A Letter to Elia

"A Letter to Elia" is a compelling, deeply personal documentary from 2010, jointly developed by Kent Jones and Martin Scorsese. In this absorbing piece, we are presented with an impassioned, introspective look into the life, career, and impact of legendary director Elia Kazan.

Directed by Martin Scorsese, a maverick in his own right, this documentary stands apart as an epistle reflecting the profound influence Kazan had on Scorsese's film-making endeavors. Elia Kazan, the innovative filmmaker behind such classic films as "A Street Car Named Desire," "On the Waterfront," and "East of Eden," left an indelible impression on Scorsese that permeated his entire body of work. Scorsese's passion for and indebtedness to Kazan comes through powerfully in his commentary and analysis throughout the film.

"A Letter to Elia" doesn’t merely shed light on Kazan as an auteur but delicately weaves his personal history, his professional journey, and his controversial decisions into a comprehensive portrait. The film opens with a brief overview of Kazan's early life, his immigrant roots and his entrance into the world of theater and film. From there, it ventures into a deep dive into his prolific body of work, often anchored by Scorsese's insightful analysis and heartfelt reflections which gives viewers an intimate look at how these works may be interpreted.

One of the film's strongest components is its exploration of Kazan’s controversial testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee, during the red scare esqe witch-hunt of the 1950s. Kazan’s decision to "name names" strained his professional relationships and somewhat shadowed his later career. While this makes for a complex legacy, Scorsese and Jones handle this with commendable sensitivity, allowing audiences to grapple with showcasing the vulnerabilities and contradictions of this remarkable man.

Another key element of the film is its focus on Kazan's creative process. Scenes from Kazan's most notable works are detailed with Scorsese offering his perspective on Kazan's directorial choices. Potential viewers must be aware that the documentary does contain extensive clips from Kazan's films, which might feel like spoilers to those unfamiliar with Kazan's oeuvre. However, these snippets serve a greater narrative purpose, offering insight into Kazan as an artist and the significant contributions he made to film.

The documentary also stands out for its candid narration delivered by both Scorsese himself and accomplished actor Elias Koteas. While Koteas provides voice-over readings from Kazan's actual writings, portraying the inner thoughts, feelings, and reflections of the man himself, Scorsese narrates the film with heartfelt personal expressions, creating a feeling of sitting in a room with a master storyteller.

In "A Letter to Elia," Scorsese doesn't simply pay tribute to an influential director or analyze Kazan's contributions to cinema. He explores his personal relationship with Kazan's works, discussing how they touched and shaped him from a young age. Scorsese’s relationship with Kazan's oeuvre is encapsulated beautifully as he expresses, "You could say that a big part of my life was shaped by my reaction to his films."

Overall, "A Letter to Elia" is an earnest, potent exploration of Elia Kazan and his towering legacy in cinema. It is a mix of biography, movie analysis, and a heartrending letter of gratitude from one director to another. It provides not only an exploration of Kazan's body of work but also rare insights into the life and career of Martin Scorsese himself, making it a must-see for any cinema lover.