In 1988, the filmmaker - who actually wanted to become a priest as a child - stunned the world with the biblical drama 'The Last Temptation of Christ' and in 2016 with 'Silence,' a story about two Catholic missionaries. He also directed notable black comedies, such as 'The King of Comedy' (1982) and 'After Hours' (1985). After attracting attention early in his career as a chronicler of violent American society with films like 'Mean Streets' and 'Taxi Driver,' he then surprised audiences by adopting different genres, including the 1977 musical drama, 'New York, New York.' Martin Scorsese refuses to be pinned down. Scorsese (right) with Robert De Niro on the set of 'Taxi Driver' Image: Everett Collection/picture alliance 3. He has also championed outstanding performances from actors who would become top Hollywood stars following their breakthrough with the director, including Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel with 'Mean Streets' (1973) and Jodie Foster with 'Taxi Driver' (1976).

He knows how to surround himself with the best collaborators. He has cultivated fruitful artistic partnerships with outstanding film composers, editors or cinematographers, such as the German Michael Ballhaus.

Telling interesting stories is one thing, but bringing them to life cinematically is quite another. Scorsese is a master in both, turning for example a sports drama like 'Raging Bull' (1980) into a radical stylized work. He incorporates his favorite topics into his films: criminality in Mafia flicks, from 'Mean Streets' (1973) to ' The Irishman' (2019) the search for the meaning of life in movies that deal with religion, such as 'The Last Temptation of Christ' (1988) or 'Silence' (2016), and his interest in music and film in his documentaries.

Most of his movies give insight into modern American society with its history of social upheavals, crime and violence. Scorsese, who was born in New York in 1942, has always been interested in film and music history. This has a lot to do with his origins, his roots as an Italian-American, his Catholic upbringing, and his diverse range of interests. What stands out about Scorsese is his genuine interest in the stories he tells. Here are five reasons why Scorsese is one of the greats of movie history. With iconic works burned into the collective memories of film lovers, the US director remains at the top of his game as he turns 80 on November 17. A directing legend like Martin Scorsese has more than just natural talent - he has worked hard to earn his place as one of the world's top directors.

Martin scorsese 1980