Filmmakers often find inspiration from the works of those who have come before them, which often leads them down a path of greatness. For many of these new-age directors, Martin Scorsese played a huge role in their creative journey in the film industry. From certified Hollywood legends to modern-day stars and creators, the filmmaker will always remain an icon for them.
But when it comes to the people and films that inspired him growing up, he had a lot to talk about, right from when he was a little boy. He has stated previously that he always loved to visit cinemas with his parents to watch the latest movies that were listed at the box office. But, amongst these pleasant experiences, he recalls how Winchester ’73 disturbed him to the core.
Martin Scorsese Was Extremely Disturbed After Watching Winchester ’73
There are not many films that have left their impression on the world of the past and present, and the ones that did might’ve been created by none other than Martin Scorsese. Rightfully regarded as a legend in the history of cinema, the filmmaker is well-known for his rustic nature of direction that not many can replicate today, even when they try to.
Despite his iconic direction style, he regards one Western film, which was also known for being just as raw, as a film that he can never keep out of his mind, just because it was borderline insane.
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Talking about his past and how it affected him in his journey of filmmaking with Humanities, the Taxi Driver star talked about the time when he would attend St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral School in his younger days. He also talked about how his parents would take him to watch a film every now and then, where he witnessed films like Ace in The Hole by Billy Wilder.
But when it comes to Western films, the one that stuck out to him was 1950’s Winchester ’73, a film that was made by Anthony Mann. He said:
“I found some comfort in the old cathedral of St. Patrick’s, and, of course, some comfort in the movie theater. My parents took me to the movies. I saw Ace in the Hole by Billy Wilder, which is about cynical journalism, Sunset Boulevard. Yes, there were musicals and westerns, but the westerns ranged from Shane to Winchester ‘73, which was a very disturbing film, a psychologically disturbing picture. The films in the early fifties made such an impression on me, and they were very, very strong dramatically.”
Since the Western genre was known for being wild and violent, it affected young Scorsese, which is apparent when we look at some of his biggest and most iconic films.
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What Was Winchester ’73 About?
Being the reflection of The Wild West, Western films were known for being absolute confrontational violence, and Winchester ’73 doesn’t shy away from that.
The film follows the tale of Lin McAdam, a man following the trail of an outlaw named Henry “Dutch” Brown. which leads him to Dodge City, Kansas. He finds himself in a a sharp-shooting contest in the city, and upon winning, is awarded with a pristine Winchester rifle. But Dutch, who also desires the weapon, steals it from him, which leads Lin to hunt him down with newfound ferocity.
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Winchester ’73, available on Apple TV.
