(Flash Review)
This film clearly illustrates where Scorsese's cinematic mind was as many common approaches seen here are used throughout his career. In this film, which kicks off with really engaging opening shots, Scorsese uses many effective long takes with smart camera movement, clever editing, effective use of popular music, great black and white film stock and oodles of interesting shot framing. He uses those cinematic skills to tell the story of a Catholic Italian-American guy in a relationship with a regular local girl and they want to get more serious until he learns she had been raped in the past. He wrestles with his religious views as he digests that information. Harvey Keitel, in his first film, dives deep into the character's emotions of anger, frustration, confusion and only a little bit of sympathy. Will he be able to live with something that wasn't her fault or has she been too tainted for him? Great acting, raw emotions and atmosphere make this is solid drama and a great first step in Scorsese's career.
This film clearly illustrates where Scorsese's cinematic mind was as many common approaches seen here are used throughout his career. In this film, which kicks off with really engaging opening shots, Scorsese uses many effective long takes with smart camera movement, clever editing, effective use of popular music, great black and white film stock and oodles of interesting shot framing. He uses those cinematic skills to tell the story of a Catholic Italian-American guy in a relationship with a regular local girl and they want to get more serious until he learns she had been raped in the past. He wrestles with his religious views as he digests that information. Harvey Keitel, in his first film, dives deep into the character's emotions of anger, frustration, confusion and only a little bit of sympathy. Will he be able to live with something that wasn't her fault or has she been too tainted for him? Great acting, raw emotions and atmosphere make this is solid drama and a great first step in Scorsese's career.