Scorsese re-invents himself brilliantly for multiple "homages" to the cinema

Rating: 7/10 (20 January 2012)

Considering Scorsese's track in films to date, Hugo is indeed very different, very fresh and original, and reflects not only the director's admiration for silent cinema and Geoges Melies, it simply reflects his passion for cinema and its tremendous power to surprise and entertain audiences whether at the turn of the last century or of course today. Hugo fulfills its target as a worthy tribute to the cinema, where Scorsese has put his savoir-faire brilliantly into the making of the film, and the cinematography and the camera work are mind-blowing with fantastic sweeps, where at last 3D is superbly put to use. I have given the film a 7 rating, mainly as the main character -Hugo- as played by the young actor did not seem quite suitable for the role, though one has to admit it is a difficult role in the storyline. The musical score was used with profusion and one wishes it used less accordion sound (do we have to be reminded this is Paris?). Talking of Paris it did seem digital at times in the background, and we scarcely notice sunshine or daylight in the film, leaving it with a studio feel (maybe intended? for the love of cinema..). Scorsese homages to the cinema in the film include winks to the late Spanish director Luis Bunuel (the dream in a dream sequence)and Alfred Hitchcock (Scorcese makes a brief cameo appearance as the photographer of the Melies couple) and the list may not be complete. To sum up Scorsese's love of cinema is contagious, when it is conveyed as masterfully as in Hugo !