Rewind to 2019: When Scorsese's epic The Irishman challenged streaming norms

Four years since its release, Martin Scorsese's The Irishman remains a significant marker in the landscape of cinematic storytelling. Released on Netflix in 2019, the film immediately became a topic of discussion not just for its storytelling and star-studded cast, but also for Scorsese's candid thoughts on how it should be experienced.

"I would suggest — if you ever want to see one of my pictures, or most films — please, please don't look at it on a phone, please," Scorsese implored. His words echo a deep-seated belief in the sanctity of the cinematic experience, which he feared was being eroded by the convenience of mobile screens.

The Irishman was not just a film; it was an epic narrative that demanded the immersive environment of a theatre. Scorsese's emphasis on the film's length and structure was a reminder of how cinema is meant to be a journey, an experience that requires attention and engagement.

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"Ideally, I’d like you to go to a theatre, look at it on a big screen from beginning to end," said Scorsese. His words were not just a preference but a plea to preserve the essence of cinematic storytelling amidst the rising culture of streaming and digital consumption.

Today, as we revisit The Irishman, Scorsese's words resonate even more. In a world where content consumption is increasingly dominated by smartphones and on-the-go viewing, The Irishman stands as a testament to the power and beauty of traditional cinema. It serves as a reminder that some stories are best experienced in their intended format, unconfined by the small screens of our digital devices.

Reflecting on The Irishman, Martin Scorsese's vision encapsulates a crucial conversation in the world of cinema: the battle between the convenience of technology and the artistic integrity of film-making. His stance on not making movies for phones is a bold statement in the age of digital media, emphasizing the significance of the cinematic experience.

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As we look back, The Irishman not only remains a powerful narrative epic but also a symbol of a filmmaker's love for the art form. In the era of streaming and smartphones, it challenges us to reconsider how we engage with cinema and what we might be losing in the transition to smaller screens.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)