We may still be waiting to learn exactly when Martin Scorsese's latest, The Irishman, will hit both cinemas and its native home of Netflix, but we do at least know when audiences will have a proper look at the exciting new crime drama — it's kicking off the 57th New York Film Festival.
Based on Charles Brandt’s nonfiction book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film tells the story of hitman Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), who alleged on his deathbed to have committed the unsolved murder of American Teamster union leader Jimmy Hoffa. But this being Scorsese, it's about much more than that.
Per the NYFF description, "it is a film about friendship and loyalty between men who commit unspeakable acts and turn on a dime against each other, and the possibility of redemption in a world where it seems as distant as the moon."
With Steven Zaillian on adaptation duty, the film features a roster of talent including Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, Jack Huston, Jesse Plemons and Anna Paquin. "It’s an incredible honor that The Irishman has been selected as the Opening Night of the New York Film Festival," says Scorsese. "I greatly admire the bold and visionary selections that the festival presents to audiences year after year. The festival is critical to bringing awareness to cinema from around the world. I am grateful to have the opportunity to premiere my new picture in New York alongside my wonderful cast and crew."
Netflix previously announced that the film will arrive in the autumn. Can't wait.