dismissed by many which I feel for wrong reasons

[@SINOSTUDIOS24]

5:40 The song used in the fight scene is "Please Mr. Postman" by The Marvelettes, not The Ronettes. The Ronettes provide the opening song of the film.

[@LucyLioness100]

I actually enjoyed the movie. Yes it’s kinda hard to get through with a long runtime, but the acting is some of the greatest in his filmography (particularly Andrew Garfield as Father Rodrigues). Scorsese does well with slower paced drama like ‘Shutter Island’ and it’s psychological thrills & this religious drama is quite the study of faith and humanity

[@RevAlvin]

Can i ask (somebody? To have a thesis statement about this movie ...? Thanks for your help.. (need for my educational study) this is my final defense on my class..

[@Memo2Self]

On the one hand, I find it thrilling that Scorsese chooses to spend his time on taking chances on a movie like this (and I am definitely in the "Kundun! I liked it!" camp). But when you conclude your essay with the thought that he "continues to evolve," I can't help thinking about his next film, "The Irishman," yet another mob movie starring DeNiro and Pesci. I know we're almost a year away from seeing this, but I can't help thinking that if we have only a few more Scorsese Movies ahead of us, I hope that it's not covering the same ground, and we're kept from seeing things like the Gershwin biography he's been threatening to do, or "The Devil In The White City."

[@RevAlvin]

Can i ask (somebody? To have a thesis statement about this movie ...? Thanks for your help.. (need for my educational study) this is my final defense on my class..

[@skinnersweet1263]

The tales of morality has always been the crucial factor of making the interesting cinema. Most easy to see examples in recent history is a piece on the Vincent from Pulp Fiction & Snow Piercer. Even if it's obscure choices from the standard of the political correctness, seeing the protagonist tries to find the right answer is very interesting.

[@nick794]

thanks for mentioning dostoevsky. loved it.

[@trevorwilliams8353]

looking at this footage reminded me of Akira Kurosawa's work from the mid 20th century. composition of framing, aspect to aspect paneling, subtle sensations.

[@dr.christopherdiaz4473]

Scorsese is an artist. To expect him to churn out the same movie and and over again, would be like asking him to cease being an artist. I loved Goodfellas...but this is definitely in his top 5 (maybe even 3) movies he's ever made. Its a shame that audiences are no longer interested in engaging with cinematic art. I personally have no interest in action films or comic book adaptations. This film does what EVERY good piece of art is SUPPOSED to do: it impacts the way you understand the world.

[@Daniel-Rosa.]

Wow, this was a collaborative work! Script by Chloe, narrated by Susannah, edited by Matthew... Oh, I've asked God in prayer for collaborators in work.

[@conradsanjose5093]

hitchcock cited but not kurosawa.

[@TakeMeToYourCinema]

Fact check: It's The Marvelettes heard in the Mean Streets bar fight, not The Ronettes. The latter open the film.

[@Biring1]

Didn´t "feel" like a Scorsese film as his style has been a fast tracking camera, flashy direction, popular music complementing the story and Leonardo DiCaprio. Still, the voice-overs and genious composition is evident. Loved the film.

[@VfBlerf4Life]

Scorsese's best films are without DiCaprio though

[@HBarnill]

RF-D2 Wolf Of Wall Street?

[@VfBlerf4Life]

Henry Barnill great movie and actually Leo's best performance to date. But it's no Goodfellas, no Taxi Driver, no Hugo etc.

[@squamish4244]

There was no DiCaprio, DeNiro, or Pesci...weird.

[@Kishan_Baijnath]

Phenomenal. Thank you.

[@SamuelJFord]

One of his best, and I only heard of it last week!

[@WickedGoodWood]

I loved this film! I understood most of the religious undertones and references with the dialogue, after i got over the beautiful cinematography. You still can see, still after all these years Scorsese is still growing as a filmmaker. it very encouraging. This film definitely should have had more attention than it did but that's art and this, in my books is one for the ages, well these days.

[@RevAlvin]

Can i ask (somebody? To have a thesis statement about this movie ...? Thanks for your help.. (need for my educational study) this is my final defense on my class..

