Guillermo del Toro, Martin Scorsese Honour ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’ Artistry
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles recently hosted the world premiere of a new 4K restoration of George Stevens’ 1965 film, “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” This epic, known for its ambitious storytelling, showcases the artistry and complexity of biblical narratives. Director Martin Scorsese, whose Film Foundation played a pivotal role in the film’s restoration, praised Stevens’ work in a video introduction.
Martin Scorsese Celebrates Stevens’ Masterpiece
Scorsese highlighted the film’s technical achievements, noting its Ultra Panavision 70 format, which gives it an impressive aspect ratio of 2.76:1. He remarked, “It wasn’t just the size of the image, but the artistry and intention behind the camera.” Scorsese pointed to Stevens’ post-World War II films as deeply significant, emphasizing their exploration of human greed and violence.
Thematic Depth and Artistic Choices
Despite not being particularly religious, Stevens utilized the story of Jesus Christ to explore timeless themes. Scorsese described “The Greatest Story Ever Told” as the culmination of Stevens’ cinematic journey, produced against the backdrop of the American West in unconventional locations like Death Valley and Pyramid Lake. This decision was provocative, diverging from the typical Middle Eastern settings of biblical films.
- Key Locations:
- Death Valley
- Moab, Utah
- Pyramid Lake, Nevada
- Other Notable Films:
- “King of Kings” by Nicolas Ray
- “The Gospel According to St. Matthew” by Pier Paolo Pasolini
Guillermo del Toro’s Insights
Filmmaker George Stevens Jr. supervised the restoration and introduced Guillermo del Toro, a long-time admirer of Stevens. Del Toro has viewed “The Greatest Story Ever Told” over 20 times. During his lecture, he emphasized Stevens’ significant influence on the evolution of American cinema. He argued against the notion that Stevens was merely a classical filmmaker, asserting that his expertise contributed to the groundbreaking film “Bonnie and Clyde.”
The Intersection of Politics and Art
In discussing the film, del Toro drew parallels between Stevens’ era and contemporary issues in politics and the film industry. He emphasized how Stevens used Ultra Panavision 70 to maximize thematic expression, as there was a battle for audience engagement between television and cinema during that time.
Del Toro stated, “You can learn more about an artist through their art than by merely sharing space with them.” He illuminated how “The Greatest Story Ever Told” reflects Stevens’ humanistic worldview, demonstrating compassion and decency as essential human traits.
Legacy of George Stevens
Following “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” Stevens directed only one more film, showcasing the lasting impact of his cinematic explorations. Del Toro poignantly questioned what further artistic expressions Stevens might have created if given the opportunity.
The premiere not only celebrated the restored film but also commemorated Stevens’ contributions to the art of filmmaking. For more information on upcoming events, visit Filmogaz.com.
