Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has once again shown his unwavering support for director Ti West, praising his ambitious ‘X' trilogy. The trilogy, comprising “X,” “Pearl,” and the recently released “MaXXXine,” has been described by Scorsese as a bold and thoroughly cinematic endeavor that redefines the horror genre through the lens of different eras in American filmmaking.
In 2022, Scorsese's endorsement of “Pearl” significantly elevated West's reputation. Describing the film as “wild,” “mesmerizing,” and “deeply disturbing,” Scorsese wrote to A24, saying, “I was enthralled, then disturbed, then so unsettled that I had trouble getting to sleep. But I couldn't stop watching.”
Scorsese recently expanded on his admiration in an interview with the New York Times, noting that the ‘X' trilogy represents a “different type of horror, related to different eras in American moviemaking.” He explained that “X” reflects the '70s slasher era, “Pearl” captures the '50s melodrama in vivid saturated color, and “MaXXXine” epitomizes '80s Hollywood's rancid, desperate ambiance. According to Scorsese, these films are “three linked stories set within three different moments in movie culture, reflecting back on the greater culture.”
Ti West first caught Scorsese's attention with his 2011 film “The Innkeepers,” which reminded him of Val Lewton's work. Scorsese noted, “The amazing thing about ‘The Innkeepers' was that you could eliminate the ghost story and the film would work without it, which echoes the way Val Lewton made his films.”
While West's career has had its ups and downs, Scorsese's continued support highlights the director's unique vision and contribution to modern cinema. For those unfamiliar with West's work, “In A Valley of Violence” (2016) is a must-watch. This underrated film is a grisly homage to classic westerns, featuring John Travolta and Ethan Hawke, and showcases West's most restrained and subtle storytelling to date.
In a landscape filled with talented filmmakers, Scorsese's endorsement of Ti West underscores the director's potential and the impact of his innovative approach to genre filmmaking. For horror enthusiasts and cinephiles alike, the ‘X' trilogy and West's other works offer a refreshing and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
