Who's That Knocking at My Door

Who's That Knocking at My Door is a 1967 independent film directed by Martin Scorsese in his directorial debut. The film stars Harvey Keitel, Zina Bethune, and Anne Collette. It tells the story of a young man in New York City struggling to reconcile his Catholic beliefs with his desires and relationships.

The film follows J.R. (Harvey Keitel), a young man living in New York City. He spends his days with his friends, drinking and talking about women. He meets a girl (Zina Bethune) and they begin a relationship, but J.R. is conflicted about his feelings. He is a devout Catholic and has trouble reconciling his religious beliefs with his desires.

The film is divided into two parts. The first part explores J.R.'s relationships with his friends and his new girlfriend. The second part focuses on J.R.'s struggle with his Catholic beliefs and guilt over his relationship with the girl.

One of the most striking things about the film is its rawness. Scorsese shot the film in black and white and used natural lighting, giving the film a gritty, documentary feel. The dialogue is often improvised, giving the film a sense of authenticity. The film also features a non-linear narrative, with flashbacks and dream sequences.

The film is not without its flaws, however. The pacing can be slow at times, and some scenes feel overly long. The film also has a tendency to be heavy-handed with its themes, which can be distracting.

Despite these flaws, Who's That Knocking at My Door is an important film in Scorsese's career. It showcases his early style and gives a glimpse into the themes that would come to define his later work. It also features a strong performance from Keitel, who would go on to become a regular collaborator with Scorsese.

In terms of themes, the film explores issues of Catholic guilt, masculinity, and relationships. J.R.'s struggle with his Catholic beliefs is a central focus of the film. He grapples with the idea of sin and how it relates to his desires. This struggle is mirrored in his relationships with the women in his life. He tries to reconcile his desires with his religious beliefs, but ultimately finds himself feeling guilty and ashamed.

The film also explores issues of masculinity. J.R. and his friends are portrayed as alpha males, constantly talking about women and their conquests. But J.R.'s relationship with the girl challenges his ideas about masculinity. He struggles with the idea of vulnerability and how it fits into his identity as a man.

Overall, Who's That Knocking at My Door is an important film that showcases the early work of Martin Scorsese. Despite its flaws, it is a raw and authentic portrayal of a young man struggling with issues of faith, desire, and identity. The film's themes are still relevant today, making it a timeless classic of independent cinema.