Who's That Knocking at My Door

Who's That Knocking at My Door, a 1967 film, is the stunning first full-length feature that marked the directorial debut of the legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The film stars a young Harvey Keitel, a frequent collaborator of Scorsese, whose profound performance introduces a fresh dynamism that would become a signature element of Scorsese's later works. With co-stars Zina Bethune and Anne Collette, the cast presents an engaging narrative that brilliantly encapsulates the raw backdrop of New York City in the late 60s.

The film opens with Keitel portraying the role of J.R., a young Italian-American man living in the heart of Manhattan's Little Italy. J.R. embodies the quintessential working-class American youth with dreams and ideals bigger than the confinements of his neighborhood's tightly-knit immigrant community. He lives a relatively simplistic life, indulging in the usual youthful pastimes such as hanging out with friends, debating about music and movies, and seeking out potential romantic interests.

This seemingly patterned life takes a remarkable turn when he meets a sophisticated and independent young woman, portrayed by Zina Bethune, who doesn't reveal that she's a victim of rape and has lived through significant traumas in her past. The dynamics between Keitel's J.R. and Bethune's character form the core of the film, grounding it with elements of realism that were rarely explored in the cinematic world of the late sixties. The pair's intense on-screen chemistry helps in delivering a relatable portrait of youthful lust transforming into profound love.

The film is broken up into sequences that fluidly combine aesthetically pleasing, visually bold shots with more traditional narrative cohesion, properly showcasing Scorsese's affinity for exploring conventional genres cinematically. The director further infuses the narrative with innovative techniques, including temporal shifts and intercutting, to brilliantly depict inner conflicts, spiritual struggle, and the constant battle between tradition and personal desires.

Using his signature style of presenting the tumult and complexity of the human condition, Scorsese delves deep into his Catholic upbringing and explores themes of guilt, redemption, innocence, and sin, within a cultural framework. There are substantial religious undertones throughout the film, with Scorsese reflecting on Catholic guilt and its bearing on the protagonist's personal life. Anne Collette, playing the role of an unnamed woman in J.R.'s life, further supplements the exploration of these motifs.

Harvey Keitel excels in his role as the protagonist, J.R., seamlessly portraying the internal battles and external realities faced by the character. His impressive performance earned him high praise, propelling him into a fruitful career marked by numerous critically acclaimed performances. Zina Bethune, with her intelligent persona and dynamic presence, beautifully offsets Keitel's raw, emotional performance, making her character unforgettable despite the personal turmoil that she is subtly dealing with.

Filmed in black and white, Who's That Knocking at My Door embodies the gritty realism of life in New York City's immigrant communities during the late '60s. The beautiful, stark imagery of the city is displayed, giving off a nostalgic aura of a bygone era. Scorsese's eye for capturing the cityscape and his sensitivity towards regional specifics ranging from attitudes, accents, behaviors, and social norms add a layer of authenticity to the narrative, splendidly showcasing the essence of New York City.

Regarding the technicalities, Who's That Knocking at My Door offers the first glimpse into Scorsese's genius and his revolutionary contributions to filmmaking. The film is characterized by its evocative score, alternately roaming camera, and surprising editing patterns, all of which became signature elements of Scorsese's distinctive style.

Overall, Who's That Knocking at My Door is unquestionably a touchstone in the realm of American independent cinema. It provides an immersive experience into the mind of a conflicive but realistic protagonist, offering psychological depth and dramatic intensity. As a bold, innovative, and distinctly Scorsesean piece of work, the film stands as an essential viewing for anyone interested in the evolution of American cinema and particularly, the trajectory of Martin Scorsese's illustrious career.