Planned Martin Scorsese "Sinatra" Project

Library Bob · #61 05-15-2009, 04:08 AM

Here's one lead nobody else has considered: Marky-Mark Wahlberg. In role after role, particularly in Scorcese's The Departed, he's proven that he's got to combination of looks, street-smarts, and class to be very believeable in the role.

The Chairman · #62 05-15-2009, 05:56 AM

Here's an idea... George Clooney as Dean Martin..! ?

Jake · #63 05-15-2009, 06:05 AM

Isn't Wahlberg quite muscular? Frank was quite skinny...

I agree about the rest, and his face is fine for portraying Frank

Marjorie · #64 05-15-2009, 06:53 AM

I think Danny Gokey from this season's American Idol, would be great casting. Because? He can sing... incredibly. And he has a charming demeanor. And he is just the right age. And he can go to the Jennifer Hudson school of acting.

Dan · #65 05-15-2009, 07:06 AM

Johnny Depp in contention for lead in Martin Scorsese's Sinatra biopic?
May 14, 2009, 05:35 PM | by Christine Spines

From EW.COM

Universal, the studio behind Martin Scorsese's recently announced Frank Sinatra biopic, has put Johnny Depp at the top of its wish list of actors to play Ol' Blue Eyes, according to Deadline Hollywood Daily. Scorsese had reportedly been eyeing longtime collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio (Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed) for the lead role. But now that the Universal-produced period-heist picture Public Enemies, starring Depp and Christian Bale, looks like a potential winner, the studio is eager to line up Depp's next high-profile project. Universal would neither confirm or deny the report; and Depp's rep says it's untrue.

Oren · #66 05-15-2009, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marjorie

I think Danny Gokey from this season's American Idol, would be great casting. Because? He can sing... incredibly. And he has a charming demeanor. And he is just the right age. And he can go to the Jennifer Hudson school of acting.

I'll put aside, I don't like Danny Gokley. If he was a great singer or not I don't think it would matter with this project. It would have to be original Frank recordings to hold any kind of credibility, With any actor.

Greggie · #67 05-15-2009, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeane frankphan

When I read in the LA Times that Scorcese was directing a new "Sinatra" bio I literally jumped up and down. I would like to see Harry Connick, Jr. play Frank Sinatra. He has similar features, he can sing and oh, can he act. He's played gangsters and lovers.
Leo DiCaprio? Uh oh...No...Cant imagine him at all. The music will give way to a whole new generation. It's a steller idea!

Jeane, I too think Harry Connick, Jr. would be great. He does resemble a young Frank.

Jeffrey Simmons · #68 05-15-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwin

....In many of Willis' movies, he relied more on his personality, charisma and physical skill than on acting ability. However, in such as "Nobody's Fool," he proved he could hold his own with the best of them.

"Charisma" was the word in my last post on this thread I was searching for because Frank had that in spades and, above all, I think its necessary for that to come through in the new movie.

As to the music, well there is no other possible choice than Frank himself. The movie should be used as an opportunity to show, to demonstrate, to the widest possible audience, including those who are not already 'in the know', just exactly how wonderful is the voice and singing of Frank Sinatra.

I keep harping back to those 1940's Jolson Story movies, not because they were such truthful biopics about Jolson, but because they were tremendously entertaining and popular movies at the time which were also a great showcase for Jolson's singing and songs and they had the effect of putting the real Al Jolson, close to the end of his career and life, right back in the spotlight. They also had Larry's Parkes' lively and charismatic portrayal of Jolson which in that case, from all that I have read and from the early Jolson movies I have seen, may possibly have even been a slight improvement on the original.

It is my hope that any new movie about Frank Sinatra would have a similar effect of creating renewed interest in Frank Sinatra for a whole new generation.

As for Jonny Depp as a possible choice, I also think there may be some merit in that. He's an excellent actor when he gets a good part and he has a solid following of his own.

donnah · #69 05-15-2009, 08:06 AM

What about Hugh Jackman? He has the rugged good looks and a lot of musical talent.

DeCaprio has a "baby face", Frank certainly did not.
Frank was sexy, DeCaprio at least IMHO is not.

Bruce Willis, not enough finesse.

A newcomer may be right for the part.

radioman · #70 05-15-2009, 08:13 AM

I would rather see an accomplished actor rather some unknown trying to do an FS impersonation. To me that always comes off as sort of cheezy.

