Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Ever met someone who's changed your life?

I know I've been scarce around here lately, but something happened today I had to share.

I grew up watching movies. That's all I cared about. If I wasn't going to the theatre, I was watching tapes at home (or laserdisc!) I was fascinated by everything about them. The acting, the cinematography, the dialog, the camera work. Everything - it all fascinated me. Two people in particular really effected me. Robert Deniro, and through him, Martin Scorsese. To me, they were the absolute best of what cinema could be. Together, as in Taxi Driver, and especially Raging Bull they created stories on screen that changed my life. I wanted to be able to create something that could effect people like they had effected me. So, I packed up from my little town of 5,000 in Maine, and moved to Los Angeles. I'd been accepted to film school.

14 years later I'm working at IMAX, helping to make the biggest, brightest, most amazing movies in the world. Over the past few years we've been remastering "Hollywood" films for our giant screens. I've been lucky enough to be a large part of that process. There have been a few real "pinch myself" moments sitting in a dark theater watching things like Spider-Man 2, and Batman Begins on our IMAX screens and knowing I helped put it up there.

This afternoon I stood in our lobby awaiting the arrival of Martin Scorsese to view his new Rolling Stones concert film, "Shine A Light". I shook his hand, and then sat in the theatre and watched the film with him. Looking up at the screen at a huge 50' tall image of Martin Scorsese, then turning my head and seeing him sitting just four seats from me smiling was surreal. The emotions were so strong, that my eyes welled up. (Thank god it was a dark theatre!)

It seems foolish to have such strong feelings...he's just a man, but I can honestly say without his films, I'd probably never have moved from New England. I wouldn't have the friends I do, I would very likely not be working doing what I love. My entire life would be so different. The funny thing is he has no idea what an effect he's had on my life, and never will. If we met again tomorrow, he'd not remember quickly shaking my hand today. It's so bizarre.

That's a great story! It's so cool that you're able to work at something you're very passionate about, and I can only imagine the excitement of being able to sit with one of your heroes.

Great stories! The re-issue of some of his movies on HD-DVD was one of the main motivators for me to buy a unit last summer!

That's awesome, Craig! Like you, I had an opportunity to see "Raging Bull" when I was younger and it absolutely mesmerized me. To be able to spend time with Martin Scorsese must have been incredible. Truly, one of our greatest film auteurs.

Dear Craig,

Your ongoing willingness to tell personal stories is something I treasure. From them, we have a great opportunity to learn and to heal.

That must have been a great encounter. Something to savor.

Congratulations on doing work that you love. Most people are not nearly so fortunate.

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story.

We make it a point to see feature IMAX films when we can; Spiderwick Chronicles will be soon. It adds measurably to my sense of joy and wonder that I have the honor of seeing your work.

I just look forward to the day I can meet some of you fine Axiomites in person.

Watch out for this guy! He's just trying to pass his curse on to someone else!

yup, any of you priests?

No, but I always keep a plentiful supply of holy water on hand, so if we ever happened to meet in person, don't be upset if the first thing that I did was to douse you.

Awesome story, Craig! The last time I saw Martin Scorsese was in a champagne commercial.