“It’s important to highlight the early years of Martin Scorsese’s career, because those years – and especially his connection with the actor I’m about to invite on stage – aren’t talked about nearly enough. With his third feature, Scorsese found his voice. After completing the film, he showed it to his mentor, John Cassavetes, who said ‘That’s it!’ I’m convinced no one could speak more insightfully about Mean Streets than Harvey KeiteI,” said Artistic Director Karel Och on Sunday evening as he welcomed the American actor to the stage before the screening in the Grand Hall.
Keitel devoted his speech primarily to the power of creativity itself. “This festival means a great deal to me. I’m one of you. I know how hard you’ve worked to develop your craft. I’ve been through everything you’re going through, only in America,” he began, before quoting Aristotle and reflecting on the power of art and aesthetics to change the world, no matter how chaotic it may seem today.
“You’re about to see a man on screen who looks a bit like me,” he joked. “Back then, I just wanted to get some acting experience. I wasn’t getting paid, and Martin Scorsese and I had to pool our money just to buy food. We’re no different from you. When I say I’m one of you, I really mean it,” Keitel emphasised, referring to the difficult early days in the 1970s.
“I can’t believe we’re about to watch Mean Streets. And I can’t wait to hear that music. It’s fantastic. Enjoy the film,” Keitel concluded, before adding: “As we say in Brooklyn, see you at the pool!”
