Who Deserves Credit for Robert De Niro's Rise in Cinema: Lee Strasberg, Brian De Palma, or Martin Scorsese?

The question of who deserves the credit for Robert De Niro's prominence in the film industry is often debated, with several key figures including Lee Strasberg, Brian De Palma, and Martin Scorsese all laying claim. However, the correct answer points towards Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio. Without the rigorous training and Method acting techniques introduced at Strasberg's studio, De Niro might not have been the prominent figure in either Scorsese's or Coppola's films that he became.

Lee Strasberg's Influence on Robert De Niro

Lee Strasberg, the founder of the Actors Studio in New York City, was instrumental in shaping Robert De Niro's career. De Niro’s initial foray into method acting under Strasberg's guidance provided him with the foundational skills that were later crucial for his breakthrough roles in cinema. This rigorous training not only honed De Niro's acting abilities but also instilled in him a level of discipline and authenticity that he carried throughout his career, making pivotal performances in iconic films like Mean Streets and The Godfather possible.

It is here that De Niro's foundation was laid, setting the stage for his rise to stardom. The intensive acting techniques taught at the Actors Studio, which emphasized psychological realism and emotional authenticity, were instrumental in developing his distinctive style and performance approach.

Chronological Fulcrums in De Niro's Career

While Lee Strasberg's impact forms the backdrop, the chronological milestones in De Niro's career point to a series of pivotal directors who significantly contributed to his stardom. Brian De Palma played a crucial role in casting De Niro at an early stage of his career. De Palma's films such as Greetings (1968), The Wedding Party (1969), and Hi Mom! (1970) not only introduced De Niro to the spotlight but also paved the way for more significant roles.

One of the most significant roles, which truly catapulted De Niro to star status, was his portrayal of Johnny Boy in Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets in 1973. This role was pivotal; it marked De Niro's transition from a supporting actor to a leading figure in the film industry. The raw and intense performance in Mean Streets not only garnered critical acclaim but also set the stage for more intense and complex characters in future films.

Conversely, De Niro's role in The Godfather (1972) auditioned but wasn't cast until The Godfather Part II (1974) by Francis Ford Coppola. While this role was crucial for cementing his status as a leading actor and earned him his first Academy Award, the groundwork for this role had been laid earlier through his training and roles under Brian De Palma.

Scorsese's Final Word

While many debate over who ultimately deserves the credit for De Niro's rise, it is likely that Martin Scorsese's impact is the most definitive. The films with Scorsese—essentially starting with Mean Streets—marked a turning point in De Niro's career. Scorsese's collaboration with De Niro not only showcased his talent but also provided a consistent platform for his artistic growth. From Mean Streets with Harvey Keitel and other unknown actors to subsequent films with Scorsese, De Niro's star lit up the screen and his legacy in cinema was solidified.

Conclusion

Robert De Niro's rise in the film industry can be attributed to multiple factors, and indeed, several directors and actors have played a significant role. However, Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio remains the cornerstone of his career, providing the foundational skills that De Niro leveraged throughout his career. Chronologically, Brian De Palma paved the way, and Martin Scorsese's pivotal roles and collaborations cemented his status as one of the most iconic and influential actors in modern cinema.