At this point, if you’re a fan of Martin Scorsese, then it should be no surprise that the filmmaker has yet another rock documentary up his sleeve. And also not shocking, the doc is about an NYC-based group, this time tackling the iconic band, the New York Dolls and its frontman, David Johansen.
According to Deadline, Martin Scorsese is set to co-direct a new documentary about the Dolls and Johansen alongside filmmaker David Tedeschi for Showtime. The untitled doc will follow the career of the New York Dolls and the legendary frontman, Johansen. The film will not only utilize interviews and archival footage to tell the story, but Scorsese has reportedly already filmed a special show last year at the Café Carlyle, where Johansen performed and told stories about his life and career.
“I’ve known David Johansen for decades, and his music has been a touchstone ever since I listened to the Dolls when I was making ‘Mean Streets,’” said Scorsese. “Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City. I often see him perform, and over the years I’ve gotten to know the depth of his musical inspirations.”
He continued, “After seeing his show last year at the Café Carlyle, I knew I had to film it because it was so extraordinary to see the evolution of his life and his musical talent in such an intimate setting. For me, the show captured the true emotional potential of a live musical experience.”
Showtime EVP of Nonfiction Programming, Vinnie Malhotra, added, “It is an honor for all of us at Showtime to be working with Martin Scorsese, who unquestionably stands as one of the greatest filmmakers of our time. Over the past few decades his documentary work has taken us inside the lives of some of the most iconic musicians, from The Band to The Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan, and now David Johansen and the New York Dolls. Johansen’s story transcends the walls of music and is a window into the art and cultural evolution of New York City.”
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As mentioned, this is far from the first time that Scorsese has worked on a rock doc. Just last year, the filmmaker released a new doc about Bob Dylan titled “Rolling Thunder Revue,” which is now available on Netflix. He’s also done docs about George Harrison, The Band, and the Rolling Stones.
There’s no release date set for the New York Dolls doc, but it will eventually find its way on Showtime.
