“Why would my key fit into your father’s machine?” The mystery of Hugo expands as Paramount plans to reveal Martin Scorsese’s story of an orphan boy (Asa Butterfield) living in the walls of a Parisian train station who embarks on an adventure involving … well, I’m not entirely sure. Which is great. The studio hasn’t blown all of Scorsese’s secrets, doing just enough to generate interest and create suspense. Yes, there was the “secret” screening at the New York Film Festival, and a new poster. But this second trailer (via Apple’s web page) dives deepest into Hugo’s world, and sets the stage for what looks to be a winning fantasy film.



Of course, the real draw of Hugo, beyond the eye-popping production values or John Logan’s immersive script, will be Scorsese’s first foray into 3D storytelling. From everything we are hearing, it’s some of the best 3D ever attempted. Which, given Scorsese’s reputation as a visual genius, should surprise no one. Between Hugo and Steven Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin, this holiday season could signify the moment where 3D filmmaking turned an important corner. That’s not to say there won’t be horror and action films that abuse the format. But legitimate filmmakers might now have the necessary blueprint for using the enhancement to better their films … and not just coax more money out of patrons.

Martin Scorsese’s Hugo stars Butterfield, Chloe Mortez, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Michael Pitt, Christopher Lee, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer and Jude Law. It opens everywhere on Nov. 23.