Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese is set to grace the silver screen in a distinctively unusual role in Julian Schnabel’s upcoming film, ‘In the Hands of Dante.’ Fans of the legendary filmmaker might have last seen him portraying the celebrated painter Vincent van Gogh in Akira Kurosawa’s ‘Dreams,’ but his next acting endeavor ventures into the literary realms of the past. In this intriguing crime mystery, Scorsese will embody the character of an influential, elderly sage who is pivotal in shaping the journey of Dante Alighieri, the illustrious medieval poet behind the epic ‘Divine Comedy.’
The news of Scorsese’s engaging participation was revealed as Variety caught up with Schnabel, who is currently in the post-production phase of the much-anticipated movie in New York. “He (Scorsese) is extraordinary in the film,” Schnabel conveyed, highlighting the mesmerizing impact of Scorsese’s performance. “You can’t take your eyes off him,” he added. This illuminates Scorsese’s ability to captivate audiences not just through his acclaimed directorial ventures but also through his occasional yet memorable on-screen appearances.
Indeed, the revelation comes at a time when Martin Scorsese is reveling in recent accolades and preparing for significant upcoming endeavors. The filmmaker was honored with an Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement during the 74th edition of the Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin. Additionally, his latest directorial feat, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ stands as a strong contender at the forthcoming Academy Awards with nominations across 10 different categories, a testament to his enduring legacy in the cinematic landscape. This includes nods for the highly coveted best picture and best director titles.
Scorsese’s passion for dynamic and thought-provoking storytelling seems insatiable as he is already brainstorming his next project, which is said to be a new film exploring the life of Jesus Christ. With a career-defining run in directing films that delve deep into the complexities of human characters and historical narratives, it is no surprise that he is drawn once again to a figure as pivotal as Jesus Christ for his cinematic exploration.
Beyond the allure of Scorsese’s involvement, Julian Schnabel’s ‘In the Hands of Dante’ promises to be an intriguing addition to the realm of films that blur the lines between history and fiction. Schnabel, a multidisciplinary artist widely known for his visual art, as well as celebrated films like ‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,’ has a penchant for crafting visceral and evocative cinematic experiences. With Schnabel at the helm and Scorsese in such a crucial role, expectations for the film are undeniably high.
The choice of Scorsese for the role of Dante’s mentor is not only fitting due to his Italian heritage and familiarity with Italy’s cultural imprints but also because of his masterful understanding of complex narratives. His directorial works frequently exhibit a deep comprehension of faith, morality, and the human condition, themes that also run through Dante’s magnum opus. For viewers who appreciate not only the artistry behind the camera but also the symbolic weight of storytelling, Scorsese’s latest onscreen venture holds the promise of a profound cinematic experience.
The weaving of the tale of Dante Alighieri, his monumental literary contribution, and the mystery that shrouds its creation forms an intellectual tapestry that caters to a variety of audiences. From literati to cinephiles, by intertwining reality with imagination, ‘In the Hands of Dante’ is setting itself up to become a film that possibly transcends genre definitions, anchored by powerful performances and visionary direction.
As anticipation builds, the industry and audiences alike keep a watchful eye on this project, not only for its promise of delivering a unique cinematic narrative but also to witness once again the enigmatic charm of Martin Scorsese as he steps from behind the camera to embody a character that might leave an indelible impression on both the silver screen and the viewers who will undoubtedly follow his guidance into the heart of the narrative expanse that is Dante’s inferno, purgatorio, and paradiso.
