What makes you root for the 'bad guys' in Martin Scorsese films?

I think Scorsese made Max Cady in Cape Fear more sympathetic even though it was a remake

This is a great question that I've never asked myself before. I think it's partly because the characters are usually up against characters who are far worse than they are, so the audience sides with the lesser evil.

I think people's default is to side with the point of view that they start with in anything.

When you are born you automatically think your family is good... and even something as short as movie, book, video game, television series, you tend to side the whoever is introduced as the protagonist. Hopefully, you have enough independent thought and character that you are able to escape from this and judge each situation on an individual basis.

For example, I thought Bickle was sympathetic, I thought Henry Hill was kind of a weasel, I thought Jordan Belfort (Wolf) was a scumbag, but then Frank Abagnale (different director, but Leo role) was mostly harmless. My point being is that I didn't just accept them as "heroes" because they were the main subject.

Don't remember Casino much anymore where I can comment.

Anyway, I think it's a natural instinct to side with whoever you start with, but I haven't read up on the subject so if you like the idea you should read up on it.

Im not sure people support the characters
I just think that us 'regular types' are fascinated with well drawn baddies...
1. Most of us would never act that way for a number of reasons
2. Most of us have had the urge to hurt somebody or take things we have no right to
Hope that helped a little