Some of the recent actors that have done well in bio-pics, IMO, are Jamie Fox in "Ray" and Joaquin Phoenix in "Walk The Line".

And even though I thought Kevin Spacey pulled off the music in the Darin bio-pic very well, I think Frank's recordings must be used. Spacey really has a shocking similarity in both appearance and sound to Bobby Darin. I don't think anybody could do the same with FS.

Jake · #71 05-15-2009, 08:35 AM

"And even though I thought Kevin Spacey pulled off the music in the Darin bio-pic very well, I think Frank's recordings must be used."

I agree. Then again it could be because we are all familiar with his work that we feel this way. Still, no voice out there, at least to my knowledge, has yet been able to come close to Frank's in one way or another.

Maybe an unknown wouldn't be all that bad.

Leigh Ann · #72 05-15-2009, 09:30 AM

[QUOTE=donnah;883386]What about Hugh Jackman? He has the rugged good looks and a lot of musical talent.

I would LOVE TO SEE that. However, with Hugh being 40, would he be be too old for the role? I hope not!! He's also very tall - 6' 2". Hugh is so talented and has so much charisma.

I hope they don't go with Leo.

voice1 · #73 05-15-2009, 09:42 AM

I think Leo can pull it off. There were scenes in "The Aviator" where he was Howard Hughes. He mastered the look, the stare and the walk. The Harry Connick suggestion is interesting. If they can blue his eyes...he would likely be a great lip syncher for the music too. And his speaking voice is closer to Frank's.

But I'm going to lose 120 lbs....grow hair and have them take 6 inches off each thigh bone so I can play the part....the blue contacts are on order. I'd be perfect I tell ya....perfect.

Domenico · #74 05-15-2009, 09:59 AM

Boy thats a tough one. Di Capro or Depp. I think whomever plays the role, the "heat" will be on to make sure its done right cuz if its done properly its "endsville".

Scorese is a wonderful director to make this film, Im curious.
Sinatra's life story is a long one.....Its gonna be cool.

For the record I liked Tina;'s movie on her dad Sinatra, The mini-series, I have it on DVD and VHS.

rverdi2837 · #75 05-15-2009, 10:35 AM

Christian Bale would be intriguing. He has a way of "inhabiting" his roles.

Dan · #76 05-15-2009, 11:20 AM

Been having a big debate on Facebook with all my friends since the news broke on this the last couple of days and everyone agrees that DiCaprio and Depp are just not right for the role of Frank. I love the anticipation of finding out who the actor will be. The story is more important than who the actor is however, but would be great if the actor looked like young FS, that would be a major plus. I trust in Marty's direction and choices, have been for so many years now, and I am sure the right actor will be chosen, but to me it's the substance of the movie that counts more than anything else. Again, Frank's original recordings will be used for Marty's soundtrack, I can almost bet my life on it.

Marjorie · #77 05-15-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oren

I'll put aside, I don't like Danny Gokley. If he was a great singer or not I don't think it would matter with this project. It would have to be original Frank recordings to hold any kind of credibility, With any actor.

"Original Frank recordings" implies lip-synching. Well, that is the decision of the filmmaker. My personal opinion is that lip-synching sometimes doesn't work. If they decide to go with a non lip-synched film, they would want a great singer, and that is why I think Danny Gokey (with intense training) could pull it off. He really can sing. Did you hear his "You Are So Beautiful?" He is amazing.

Well, they probably will go with a big name established actor anyway.... so it's moot.

Gonzalo Duque · #78 05-15-2009, 12:20 PM

Lots of speculation on the leading role. Here is a press release from the Sinatra.com site.

Keep checking the NEWS here on this site.

Carolinagirl · #79 05-15-2009, 01:08 PM

Chris would be best from the American Idol crowd, thin and sexy. I'm not talking vocals, just cuteness.

Edwin · #80 05-15-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marjorie

"Original Frank recordings" implies lip-synching. Well, that is the decision of the filmmaker. My personal opinion is that lip-synching sometimes doesn't work.

Are you serious? Have someone else do the singing for Frank in The Frank Sinatra Story? That would be a federal offense or worse, maybe even punishable by waterboarding. even though Rick is available to do the job. What would be the point? And lip synching does work. When you watch Frank Sinatra, Howard Keel, Fred Astaire or Doris Day sing in a musical, they're lip synching to what they did in a recording studio. Lip synching is standard procedure in a musical.