The post-screening discussion for Martin Scorsese’s epic film, The Irishman, at the 2019 New York Film Festival (NYFF) was skillfully moderated by none other than Kent Jones, the then-Director of the New York Film Festival. His deep understanding of Scorsese’s oeuvre and his insightful questioning made for a memorable and engaging event.
Kent Jones: A Guiding Voice at NYFF
Kent Jones’s tenure as the Director of the New York Film Festival spanned from 2013 to 2019. During this time, he established himself as a highly respected figure in the film community, known for his encyclopedic knowledge of cinema history, his discerning taste, and his ability to engage filmmakers in thought-provoking conversations. His moderation of The Irishman discussion exemplifies these qualities. He didn’t just ask simple questions; he guided the discussion, probing for deeper insights into the film’s themes, production, and the actors’ performances.
Jones’s background is multi-faceted. He is a filmmaker himself, having directed documentaries such as Hitchcock/Truffaut. He is also a film critic and programmer, having contributed to publications like Film Comment and served on selection committees for various film festivals. This broad experience made him uniquely qualified to moderate such a high-profile event. His familiarity with Scorsese’s work allowed him to delve into the specific nuances of The Irishman and contextualize it within the director’s larger body of work.
His approach was never confrontational or overly academic. Instead, he fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, encouraging Scorsese and the film’s stars – Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci – to share their perspectives and anecdotes. His interventions were always precise and insightful, steering the conversation in productive directions and ensuring that the audience gained a deeper appreciation for the film.
The Significance of The Irishman Discussion
The New York Film Festival provided a crucial platform for The Irishman to be showcased and discussed. Scorsese’s film, a sprawling crime epic with a runtime of over three hours, represented a significant moment in his career and in the history of cinema. The discussion following the screening offered a unique opportunity for audiences to hear directly from the director and actors about their experiences making the film.
The discussion, moderated by Kent Jones, helped to contextualize the film’s themes of memory, regret, and mortality. It also provided valuable insights into the film’s groundbreaking visual effects, which were used to de-age the actors and allow them to portray their characters over multiple decades.
The presence of Scorsese, De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci on stage was a major draw for attendees. The opportunity to witness these legendary figures discussing their craft was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many film enthusiasts.
The event was also significant for marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between film and streaming services. The Irishman was produced and distributed by Netflix, and its inclusion in the New York Film Festival signaled a growing acceptance of streaming platforms within the traditional film world.
FAQs: Deepening Your Understanding
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the specifics of the event and the individuals involved:
Q1: What was Kent Jones doing after his tenure as Director of NYFF?
Kent Jones continues to be actively involved in filmmaking and film criticism. He is currently the editor-at-large for Film Comment magazine. He has also continued to make documentaries and teach film.
Q2: What other films has Kent Jones directed?
Besides Hitchcock/Truffaut, Kent Jones has directed the documentary Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge, and co-directed (with Martin Scorsese) My Voyage to Italy. He’s also written several screenplays.
Q3: Where can I find footage or a transcript of the Irishman discussion at NYFF?
While a complete, professionally edited recording of the entire Q&A session might not be readily available online for free due to copyright restrictions, short clips and summaries can often be found on YouTube and other video-sharing platforms. Searching for “The Irishman NYFF Q&A” or “Martin Scorsese NYFF Discussion” may yield results. Check the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s archives and social media presence for any officially released excerpts.
Q4: What was the general critical reception of The Irishman?
The Irishman received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its direction, performances, screenplay, and visual effects. Many critics hailed it as one of Scorsese’s best films.
Q5: Why was The Irishman released on Netflix instead of in theaters?
The Irishman’s extensive de-aging visual effects required a significant budget, which Netflix was willing to provide. Additionally, Netflix offered Scorsese creative control and a wider distribution platform than many traditional studios. While it did have a limited theatrical release, Netflix prioritized its streaming availability.
Q6: What are some of the key themes explored in The Irishman?
Key themes include memory, regret, mortality, loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of violence. The film reflects on the lives of its characters and the choices they made, ultimately grappling with the weight of their past actions.
Q7: Was this the first time De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci worked together?
While De Niro and Pesci had worked together in several films previously (including Goodfellas and Casino), and De Niro and Pacino were in The Godfather Part II and Heat, The Irishman was the first time all three actors worked together on screen in significant roles. This added to the anticipation surrounding the film.
Q8: What was the biggest challenge in making The Irishman?
The de-aging visual effects presented the biggest challenge. It required significant technological innovation and a substantial investment of time and resources to convincingly portray the actors at different stages of their lives.
Q9: How long did it take to film The Irishman?
Filming lasted for approximately 108 days, from September 2017 to March 2018. The long production schedule was due, in part, to the complexity of the visual effects and the need to film scenes in multiple locations.
Q10: What is the significance of the title The Irishman?
The title refers to Frank Sheeran’s (De Niro’s character) Irish-American heritage. While Sheeran was involved with the Italian mafia, his Irish background set him apart and created a unique dynamic within the criminal underworld. It also plays on stereotypes and perceptions associated with Irish-Americans in organized crime.
Q11: What awards and nominations did The Irishman receive?
The Irishman received numerous awards and nominations, including ten Academy Award nominations (though it didn’t win any). It was also nominated for several Golden Globe Awards and British Academy Film Awards.
Q12: How did audiences react to the de-aging technology in The Irishman?
Reactions to the de-aging technology were mixed. While many praised the filmmakers for their ambition and technical achievement, some viewers found the effect unsettling or distracting, particularly in certain scenes. Others felt it enhanced the film’s themes of aging and mortality.