Final proof that Scorsese is a has-been

Rating: Null/10 (13 February 2003)

That Martin Scorsese has been in decline since Taxi Driver is a truism that far too many movie buffs seem unwilling to face. This mess of a movie surely is the only evidence you need to back up a case. Scorsese's technical abilities are routinely praised but despite these, here there is no evidence of coherent narrative or character developement. Daniel Day-lewis's performance is ok in a cartoonish way. The rest are best passed over in silence. This film will garner Oscar nominations because Scorsese is seen as an artist. It is though only too apparent that the only movie brat who matters in 2003 is Steven Spielberg - who would have thought that 25 years ago. Perhaps there should be mandatory retirement for aged directors.