Gangs of New York is okay...sort of represents the downfall of Scorsese. Remember, action and brutality doesn't make a movie good. The thing that saves that movie is DDL's performance as Bill the Butcher. Definitely a classic performance. I can only imagine how great this movie could have been if they casted someone else instead of DiCaprio. He has a set range of emotions, pretty much plays the same character in all of his movies, mediocre actor. I don't know about you but I can't take him seriously in "tough guy roles" because he looks like a pouting child. Comes across as looking forced when he is angry. I am a HUGE Scorsese fan, though, and you best believe I will be happy when this Leo/Scorsese contract is up. It's really watering him down.
On his plate for the future is "The Irishman" and it looks very promising to see Marty go back to his core cast: De Niro and Pesci. Plus, for the first time he will be working with Al Pacino in this one. Very exciting to me.
Next up for him is "Hugo Cabret" which will hopefully redefine the 3D genre and carry it to a more serious level, away from that bullshit eye-candy for stupid people. I hear its a homage to the "French New Wave" and his take on the Sci-Fi genre. Possibly a direct homage to Godard's "Alphaville." Exciting.
Other news has him working on a film called "Silence" about Jesuit priests in Japan. Considering Scorsese's past this could be one of the only personal films he has done in a while, plus he is taking the writing credit which is also the first in a while. Yes without Dicaprio, thank god. The two need to seriously break up
And finally, he is struggling to make "Sinatra." He has plans to concentrate more on the organized crime portion of his life which would be amazing, but I understand how it might not get made. I mean, who the fuck is going to play Frank in the first place? LOL Dicaprio? Oh, HELL NO!
All in all, its very promising to see Martin Scorsese get back to form. We need those REAL Scorsese flicks back!