Watch: De Niro and DiCaprio Compete for a Scorsese Payday
While it may not be as consciously constructed as that of Quentin Tarantino’s, the film meta-world of Martin Scorsese would seem to at some point demand the pairing of his two most durable leading men, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. That time is now, apparently, as the two men appear in a short branded content film for the $3.2 billion City of Dreams casino in Manila Bay, Philippines. It may not be what we wanted, but it shouldn’t pass by unnoticed. The trailer for the film, The Audition, is posted above.
Both actors have been reported to have received $13 million for their appearances in the $70 million budgeted-project. The pieces were written by Boardwalk Empire‘s Terence Winters and produced by Brett Ratner. Commented Ratner, who notes that Brad Pitt will also appear in the short film:
“This short film is a historic event because it is the first film ever to star such legendary actors as Robert De Niro, Leonardo Dicaprio and Brad Pitt in one film together. Mr. Lawrence Ho and Mr. James Packer served as Executive Producers and convinced iconic filmmaker Martin Scorsese to direct the film whom I was thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with. The cooperation between Mr. Scorsese and the Melco Crown Entertainment brand is synergistic because of the fact that Mr. Scorsese directed the film “Casino” starring Robert DeNiro. Mr. Scorsese has collaborated with Mr. DeNiro on 8 films and with Mr. DiCaprio on 5 films and is working with Mr. Pitt for the first time. Our hope is that the trailer for “The Audition” gives audiences an early look into what will surely be an important cinematic experience directed by one of the most culturally influential directors in the history of Hollywood films. I look forward to the Global Premiere of the film at the launch of Studio City in mid-2015.”