No book is written in a vacuum. My thanks to Stephen Ryan, whose enthusiasm for the project lit a fire under me. This book would not exist had he not lobbied for it. I am also in debt to Jim McDevitt, whose frank feedback and thorough reading helped me improve every single page. His work was tireless and his friendship unerring, and for that I am grateful.
Thanks also to Cary Christopher, whose eagle eyes were a big help in correcting the text, and to Eric Preston and John Zarate, whose early feedback helped me refine the chapter on Raging Bull. And thanks to Robert San Juan for taking a road trip with me to see The Irishman.
Immense gratitude is also given to the giants on whose shoulders I stand. The journalism and film criticism of Roger Ebert, Richard Schickel, Amy Taubin, and many others not only proved a valuable resource in researching this book, but it also helped guide the way for all who have followed in their footsteps.
And finally, thanks to Martin Scorsese for creating the masterpieces this book examines. They have been engaging, enlightening, and endlessly entertaining.