The One Movie Martin Scorsese Says Gave Him His Happiest Week
Martin Scorsese is widely recognized for his mastery of the gritty crime genre, with landmark films like Taxi Driver and Goodfellas serving as pillars of his career. However, his filmography is surprisingly eclectic, ranging from the psychological horror of Shutter Island and the whimsical children’s adventure of Hugo to his recent epic Western, Killers of the Flower Moon.
Despite these varied achievements, many critics argue that some of his most profound work exists within his documentaries, particularly those centered on his lifelong obsession with music.
Scorsese has directed several documentaries exploring the lives and legacies of music icons like Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and The Rolling Stones. Yet, the 1978 film The Last Waltz remains his most celebrated musical achievement, documenting the final farewell concert of The Band.
The project went beyond simple recording, as Scorsese used an MGM soundstage to film intimate performances and interviews with members like Rick Danko and Robbie Robertson. After a week of intensive collaboration with these legendary figures, Scorsese handed Robertson a note that simply read, this has been the happiest week of my life.
This professional bond blossomed into a deep, forty-year friendship that lasted until Robertson’s passing in 2023. Scorsese recently shared a moving tribute to his late friend, describing him as a confidante, a collaborator, and an advisor.
He reflected on how Robertson’s music seemed to emerge from the deepest place at the heart of this continent and lamented that there is never enough time with anyone you love. The director’s love for the musician’s artistry and spirit remains a central theme of his reflections on their shared history.
As of February, the 83-year-old Scorsese shows no interest in slowing down, as he has recently arrived in Prague to begin production on his next feature, What Happens at Night. The film is a supernatural psychological drama adapted from Peter Cameron’s novel and marks his seventh collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio.
DiCaprio, who is starring alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Patricia Clarkson, recently described the project as a suspenseful, eerie tale that carries shades of Shutter Island. The production is expected to take advantage of the Czech capital’s atmospheric winter conditions to create a “ghostly, dreamlike” setting.
In addition to this new film, Scorsese continues to honor Robertson’s legacy through a new documentary project tentatively titled Life Is a Carnival. He was recently spotted in Los Angeles directing the filming of a massive tribute concert for Robertson, which featured performances from Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and Mavis Staples.
This project aims to serve as a companion piece to The Last Waltz, bringing Scorsese’s musical journey full circle. Meanwhile, long-gestating projects like his Frank Sinatra biopic and an adaptation of The Wager remain in active development, signaling a packed schedule for the years ahead.
Do you think Martin Scorsese’s decision to return to the eerie, psychological territory of What Happens at Night is the perfect follow-up to his recent epics? Share your thoughts in the comments.