Scorsese - Age of Innocence

Martin Scorsese
Particularly: Age of Innocence
1993

Age of Innocence began as a novel about a young man who is engaged to marry a woman he believes he loves until her cousin comes to town and stands against all social norms, quickly leading him to fall in love with this new and exciting woman.

This story was written by Edith Wharton during the 19th century and is told with a very neutral eye, not passing judgment on any of the characters or showing the author’s opinion. Scorsese could be guaranteed to take this film and give it the twists typical of his own style.

Scorsese took this film to a much darker, more sensual place than the original story. It added a level of sexuality that deepened the tension. He also increased the opulence, giving the story a grander feel than it previously contained. Scorsese made this film his own, helping to satisfy why his fans went to see many of his films even though the story was not his own.

When examining the themes and style of this film, it is far from the original intention of the story written by Edith Wharton. Edith never meant to criticize the society or to condemn it or its characters. She wanted the story to be blank for others to interpret.

Scorsese, however, was very clear with his message of hatred of social norms and upholding those who struggle against them whether they ultimately win or loose. He shows his strong opinions and elevates elements of the story to reach them. He truly made this film to match many of his other styles of filmmaking so that it truly feels like a Scorsese film in every way.