Though they haven't worked together as actor and director since 1995's "Casino," the past couple of years has seen a project brewing that would reunite Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. "I Heard You Paint Houses" — also known as "The Irishman" — has been in the works since 2010, with Scorsese and De Niro teaming with Joe Pesci, while Harvey Keitel and Al Pacino were also rumored for roles. De Niro and Scorsese insist the project is still on the table, and now this latest bit of info is undeniably intriguing.
Based on the non-fiction book by Charles Brandt, the true story tale centers on Frank Sheeran, a WWII veteran who led a colorful life as a high ranking officer in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters while also dabbling in organized crime as a highly-sought-after hitman. "We've been trying to get it going for a couple of years and now we're just trying to set a time. It's about a guy called Frank Sheeran who was in the Teamsters [a US union] and claimed to have killed Jimmy Hoffa [the controversial union leader who disappeared in 1975]," De Niro confirmed to the Guardian. "I'd play Frank Sheeran and Pacino would play Hoffa. Joe Pesci would be in it too."
No word on Keitel, but asked if the movie might happen soon, De Niro quipped, "It has to or we all won't be around any more." Of course, there are all kinds of factors which may or may not allow 'Houses'/'Irishman' to happen, including schedules, which for everyone involved (okay, maybe not Pesci) are very, very busy. In fact, even though he's still in production on "The Wolf Of Wall Street," the very busy Scorsese is apparently eyeing a concert movie.
The Las Vegas Sun reports that, according to real estate mogul Steve Wynn, Scorsese is eyeing shooting a TV version of the Garth Brooks show that recently ended a three year run at the Wynn casino. “[Brooks will] do the TV show. He asked if he could do it live at the Wynn. I immediately said yes and suggested Martin Scorsese direct it. I called Marty — he said he’d love to do it, when does he want to do it? I asked Garth that this weekend, and he said, ‘As soon as possible.’ So, I will get on the phone with Marty this week, and it will all get put together soon," Wynn said.
When asked directly, Brooks remained cagey about the whole thing, only saying, "It would be amazing if it works out with Scorsese. I’m not confirming or denying that." So all said, there at least seem to be discussions under way. We certainly don't need to reitirate the various concert movies, music videos and more Scorsese has tackled over the years, but with Brooks heading back onto the road in 2014, we'd wager the TV special will be a good way to bridge the gap between the end of his Wynn show and his return to arenas.
Lastly, NoFilmSchool has found a video recorded in 2006, with Scorsese speaking about the importance of visual literacy. As always, he's a fascinating guy to listen to, so watch below.
