Overview

Unlike other books on Martin Scorsese that favor the discussion of broad themes and plot summaries, Scorsese Up Close: A Study of the Films also looks at the cinematic text of the great director's films. With a scrutiny comparable to the detail Scorsese brings to the shooting and editing process, author Ben Nyce examines particular shots or sequences of shots in many of the director's works. By focusing on these key components, Nyce explains how the visual and aural elements of such scenes dramatize Scorsese's singular vision. Nyce first discusses several of the early works that established Scorsese as a filmmaker, beginning with a short student film, What's a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This? Subsequent chapters focus on individual films in the Scorsese canon, including Mean Streets, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Age of Innocence, Bringing out the Dead, Taxi Driver, and Raging Bull. Nyce's close attention to the details within each of these films will satisfy fans and students alike, especially those who share a passion for Scorsese's artistry and an appreciation for the craft of his filmmaking. Illustrated with photos.

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9780810847873

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Reviews

There have been more than two dozen books already written about director Martin Scorsese, so do we really need another one? If it's Ben Nyce's Scorsese Up Close: A Study of the Films (Scarecrow Press), the answer is an unequivocal yes. In only 176 pages, the author gives us a concise study of the cinematic text of the Scorsese oeuvre, from his early student works through Bringing Up the Dead, with a brief postscript on Gangs of New York . This is a perfect introduction to films like Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Age of Innocence and all the maestro's other pictures. I really like Nyce's ability to study each picture through certain key sequences, giving us an overview of each project's roots and reception. I also like the fact that Nyce gives high ratings to two of my favorite (and underrated) Scorsese movies - New York, New York and New York Stories: Life Lessons. This book is also a nice supplement to the newly released five-disc Scorsese Collection on DVD. The National Board Of Review

There have been more than two dozen books already written about director Martin Scorsese, so do we really need another one? If it's Ben Nyce's Scorsese Up Close: A Study of the Films (Scarecrow Press), the answer is an unequivocal yes. In only 176 pages, the author gives us a concise study of the cinematic text of the Scorsese oeuvre, from his early student works through Bringing Up the Dead, with a brief postscript on Gangs of New York . This is a perfect introduction to films like Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Age of Innocence and all the maestro's other pictures. I really like Nyce's ability to study each picture through certain key sequences, giving us an overview of each project's roots and reception. I also like the fact that Nyce gives high ratings to two of my favorite (and underrated) Scorsese movies - New York, New York and New York Stories: Life Lessons. This book is also a nice supplement to the newly released five-disc Scorsese Collection on DVD. * The National Board Of Review *

Author Information

Ben Nyce recently retired as professor of literature and film at the University of San Diego. He has written many articles and is the author of Satyajit Ray: A Study of His Films (1988).

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