In a recent momentous announcement at the Cannes Film Festival, the legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese spoke candidly about the then impending release of his upcoming film, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Fans and film buffs worldwide eagerly awaited the release on October 20 of this year as rumors swirled that it could be one of Scorsese’s final contributions to cinema.
Scorsese speaking to Variety said, “I wish I could take a break for eight weeks and make a film at the same time,” Scorsese chuckled. “The whole world has opened up to me, but it’s too late. I’m old. I read stuff. I see things. I want to tell stories, and there’s no more time. Kurosawa, when he got his Oscar when George [Lucas] and Steven [Spielberg] gave it to him, he said, ‘I’m only now beginning to see the possibility of what cinema could be, and it’s too late.’ He was 83. At the time, I said, ‘What does he mean?’ Now I know what he means.”
The possibility of Scorsese, one of the most prolific expressive and character-driven filmmakers of our time, winding down his illustrious career will leave an incredibly empty hole in the world of cinema.
Scorsese is not alone in considering retirement. In a recent Deadline interview, Quentin Tarantino revealed that his 10th film, “The Movie Critic,” would be his final contribution to the industry. “It’s just time to go out,” he expressed. “I like the idea of going out on top. I like the idea of giving it my all for 30 years and then saying, ‘OK, that’s enough.'”
Francis Ford Coppola, another former titan of the industry, shared his journey in an NPR interview, reflecting on how he rose to prominence with “The Godfather” and what it means to be a filmmaker for future generations. “I had to get a job, and of course, the job was ‘The Godfather,'” he reminisced. “That made me be something I didn’t know I was going to be. I became a big-shot director. If you take a young Long Island Italian guy and give him endless possibilities, then you’ll see what kind of crazy things I did in the course of my career.”
With Scorsese, Tarantino, and Coppola among other greats contemplating the end of their careers, the torchbearer status in the cinematic world becomes a pressing matter. But what does this all mean for students at Taft High School and for the aspiring storytellers of tomorrow?
Although lacking a proper film program, Taft has long been a breeding ground for artists through its various visual and performing arts courses. The looming retirement of these cinematic legends opens the door for new talents to step into the light. It’s a moment of transition and transformation, much like the passing of seasons in a well-crafted screenplay. These veteran filmmakers have given aspiring directors a blueprint, showing that dreams can turn into reality. Scorsese’s relentless pursuit of narrative perfection in films like my personal favorites “The Departed” and “Goodfellas” has demonstrated the significance of storytelling. Tarantino’s fearless yet organized, chaotic approach to pushing the boundaries of cinema, as seen in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Reservoir Dogs,” reminds us to take risks and challenge normalities. With his epic tales in films such as “Apocalypse Now,” Coppola proves that even the most unexpected individuals, even the “young Long Island Italian guy” can create masterpieces.
As these legends fade into the sunset, the opportunity for young filmmakers to make their mark on Hollywood history is more significant than ever. Directors like Damien Chazelle, famous for “La La Land” and “Whiplash,” or Bong Joon Ho, known for his Best Picture-winning “Parasite.” Or even Jordan Peele, acclaimed for “Get Out,” and “Nope,” exemplify the potential to follow in the footsteps of the greats. They’ve taken the lessons and inspirations from their predecessors and crafted their unique cinematic narratives.
To the students, the path has been paved by the legends of cinema. Now more than ever storytellers have more avenues in which their stories can be viewed, from YouTube to Vimeo, the way in which stories can be told has completely transformed. It’s your time to take those lessons and carve your place in cinematic history. From exploring the depths of human emotion to challenging societal norms and redefining genres, emerging filmmakers have the tools and inspiration to shape the industry’s future.
The old Toreadors may be exiting the arena, but the young bulls are ready to step in. The stage is set, and the legacy of Scorsese, and other legends ensures that the film world will continue to evolve. It’s not just a story of brilliant directors; it’s a story of hope and opportunity for those with a passion for cinema and a story to tell. The torch is being passed, and the students at Taft High School can take it on, light the way, and create a new era of filmmaking excellence.
