Martin Scorsese Films - Life Can Be Summed Up Through These Movie Quotes

Martin Scorsese is one of the most enlightening moviemakers ever. School is just a piece of paper but valuable things learned from a Marty Scorsese movie have fared better in the real world. Here are some of my favorite Marty Scorsese movie quotes and what meaning they have from my perspective.

"After a while, I grew to understand that my role was less about saving lives than about bearing witness. I was a grief mop. It was enough that I simply turned up." - Frank Pierce in the ambulance.

Nicolas Cage, Bringing out the Dead, 1999.

Life has become a machine where the bottom line is profit and he's right.

"You put my money to sleep, I'll put you to sleep." - Nicky Santoro to the Irish accountant.

Joe Pesci, Casino, 1995.

I really don't think that I want to find out what the meaning is behind this quote but it always comes to mind when managing money and sensitive affairs for clients.

"A lot of holes in the desert, and a lot of problems are buried in those holes." - Nicky Santoro.

Joe Pesci, Casino, 1995.

This quote reminds me of how everything in life comes with a choice: the bottom of the sea or the middle of the desert. See next quote for further clarification on choices.

"All right, I'm gonna give you a choice. You can either have the money and the hammer or you can walk out of here. You can't have both. What do you want?" - Ace Rothstein to the guy caught cheating.

Robert De Niro, Casino, 1995.

" Listen to me very carefully. There are three ways of doing things around here: the right way, the wrong way, or the way that I do it." - Ace Rothstein to the slots manager.

Robert De Niro, Casino, 1995.

Being the boss is tough work with a lot of responsibilities. This is how I run the company and it's a tight ship.

"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? Then who the hell else are you talking... you talking to me? Well I'm the only one here. Who the fuck do you think you're talking to? Oh yeah? OK." - Travis Bickle to the mirror.

Robert De Niro, Taxi Driver, 1976.

I think this is a classic line that captures the essence of life. We have great ideas, awesome things to say or do and the only one listening is the mirror.

"Hey, I'm not square, you're the one that's square. You're full of shit, man. What are you talking about? You walk out with those fucken creeps and low lives and degenerates out on the streets and you sell your little pussy for peanuts? For some low-life pimp who stands in the hall? And I'm square? You're the one that's square, man. I don't go screwing fuck with bunch of killers and junkies like you do. You call that being hip? What world are you from?" - Travis Bickle to Iris, the 12-year old runaway prostitute.

Robert De Niro, Taxi Driver, 1976.

A day late, buck short. If only people woke up as to what's square...

"Does a bear shit in the woods?" - Johnny Boy to his goombas.

Robert De Niro, Mean Streets, 1973.

Ask a dumb question and receive a dumb answer.

"We're not payin', because this guy, this guy's a fuckin' mook." - Joey Clams in the bar.

George Memmoli, Mean Streets, 1973.

This is a scenario that is too close to home. A lot of people don't get paid for the services that have been provided, people don't pay back loans, etc. To make it in this world that is ruled by money, you can choose to be rich or be a mook.

"But I figured it this way: better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime!" - Rupert Pupkin's final punch line during his Tonight Show stand-up comedy slot.

Robert De Niro, King of Comedy, 1983.

In a world where honesty is shun and evil sells, this must justify doing things that are not cool.

"You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me. I'm a little fucked up maybe, but I'm funny how? I mean funny like I'm a clown. I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to fucken amuse you? What do you mean funny? Funny how? How am I funny?" - Tommy Devito

Joe Pesci, Goodfellas, 1990.

It makes me feel uncomfortable when people tell me that I'm funny especially when I am being serious. In all honesty, this is all I can think of.