Scorsese has enough credit in the bank to make whatever film he wishes and according to his BFI interview, making Silence has been a long and difficult road. And you can see why. There are countless Scorsese films where, if you were flicking TV channels and came upon them 30 minutes in, you'd stay and watch. Silence does not fall into that category. It is a film that demands the correct state of mind. A state that is prepared for an explicit ecclesiastical journey through 17th century Japan, where, despite the title, there is much dialogue often dealing with layered ethical questions. The silence refers only to that of god, of who the priests wish for a response.
It is a beautifully shot film rife with confidence that must come from knowing your craft as well as Scorsese does. His knowledge of how long to hold a shot is absolute and Silence really is a masterly example of camera work. The way into the story is confident also, making a film about a topic that for many is foreign, accessible. Scorsese said that Shutter Island (2010) would be his most successful film because people will have to see it twice. He was right. It would be incredibly surprising if Silence came close to such box office. Although this is not its intention. It is a film for film lovers. It also just lacks something to it stand out in an impressive winter season of cinema. Perhaps if seen at the right time, in the right frame of mind Silence could be special. It is, after all, made by a living master of film.
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