Movies - TV
Martin Scorsese Had To Scrap Another Movie To Make
The Irishman
By SHAE SENNETT
When director Martin Scorsese partnered up with long-time collaborator Robert De Niro for a new project, De Niro convinced Scorsese to change the film, thus leading to the creation of “The Irishman.” The duo had set out to adapt the novel “The Winter of Frankie Machine” by Don Winslow, a story of a hitman coming out of retirement for one last job — a familiar setting for both men.
While preparing for the role, De Niro read “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt and fell in love with the story, prompting the actor to convince Scorsese to adapt this book instead. The story is told through the lens of the elderly Frank Sheeran, an Irish World War II veteran who once worked for the Mafia in Mid-Century Philadelphia.
De Niro liked the idea of an old man looking back on his life, saying, "The whole story reflects how we are getting older, and that feels right. We're getting closer to that time, if you will." The film features a legendary cast, with De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci giving magnificent performances that make the movie feel authentic.