‘The Thief of Bagdad’: Martin Scorsese Reveals How This Fantasy Sparked His Love for Movies

Martin Scorsese, one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century, credits a film he saw in 1947 with sparking his lifelong passion for cinema. As a young boy, Scorsese was captivated by ‘The Thief of Bagdad’, a fantastical adventure that left a lasting impression on him. This film, which features innovative special effects and storytelling, introduced Scorsese to the work of director Michael Powell, who would become a significant influence on his career.

‘The Thief of Bagdad’ is an earlier take on the Aladdin story, featuring a blind beggar named Ahmad (John Justin) who recounts his tale of betrayal and adventure. The film’s special effects, including pioneering blue-screen technology, created magical moments that were groundbreaking for its time. This technology allowed for impressive visual effects, such as flying carpets and giant creatures, which were a major leap forward from earlier films like ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Despite some noticeable technical limitations, such as visible blue lines around characters, the film’s creativity and practical effects, like large models and miniatures, contributed to its memorable spectacle. The chemistry between the cast, including John Justin and Sabu, and the villainous performances by Conrad Veidt and Rex Ingram, added to the film’s charm and impact.

Scorsese has spoken about how ‘The Thief of Bagdad’ influenced him, particularly Michael Powell’s direction, which emphasized visual playfulness and emotional storytelling. Scorsese admired Powell’s ability to blend imaginative visuals with emotional depth, which he believes shaped his own approach to filmmaking.

Image Courtesy: TIME

In his commentary on the Criterion Collection DVD, Scorsese reflects on how ‘The Thief of Bagdad’ resonated with him and how it influenced his later work. He notes that the film’s emphasis on storytelling and its visual creativity played a key role in his development as a filmmaker. Powell’s influence remained strong throughout Scorsese’s career, especially given Powell’s close relationship with Scorsese’s longtime editor, Thelma Schoonmaker. This connection helped guide Scorsese’s career and contributed to his success as a filmmaker.

Overall,  ‘The Thief of Bagdad’ was more than just a film for Scorsese; it was a catalyst for his passion for cinema and a significant factor in his growth as a filmmaker.

–Farheen Ali