Legendary director Martin Scorsese has been known to support filmmakers that he admires, and this time, he’s lending his support to Ari Aster’s latest film “Beau is Afraid” by hosting a post-screening Q&A on Monday, April 15, 2023, in NYC.
This is not the first time that Scorsese has praised Ari Aster’s work; he has previously spoken highly of his films “Hereditary” and “Midsommar”. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Scorsese’s admiration for Aster’s work, and what makes his films so unique.
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Martin Scorsese’s Love for Ari Aster’s Work
Martin Scorsese is known to be a filmmaker who loves cinema and is passionate about the art form. He has praised Ari Aster’s work on several occasions, and it’s clear that he sees something special in the way that Aster approaches filmmaking. Scorsese’s appreciation for Aster’s work is notable, given that Scorsese himself is a master of the craft.
At the 2019 New York Film Festival, Scorsese praised Aster’s “Hereditary” and its ability to create a family-driven narrative that doubled as horror and drama. Scorsese remarked, “It’s horror, but it’s more than that. For me, when you take the horror out, it still works. But the horror elements, how should I say this — they shock you in a good way. They shock you into an awakening of the real pain of these people.”
Scorsese also wrote an introduction for the booklet attached to the Blu-Ray of Aster’s “Midsommar”. In the introduction, he praised the film’s formal control, stating that it was just as impressive as that of “Hereditary”. He also noted that the film dug into emotions that were just as real and deeply uncomfortable as the ones shared between the characters in “Hereditary”.
Watch and Read Web-Stories: “Beau is Afraid”- Martin Scorsese’s Love for Ari Aster’s Work.
Why Ari Aster’s Films Stand Out
Ari Aster’s films have garnered critical acclaim for their unique style, narrative structure, and thematic elements. Here are some of the factors that make his films stand out:
- Family Drama as the Basis for Horror: Both “Hereditary” and “Midsommar” have a family drama at their core, which is then used as a springboard to launch the horror narrative. The characters and their relationships are fleshed out in detail, making the audience empathize with them. The horror elements in the films, then, have a greater impact on the viewer because they are more invested in the characters and their fate.
- A Focus on Atmosphere: Ari Aster’s films are known for their rich atmosphere. The setting and the use of sound and music are key components in creating an immersive experience for the viewer. The use of bright colors in “Midsommar” and the muted palette in “Hereditary” contribute to the films’ atmosphere and tone.
- Subtle Horror Elements: Ari Aster’s films are not about jump scares and gore; instead, he uses subtle horror elements to create a sense of unease in the viewer. The use of visual metaphors and symbolism adds depth to the films, making them more than just horror movies.
The Importance of Martin Scorsese’s Support
Martin Scorsese’s support for Ari Aster’s work is important for several reasons. Firstly, Scorsese is one of the most respected filmmakers of all time, and his endorsement can bring a lot of attention to Aster’s work.
Secondly, Scorsese’s support can help Aster get his foot in the door of the film industry and pave the way for future opportunities. Thirdly, Scorsese’s support can lend credibility to Aster’s vision and artistic choices, which can be invaluable in an industry that often prioritizes commercial success over artistic merit.
Moreover, Scorsese has been an influential figure in the independent film scene for decades and has helped launch the careers of several notable filmmakers. His support for Aster can potentially have the same effect and give the up-and-coming director the boost he needs to establish himself as a major player in the industry.
Additionally, Scorsese’s appreciation for Aster’s work can also inspire other established filmmakers to take notice and support emerging talent. This can lead to a more diverse and dynamic film industry that values artistic innovation and creativity.
Overall, Martin Scorsese’s support for Ari Aster’s work is not only a testament to Aster’s talent and potential but also a reflection of the importance of mentorship and support in the film industry. By acknowledging and promoting the work of emerging filmmakers, established filmmakers like Scorsese can help shape the future of the industry and ensure that it continues to evolve and thrive.
What to Expect from the Q&A?
The Q&A is expected to delve deep into the themes and concepts of “Beau is Afraid,” and perhaps offer some insight into Scorsese’s thoughts on the film. Knowing Scorsese’s love for cinema, it’s likely that he’ll have some interesting and thought-provoking things to say about Aster’s latest work.
The Q&A is also a great opportunity for fans of Scorsese and Aster to gain some insider knowledge about the filmmaking process and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a movie. The event will undoubtedly be insightful, informative, and highly entertaining for all attendees.
What Does Scorsese’s Support Mean for “Beau is Afraid”?
Scorsese’s support is a major boost for “Beau is Afraid.” With Scorsese’s legendary status in the film industry and his reputation for being a champion of quality cinema, his endorsement is sure to draw attention to the film and help generate buzz and interest among moviegoers.
Additionally, Scorsese’s involvement in the Q&A is a clear indication that he sees something special in the film, and this bodes well for its chances of success both critically and commercially.
Pros and Cons of Scorsese’s Support
Pros:
- Scorsese’s support is a major boost for “Beau is Afraid,” helping to generate buzz and interest among moviegoers.
- Scorsese’s involvement in the Q&A is a clear indication that he sees something special in the film, which bodes well for its chances of success.
- Scorsese is a legendary figure in the film industry, and his endorsement is sure to carry weight with critics and moviegoers alike.
Cons:
- Scorsese’s support may set unrealistic expectations for the film, which could lead to disappointment among some viewers.
- Some moviegoers may be turned off by the film’s horror elements, which may limit its commercial appeal.
Conclusion
Martin Scorsese’s support for “Beau is Afraid” is a major boost for the film and a testament to its quality. Scorsese’s reputation as a champion of quality cinema and his legendary status in the film industry are sure to generate buzz and interest among moviegoers, and his involvement in the Q&A is sure to offer insight and entertainment for all attendees.
While some may be wary of the film’s horror elements, it’s clear that Scorsese sees something special in “Beau is Afraid,” and this bodes well for its chances of success both critically and commercially. Overall, the Monday Q&A promises to be an insightful and entertaining event, and fans of Scorsese and Aster won’t want to miss it.
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