News broke today that iconic director Martin Scorsese has signed on to direct a biopic of Frank Sinatra. On the surface, this seems like a natural fit. Scorsese has deep roots in Italian-American culture (Goodfellas), mid-20th century Americana (The Aviator), and has built successful films around charismatic, complicated male characters (Raging Bull, Casino). The problem, though, is that most of Scorsese’s best work is raw, kinetic, and contemporary. Think Taxi Driver, The King of Comedy, Mean Streets, The Departed — even Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. The content of these films matches Scorsese’s restless personal energy and roaming-camera shooting style. When he gets into period movies lately the result is — I’ll just say it: ponderous. Aviator and Gangs of New York both felt so freighted by the crushing weight of their historical precision that the films seemed suffocated.
I’m also not heartened by the news, from one of the film’s producers, that Leonardo DiCaprio is at the front of the line to play Old Blue Eyes. There’s no doubt he’s a fine actor, and probably a cool casting choice, but the Sinatra film would become the fifth movie Scorsese and DiCaprio make together. (Their fourth, a 1954 thriller called Shutter Island, comes out this fall.) I think it may be time for both men to see other people. And for Scorsese to make a modern film again before he gets so mired in the amber of some idealized 1950s America that he never gets around to helping us make sense of our own crazy 21st century. But what do you think, Popwatchers? Am I being too harsh on Marty, or is it time for him to give the period movies a rest?
More from EW:
Frank Sinatra: Never before seen photos unveiled
Fifth movie with Scorsese and Leo, after Gangs, The Aviator, The Departed, and Shutter Island. Still, that’s nowhere near as many movies as DeNiro made with Scorsese.
Not sure about the casting–who can really play Sinatra?
Ok, so I hate to be picky here, but Leo and Scorsese have actually done 4 movies together. Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed and Shutter Island. So, Sinatra would make 5. And I can totally see Leo as Frank Sinatra. He is beautiful! I also kind of like when director’s work with the same actors constantly. There’s a good chemistry. Just look at Tim Burton and Johnny Depp.
Actually it would be the 5th DiCaprio/Scorese collabration.
Gangs Of New York
The Aviator
The Departed
Shutter Island
are the first 4.
Of course it’s a great choice, Scorsese has proven, in every film, that he can do anything. DiCaprio will also be in his movie about a young Teddy Roosevelt, so I agree it shouldn’t DiCaprio (although I think he’s one of the finest actors around today). I think Ed Harris would be great in his later years and an “unknown” actor who can sing, in his earlier years. I am excited as hell for this!
agree completely. the news made me yawn. it sounds like a part II to The Aviator, with all the 50′s hollywood glamour, love affairs, shiny cars, and golden sheen. Gangs and the Aviator were both just bogged down. Besides, who’s actually interested in watching a movie about Sinatra’s life?
Not hip to DiCaprio for Sinatra. Ray Liotta was a good Sinatra in that Rat Pack movie…Phil Hartman (RIP) was a great golden years Sinatra.
But, Marty, what happened to the Dino biopic?
I will say it again, ‘The Departed’ was one of the most overrated movies of all time. Why you critics insist that it was great just goes to show how wrong you can be. By contrast, ‘Aviator’ and ‘Gangs of New York’ were both great(Gangs was too long) and Leo was wonderful in both. He’s a perfect choice to play ‘Ol Blue Eyes.’
The issue really isn’t (or shouldn’t be) about Scorsese. No one could bring it off better. The problem is casting. Sinatra is too iconic to be played by anyone. Has anyone considered an animated biopic? One aimed at adults specifically. This is a project where the supporting characters are as well known as the subject (Dean, Sammy, Gardner, JFK, etc).
im looking forward to this. i completely disagree with splitting up leo and marty, if they can make good movies together than i’m all for it, and the last film that ive seen between the two (the departed) was pretty good, so lets hope its just as good
It would be the FIFTH Scorsese/DiCap collabo…Gangs, Aviator, Departed, Shutter Island and this supposed Sinatra biopic.
–== http://www.cougarster.com ==– It’s where Cougar (women who are mature, rich and experienced) and men who like them can meet.
I’m so psyched for this! Martin Scorsese is the best choice to do this. But I must agree that Leo might not be the best choice for Sinatra (although I LOVE him). I say someone unknown to play young sinatra. Someone who exudes old time charm and who can sing. For an older sinatra-no real preferance, just someone good, classic.
DiCaprio is WAY too tall to play Sinatra. Hello!
They’ll have to get a skinny kid for Sinatra’s youth, because DiCaprio isn’t anymore.
I just think of New York, New York. It was a good movie for certain reasons, but definitely had its flaws.