Martin Scorsese’s Only Fantasy Movie Is a 93% RT Masterpiece That Deserved Better in Theaters

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Martin Scorsese is famous for his realistic gangster films, like *The Irishman* and *Goodfellas*, which explore the complex lives of flawed characters. However, *Hugo*, released in 2011, is a surprisingly gentle and visually stunning film that stands apart from his other work. Set in Paris, it tells the story of a young orphan who receives an automaton from his deceased father and uncovers a magical and heartbreaking history connected to it.

I remember when *Hugo* first came out – everyone was expecting the next *Harry Potter*, but it was something completely different! It wasn’t a huge blockbuster, but those who saw it discovered a beautiful, artistic film that really felt like a tribute to the very beginnings of movies. Even though it didn’t make a ton of money, it was a critical darling, racking up 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Director! It still has an amazing score on Rotten Tomatoes, but for some reason, it’s often overlooked when people talk about Martin Scorsese’s films. It’s a shame, because looking back now, *Hugo* is a truly special, almost forgotten classic, and it’s clear it was Scorsese’s heartfelt love letter to early cinema.

Hugo Tells A Tale About Georges Méliès

The film *Hugo* takes place in a beautifully imagined world and tells a grand, heartwarming story. It centers on a young boy named Hugo who is determined to repair a broken robot his father left him, believing it holds a secret message. He meets a girl named Isabelle, who helps him discover the robot’s connection to her godfather, a toy store owner at a train station. This owner turns out to be Georges Méliès, a pioneering filmmaker who lost his passion and films during the war and retreated into obscurity. Hugo, Isabelle, and a film enthusiast work together to restore Méliès’s legacy by finding his lost movies and reuniting him with his beloved automaton. While it shares a magical train station setting, *Hugo* is very different from *Harry Potter*; it’s a unique and touching story seen through the eyes of a child.

The film *Hugo* didn’t perform well in theaters largely because of its marketing. In 2011, it was promoted as a typical family holiday movie focused on magic and fun, but this didn’t match the film’s true nature. *Hugo* is more of an artistic film – thoughtful, reminiscent of the past, and quietly moving. Director Martin Scorsese didn’t aim for a young star like the one in *Harry Potter*; instead, the main character is a gifted but unknown 12-year-old boy working unnoticed at a train station. Because the lead actor wasn’t a big name, the film allowed the story of Ben Kingsley’s character, Georges Méliès, to truly stand out. While the movie itself was beautifully made, the marketing campaign created a disconnect with audiences. It opened with only $11 million and ultimately earned around $185 million worldwide, despite costing between $150 and $195 million to produce. Though initially considered a box office failure, *Hugo* eventually proved its value and lasting impact.

The film *Hugo* was a big success at the Academy Awards, winning five Oscars for its stunning visuals, sound, and artistic direction. Though initially overlooked by some, it’s now considered a classic and is often shown to film students as an introduction to the work of Georges Méliès. Beyond being a beautiful tribute to early cinema, *Hugo* is a deeply moving story with a personal connection for director Martin Scorsese. He has shared that the film was inspired by his daughter, Francesca, and her unique perspective on the world. Scorsese wanted to capture the innocence and curiosity of childhood, and he achieved this by telling the story through the eyes of a child. The film’s use of 3D technology, which was controversial at the time, has also stood the test of time, enhancing the movie’s magical quality and connecting with audiences of all ages.

Hugo Is Martin Scorsese’s First Film Using 3D Animation

Martin Scorsese found the idea of using 3D technology as an experienced, traditional filmmaker to be a compelling aspect of the film *Hugo*. In a conversation with James Cameron, Scorsese explained why he chose this project as his first venture into 3D. He felt the story’s setting naturally suited the use of depth and space, and that 3D could create a unique, immersive cinematic experience that brought audiences together. He was inspired by the work of Georges Méliès and believed the criticism of 3D as a mere gimmick was unfair. Scorsese pointed out that early cinema pioneers like the Lumière brothers were already experimenting with 3D, and that audiences have always sought more immersive and engaging visual experiences, including sound, color, and larger screens.

It’s hard to say how Georges Méliès would have reacted to modern 3D filmmaking, but James Cameron was a big admirer of *Hugo*. He felt Martin Scorsese’s use of the technology was seamless and natural, describing the film as deeply emotional and immersive – as if the audience were experiencing every subtle moment. Roger Ebert gave *Hugo* a perfect four-star review, praising Scorsese for using 3D not as a cheap trick, but as a way to enhance the film’s details and emotional power. While enjoyable for children, *Hugo* is considered a true cinematic achievement.

Martin Scorsese’s Hugo Is A Masterpiece For All Ages

As a movie lover, I think *Hugo* doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, but it’s a really special film. Let’s be honest, history lessons can be a drag, but Martin Scorsese managed to make it captivating! The whole movie revolves around this broken robot Hugo is trying to fix, and it’s like watching a fascinating puzzle unfold. There’s this incredible moment with Isabelle’s heart-shaped key – it not only brings the robot to life and reveals a hidden drawing, but it also starts a mystery about Hugo’s dad and Isabelle’s godfather. The movie brilliantly plays with the idea of whether this character, Papa Georges, is actually the lost filmmaker Georges Méliès, a man who seemed to have forgotten his own incredible past.

Scorsese paid tribute to the earliest filmmakers by highlighting their fascination with magic and toys. The film *Hugo* beautifully demonstrates how movies originated from illusions and trickery, and how advancements in technology allowed for increasingly elaborate on-screen effects—all without relying on historical explanations. It’s a charming film, filled with a bustling train station, a boy living in a clock tower, and a captivating mystery, making it an ideal choice for family viewing.

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2025-10-12 05:07