[@plasmasnake542]

it really didn't feel like one of his films i went to watch this movie and didn't know anything about this movie i was pretty shocked to realize he actually made this film

[@squamish4244]

Critics criticized this film for being 'restrained'? First, It is not restrained in terms of the violence and the mental anguish it depicts, for the reasons they give in the video. It might be Scorcese's most violent movie, actually, for those reasons.

[@JobimT]

Great video!

[@jakobrogers625]

I think Silence is a flawed masterpiece in that almost everything in this film works. My one flaw is the narration at the end from some unknown person that just came out of nowhere.

[@johnjones4426]

in my opinion this is Scorsese's Schindler's list

[@dariuswilkins4984]

The cinematography definitely takes some cues from classic Japanese film like Kurosawa

[@tnymont77]

Another master piece that is over looked because it is not another dc or marvel film. But its ok true film lovers like the ones watching this channel know the shit from the gold.

[@zacharysiple783]

Cool video-Silence is my favorite movie!

[@diegom-a7970]

One of his best films

[@mononoke721]

This film felt amongst the most Scorsese of movies in terms of theme, but less so in style and overall direction, pretty much as this video points out.

[@robertdennys8994]

not sure the mention of "second person narration" understood the term.

[@KennethStBrice]

what about this movie was "Restrained"?

[@ThatOneGuy7550]

please cover True Detective!

[@linchen008]

Watching "Last temptation of Jesus" changed my life. I missed this one ... Guess I have to watch it.

[@marytidy5247]

Where can I watch Silence Can’t get it on Netflix or KZbin. I’m In Ireland 🇮🇪

[@RevAlvin]

Can i ask (somebody? To have a thesis statement about this movie ...? Thanks for your help.. (need for my educational study) this is my final defense on my class..

[@jakeyboy261992]

1:18 lol imagine if he did sneak a rolling stones song into this movie 😜

[@loveraoswaldo]

If only more people knew about his other movie, The Last Temptation of Christ(1988), then people wouldn't even ask this question.

[@rahultiwari-dx8qo]

this video is great bt the narattor should pause somewhere to let the images of the film speak for itself

[@patrykmichalak7037]

really familiar to The Mute by Bartosz Konopka

[@pradyunmanoj6716]

I love the video, but can you not spoil other films please?

[@miguelriveraalvarez1855]

Raging Bull is still his greatest film.

[@santiagomelendez4615]

Anyone who seeks to understand Silence as part of Scorsese filmography should see The Last Temptation of Christ

[@Johnconno]

How Scorsese is Scorsese?

[@painkiller346]

This movie is beautiful. The only thing I didn't like is the ending

[@carolinpurayidom4570]

well thats what happened in real life it based on a real life story but I get it it was sad

[@DPLawlorFilms]

does this analysis not feel like the same thing they were saying about Kundun all those years ago?

[@DaSurgeEO]

12:56 Glados is that you?

[@MEneifal]

great movie

[@dtoudassous]

How on earth is 'unusually restrained for Scorsese' valid criticism?

[@ChefCaffy]

This was filmed in Taiwan!

[@mjolninja9358]

The cinematography reminds me of post ww2 japanese cinematography

[@kaushikkodi7365]

You were deep and spiritual.

[@lefoobar]

12:56 - GLaDOS?...

[@AB-ql5gk]

I wanted to post that but then I found your comment

[@mzansixperiencechannel3280]

Do M Night Shyamalan 🙏

[@ernestojimenez8444]

Excellent video. Maybe next time, a Spoiler Alert?

[@manuu759]

You got no take on silence, just on scorsese.

[@lazyjuan5528]

I'm an atheist myself, but I loved the movie. I sympathize to the character of Andrew not as a follower of any organized religion but as a human, as a person who has the right to believe in something and not let anyone destroy that for me. And take note that the story happened in 16th century which makes it more understandable for people to believe in a God considering their lack of knowledge about the world. And ofcourse, it was wonderfully made by the master director, Martin Scorsese. Another classic!

