Martin Scorsese says he hasn't watched Joker: 'Why do I need to? I get it. It's fine.'
We're leaving the Martin Scorsese on Marvel movies discourse in 2019, but now, the Martin Scorsese on DC movies discourse has arrived.
When asked by The New York Times to name some of his favorite films from the past year, Scorsese noted there's plenty he's hoping to catch up on. But apparently not high on that list is Joker, the recent DC movie heavily inspired by Scorsese's The King of Comedy and Taxi Driver that Scorsese considered producing.
"I saw clips of it," Scorsese told the Times of Joker. "I know it. So it's like, why do I need to? I get it. It's fine."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Scorsese previously described Joker in an interview as a "remarkable work" without actually specifying that he's watched the final product, instead saying, "I know the script very well."
The legendary director's rave "I saw clips of it" review of Joker, which his own film The Irishman is competing against at Sunday's Golden Globe Awards, comes after he described Marvel movies as "not cinema," setting off an onslaught of follow-up quotes, responses, and even a Times op-ed by Scorsese.
After all that, Disney CEO Bob Iger said he plans to set up a meeting with Scorsese, though Scorsese noted in this Times interview he reached out to Iger for a meeting months earlier as part of his nonprofit's effort to restore and preserve 20th Century Fox films.
"Then all this came up," Scorsese told the Times. “So, we'll have a lot to talk about."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Natalie Elphicke: the Tory defector facing a backlash from both sides
Speed Read MP for Dover's hawkish stance on immigration and defence of sex offender ex-husband raises eyebrows among her new colleagues
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Lanzarote travel guide: a sea-swept volcanic paradise
The Week Recommends Even a short exploration quickly shows the out-of-this-world island is undeserving of its 'Brits abroad' reputation
By William Leigh Published
-
The extra costs to consider when planning your summer holiday
The Explainer Air fares are on the rise but that is not the only charge you need to pay for your getaway
By Marc Shoffman, The Week UK Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published