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Posted: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 4:49 PM | 10 comments |

Scorsese Does Sinatra

Carrie Rickey, Inquirer Film Critic

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According to this report, Martin Scorsese -- perhaps the most musically minded of working directors (The Last Waltz, No Direction Home) has signed on to do a Frank Sinatra biopic. I vaguely remember him previously being attached to this project some 20 years ago and announcing that Ray Liotta would play Old Blue Eyes.

But who could play Young Blue Eyes? Scorsese loves Leonardo Di Caprio -- and vice-versa -- but I'm not feeling that. I know there will be partisans of Zac Efron and James Marsden (both okay singers, but neither approaching Sinatra range). Who would you cast?

Posted by Carrie Rickey @ 4:49 PM Permalink | 10 comments

Comments

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:04 PM, 05/13/2009

Dear Carrie, There are three ways to go when casting a movie about a famous person: 1. A complete unknown with talent -- viewers will not bring any preconceptions to the film. Think Christopher Reeve with Superman. 2. The best actor in the world: Francis Copola used this when casting the role of Don Corleone in "The Godfather." He asked who's the greatest actor in the world? People said Marlon Brando or Lawrence Oliver. Oliver wasn't available, Brando was, and you know the rest of the story. 3. A big star who will be challenged by the part and will create buzz with the casting. Think DiCaprio in "The Aviator" when he played Howard Hughes.

— jonc

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:46 PM, 05/13/2009

Harry Connick Jr.? Oh, wait, he's already playing him in real life. But maybe Harry's a little too old now to play early Sinatra.

— MojoMama

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:51 PM, 05/13/2009

This is way out of left field, Carrie, but I say Dan Futterman. Why? Well, (1) he's a good actor; (2) he resembles the young Sinatra; (3) he is (still) unknown enough to pull it off, and (4) he deserves the break. I assume that whoever gets the part to lipsync Frank's songs, right?

— Pash

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:55 PM, 05/13/2009

Rufus, but of course. As soon as he finishes his opera about Callas.

— Jeff Weinstein

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:07 PM, 05/13/2009

Sean Penn, obviously. End of story. Forget age; add digital intermediate beauty treatment. Scorcese would hate to be wrong, I'm sure.

— ccjroberts

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:25 PM, 05/13/2009

How about Christian Bale ?

— MrMayhem

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 6:06 AM, 05/14/2009

Scobby dooby do..

— STEVE5444

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 1:12 PM, 05/14/2009

Received several great e-mails from commenters who couldn't navigate the cumbersome registration system: Their suggestions include James Franco (excellent choice!), Anne Hathaway (if Cate Blanchett can play Dylan, why not?) and the guy who played "FRank Cinatra" in "Hear My Song." All great suggestions, as are Rufus Wainwright, Christian Bale, and Sean Penn.

— carrierickey

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 1:51 PM, 05/22/2009

No matter who they cast, couldn't they just dub the singing?

— javafiend

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:13 PM, 06/03/2009

How about singer Michael Buble (sp?) he has about the range and soul of 'ol blue eyes but not sure about the acting ablity. Hey who know's but whoever it I am sure it will be the right choice.

— Skyelera

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