[@JHarder1000]

Interesting that of all of Scorsese's masterpieces, only one has a female 'God -like"( or, if you will, "Goddess like") narrator. Notably, it also has what at least one critic-a Catholic critic, btw argues , is a female figure., or at least a martyr, sacrificing the chance for carnal joy with the man she loves, rather than destroy a marriage, and "build her joy" on the ruins of another's sorrow.

[@trickyduc]

You're good

[@kothgames]

Can anyone explain who the French/Spanish sounding guy narrating at the end was? It kind of took me out of a great movie

[@groblin1533]

12:58 wtf was that

[@matts446]

Public renunciation is not and can not be inwardly faithful. that is total baloney.

[@alaindeneuville7442]

dommage que ce film ne montre pas les nombreux martyres chrétiens brulée vifs sur les buchers pour leur foi en Dieu

[@Nickademas1]

hard to sympathise with them

[@anaarkadievna]

This movie is not Christians: the idea behind it is - well is ok if you don't evangelize others... it's ok if you reject Jesus if you save the mortal life of others....

[@evabautista8532]

You missed the whole point but okay

[@anaarkadievna]

@@evabautista8532 The point is don't listen to what the Bible says - love God above anyone else, and then love his creation the way you love herself.... What the main character is doing in the end is - he loves the people more than he loves Jesus.... Jesus said you must leave the entire world for Him: you family, friends, even yourself... Do you think you understand Christianity?

[@kguerr197]

@@anaarkadievna No. If you have strong faith in God and Christ, it belongs to you. Your relationship with Him is more important than what is stated in the Bible. If you want to save lives and souls by renouncing your faith in public, why can't you? Those people in public only care about appearances and their own beliefs. They don't care about you. It's up to you to maintain your own relationship with Him using your own heart and mind to guide you in the right path to help others. That's what's you don't get about this film. Ferrara and eventually Rodrigues saw enough suffering and death for those villagers that it became mental torture for him. He didn't want more people to suffer for his beliefs. It's simple as that. I think God can forgive him for renouncing Christ in that sense. Your version of Christian values are like the Pharisees preventing Christ from curing an illness on the Sabbath Day for a person who is dying. He still went ahead and cured the person anyway because of his faith in Him.

[@anaarkadievna]

@@kguerr197 "Your relationship with Him is more important than what is stated in the Bible." how can this be when if my God is the God of the Bible... ? Jesus said very clear - who doesn't follow the scriptures... has no chance in haven! he gave the scriptures so we should know how to make it to haven..... "If you want to save lives and souls by renouncing your faith in public, why can't you?" He said clearly - if you love others more then you love Him you are not worthy of Him! “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters- yes, even his own life- he cannot be My disciple." "It's up to you to maintain your own relationship with Him" you can't have a relationship with Him if you don't confess Him in front of everybody? that's also clear in the Bible. "Ferrara and eventually Rodrigues saw enough suffering and death " so what? you think saints didn't see worse? none of them feared... they desired martyrdom! do you know that there were saints that prayed for martyrdom?!! "I think God can forgive him for renouncing Christ in that sense. " if you don't take you cross... He won't forgive , because you love humans more then God... You don't understand why God is above all! and why are you afraid of death? DID JESUS DEFEAT DEATH OR NOT? If yes , why do you think death is such a big deal? do you believe you have eternal life after death or no? "He didn't want more people to suffer for his beliefs." where do you take you theology from? He said "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"!!!!!! "Your version of Christian values are like the Pharisees preventing Christ from curing an illness on the Sabbath Day" the pharisees were guilty because they really DIDN"T WANT JESUS TO BE GOD! that is the real problem with them,!!!! that's why they twisted the scripture - they wanted to be their own God...they felt threatened by Jesus! like He pointed out the pharisees were always braking the sabbath while they were circumcising a child, and there was no problem...

[@Dirtnap90]

Are you spoiling the movie rn?

[@Dirtnap90]

I think you are fuck you

[@bobwhite817]

Dirtnap90 are you expecting a video that analyzes the movie to not have spoilers?

[@taylortrash]

the movie sucked and that's ok. let it be.

[@rebeccanascimento8234]

it was absolutely incredible