Any fan of Martin Scorsese knows of his encyclopedic film knowledge and adoration for the cinema of yesteryear, and he often tips his hat to those influences in his work. Film Scalpel, an emerging site for cinephiles and novices alike, has created this video documenting Marty’s devotion to tinting specific frames (a technique formerly used to spruce up a black and white shot), and in this video, we’re all seeing red.
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The decided color evokes a spectrum of emotions — lust, greed, and revenge in “The Departed”; sheer terror in “Cape Fear,” though Jessica Lange applying lipstick in another scene is both sensual and curious; the blood-stained shots of Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci in “Goodfellas”; and, of course, the illuminated club in “New York, New York.” Travis Bickle amid the haunting, lingering red lights in “Taxi Driver” are unforgettable moments, just like the tinges of romance tinting Michelle Pfeiffer’s face in “The Age of Innocence.”
Take some time on your (hopefully) three-day weekend and rewatch your favorite Scorsese classic. Can you spot any other red herrings? Let us know in the comments below. [Filmmaker Magazine]
"TaxiDriver 1976 Iris" – youtube it. Iris – did I miss it in the supercut? Beautiful use of red tones.