Sinatra and Martin…Scorsese that is
Scorsese’s made a movie about the guy on the left.
Could the guy on the right be next?
A year ago, we (meaning me and my imaginary friends) scoffed at rumors Martin Scorsese was going to tackle a film about Frank Sinatra, but then Nikke Finke reported this morning that the project was officially being set up at Universal.
Now Variety confirms it.
The good news is that it’s a joint venture between the Sinatra Estate and Warner Music Group meaning family and record company cooperation are ensured. The bad news is I don’t think that includes the infinitely cooler music Sinatra recorded for Capitol in the 1950s.
I hate biographies, but I love Sinatra and I love Scorsese so there’s a good chance this will be cool. I don’t know though. Why do I have a bad feeling about it?
The trick will be finding an interesting arc that doesn’t stick to the biography formula and also casting someone who can capture Sinatra without mimicking him. Offhand, I can’t think of a name actor that fits that bill, but then that’s why they call it “acting” isn’t it?
Caught wind of via: Cinematical.
Filed under: News
Tags: Frank Sinatra, Martin Scorsese
Give me the movie about the monks first, Marty. Put the biopic on the back burner. I guess this is cool but I’m getting tired of new projects for “Martin Scorsese, Respected Mainstream Film Director.” I want the 80’s Scorsese back. After the rehab.
Course, any mainstream Scorsese movie is likely leaps and bounds better than any mainstream Ron Howard or Ridley Scott movie, so there’s that.
When are we ever going to get Silence? Gah…
The only name that comes to mind for Sinatra is Ray Liotta. He looks just enough like (older) Sinatra to work and he can turn in great work when he’s not slumming it in direct-to-DVD stuff. Christian Bale might work for a younger Sinatra. I just really hope Scorsese doesn’t go back to his Default DiCaprio.
I know it’s crazy to look a gift Scorsese movie in the mouth, but I miss the smaller stuff from the greats. I wish directors like Scorsese and Speilberg would occasionally throw caution to the wind and go all Soderbergh on us with something offbeat and potentially experimental.
It’s a lot to ask. I live in a dreamworld sometimes…and of course, I’ll probably see the Scorsese version of Sinatra’s life in a heartbeat.
Ray Liotta is an interesting choice, WJ.
A) yeah, I was looking forward to Silence
B) Whatever Scorsese does, sign me up for it
C) But yeah, again, let’s see a smaller more personal picture.
Liotta is an interesting choice for the older Sinatra.
I’m pretty sure this is after “Silence”. Like the variety article says, the script for the Sinatra thing is still being written. And both Scorsese and production designer dante ferritti have already scouted locations in New Zealand for Silence and I believe filming is meant to begin later this year.
At least I hope that’s the case, because to repeat what Joel said, I’m also getting a little tired of “respected mainstream” Marty. He’s just so much better than that.
RAY LIOTTA all ready played FRANK in HBO’S THE RAT PACK.
Didn’t see it, though.
So I don’t have a firm opinion either way. But the guy’s got the goods. He’s incredibly talented and charismatic. I have no idea if he’d want to take it on again. Perhaps for Marty’s sake…
I’ve been through this before. But who’s going to play AVA…?
There’s something to be said for connections that can get you places. God, what I wouldn’t give to be able to talk to Mr. Scorsese about that part…
Funny you should mention AVA (I assume we’re talking Gardner here) because Kate Beckinsale was already ravishing as Ava Gardner in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator. I could live with that casting.
Yeah, I was, joel.
You’re right. KATE was really wonderful…and completely believable as well. Says something about her level of talent, seeing as she doesn’t look remotely like Ms. Gardner.
It is unlikely that MARTY would take the unknown route. Unfortunately…
CATHERINE ZETA JONES is probably the only other name actor (besides KATE) that could do justice to it – off the top of my head. I think she’d be fantastic.
Just checked out The Rat Pack movie you mentioned, Miranda. It has Don Cheadle as Sammy Davis, Jr., too. Genius casting! I’m not a fan of Sinatra or Davis in particular, but I’m interested in renting that movie now.
I think TRP got fairly good notices, W.J. It has a terrific cast.
I haven’t seen it. But I think it might be well worth the time to take a look at it.