A Potential Interview with Martin Scorsese (ABC Interview, 1985)
I. What was in the character of Solomon Kane that so thoroughly captivated you, when compared to say, Conan, Indiana Jones, or any of the other films you and your colleagues have worked on at Lucasfilms?
M.S. Besides the simple fact that when I read a short story by Howard, I was utterly captivated by how simple it was, and everyone knows me for the gangsters and the anti-heroes and all manner of filth in the world. Seeing such a man, who is looking at this filth and saying, I don't want to see this, I am going to make it better. In a very Old Testament way. It was almost therapeutic in a sense.
I. Threputic?
M.S Maybe it's from a lapsed catholic talking... but I see his way of justice is just as powerful a force as faith. He may have it, but Kane is first and foremost an agent of good. Where evil is punished, he is the one with his hand on the sword or finger on the trigger. He is justice against forces far more powerful and evil than ordinary men.
I. And it changed how you film? You've said that multiple times in other interviews.
M.S It did. It made me step back, in several ways to doing things. And it made me reexamine my own thoughts on film in general.
I. Everyone knows you dislike your co-workers blockbusters, and think they should do far more... artistic.
M.S Passionate works.
I. Passionate works. But why, when Solomon Kane is so seemingly engrained into your legacy as a director? Its the only film that you made that had a sequel.
M.S Yes it is. But you think it's a sequel, instead of a separate story within the canon of Howard or myself, like everyone should see it. I don't see them that way. The only thing that remained the same in those two films was Pierce Brosnan, who I think is one of the best actors I've ever worked with. The story is different, the stakes are different, even how I had Pierce act.
I.Even though you despise the popcorn movie reputation that it has given you.
M.S Everyone here thinks I make popcorn movies? Have you seen Taxi Driver? Raging Bull? No no... I think people get fixated on their favorite movies and are afraid to branch out... I don't feel afraid of doing that. And I think more people should branch out for those movies. They might even like it.
