Underrated Scorsese Gem: 'Boxcar Bertha' Reclaimed

Martin Scorsese's 1972 film 'Boxcar Bertha,' once dismissed by mentor John Cassavetes as a "piece of shit," is now being re-evaluated as a significant and accomplished work. A new 4K UHD edition from the Cinématographe label aims to place the film within the New Hollywood pantheon.

Initially conceived as an unofficial sequel to 'Bloody Mama,' 'Boxcar Bertha' delves into themes of leftist politics, action, and period detail. Despite its exploitation film origins, the movie demonstrates visual imagination and a mythic grandeur, exploring the struggles of a young transient and an idealistic union organizer.

The film is also notable for challenging the perception that Scorsese only focuses on male subjects. It subtly critiques patriarchal society and showcases a strong female protagonist, Barbara Hershey, whose performance offers a complex portrayal of a woman limited by societal circumstances.

'Boxcar Bertha' predates many of Scorsese's later thematic concerns, including overt political material and the oppression of marginalized groups, offering a raw precursor to films like 'Killers of the Flower Moon.' Its new presentation highlights its enduring artistic merit.