Martin Scorsese’s quote, “Cinema is a matter of what’s in the frame and what’s out,” is a profound statement on the art of filmmaking, encapsulating a fundamental aspect of visual storytelling. Here’s a deeper look into its meaning:

• The Power of Selection: Scorsese emphasizes the importance of choice in filmmaking. What a director chooses to include in the frame (the visible part of the film) is as crucial as what is left out. This selection process dictates the story being told, the mood, the focus on characters, and the overall narrative flow. It’s about curating the visual elements to guide the audience’s attention and emotions.
• Creating Meaning Through Exclusion: The part of the story or scene that is left out of the frame can be just as significant as what is shown. By excluding certain elements, a filmmaker can create intrigue, build suspense, or focus the viewer’s attention on specific details. This technique often encourages the audience to engage more deeply, filling in the gaps with their imagination and interpretation.
• Visual Storytelling: Scorsese’s statement also touches on the essence of visual storytelling. In cinema, a story is told not just through dialogue or action, but through the composition of each shot. The arrangement of elements within the frame – like characters, objects, lighting, and setting – conveys emotions, themes, and narrative arcs. It’s a subtle yet powerful way of storytelling that goes beyond words.
• Control and Intentionality: There is an element of control and intentionality in what a director chooses to show or hide. This decision-making process is central to a director’s vision and style, shaping the film’s artistic and emotional impact. It’s about crafting a specific experience for the viewer, one that is carefully designed through the lens of the camera.

In essence, Scorsese’s quote encapsulates a fundamental principle of cinema: the deliberate and thoughtful composition of visual elements to tell a story. It’s a reminder that filmmaking is as much about what is presented to the audience as it is about what is withheld, creating a dynamic interplay between the seen and the unseen. This concept is not only central to directing but also crucial for actors and other creatives in the film industry to understand, as it fundamentally affects how stories are conveyed and experienced on screen.