Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Robert De Niro has been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces for over 50 years. Some of the most recognizable films ever made, likeTaxi Driver,Raging Bull, andGoodfellas, resulted from his work with legendary director Martin Scorsese. Robert De Niro turned down one film that would have reunited him with Scorsese and could have won him an Oscar.
What made Robert De Niro say “no” toThe Departed
Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Mark Wahlberg starred in Martin Scorsese’s 2006 filmThe Departed.The crime drama won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Vanity Fair claims that De Niro was offered a role inThe Departedbut declined it to focus on directing his own film,The Good Shepherd.
De Niro spent much time and energy onThe Good Shepherdbecause it was a personal project. The film, in which Matt Damon starred, chronicled the formative years of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Suggested Article:“There is chemistry”: After Three Failed Marriages, Tom Cruise Is “Extremely Interested” in Shakira Following Her Ugly Breakup With Pique
Since De Niro has always been curious about the inner workings of government, he was eager to learn more about the origins of the CIA and its effect on American foreign policy. De Niro was eager to directThe Good Shepherdbecause it was so different from the roles he’d been playing in recent years.
However, the CIA did not appreciateThe Good Shepherdbecause they believed it portrayed their organization badly. The organization even made a website dedicated to debunking some of the film’s claims. The CIA was especially offended by Damon’s portrayal of the morally compromised and willing to betray his country for personal gain character Edward Wilson.
Some praisedRobert De Niro‘s direction and Damon’s performance, while others criticized the film’s slow pace and lack of action in reviews and at the box office. Despite a $90 million budget,The Good Shepherdonly made $59 million at the box office worldwide.
Also Read:“What have I done? He was married”: Jennifer Lawrence Felt Guilty About Making Out With Chris Pratt in Their $302 Million Sci-fi Movie
Robert De Niro Made Some Right Choices
It’s not uncommon for actors to turn down roles in films, even if directors offer them they have a close working relationship. De Niro has turned down roles in Scorsese films before, including the lead in 1985’sAfter Hoursand the villain in 1991’sCape Fear, both of which went to other actors.
Read More:Scarlett Johansson Was Pissed at Her Acting Skills after Losing $623M Robert Downey Jr Movie Role: “The straw that broke the camel’s back”
The Good Shepherdwas met with lukewarm reviews from audiences and critics alike, in contrast to the universal acclaim thatThe Departedeventually received. While some applauded the film’s meticulousness and De Niro’s direction, others complained that it lacked energy and direction.
By decliningThe Departed, De Niro could follow his dream of becoming a director and make a film that was deeply meaningful to him. Even though the CIA didn’t like it, De Niro can look back onThe Good Shepherdand be proud of what he accomplished as an actor.
While he passed on collaborating with Scorsese onThe Departed, the two ended up working together again in 2019’sThe Irishman.
Source:Vanity Fair
Also Watch:
Mabel Andrady
Senior Writer
Articles Published :694
Mabel, aka MJ, is a FandomWire Sr. Writer, pop-culture fanatic, and an MA in Health Demography holder. When she’s not indulging in her guilty pleasure of penning everything Hollywood, Marvel & DC, she writes academic essays on COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS. With 2500+ articles published online, she brings a unique twist to entertainment writing. A jack-of-all-trades, MJ enjoys movies, writes/acts in plays, writes music, and dreams of being a successful actress. She offers a fresh perspective, making her writing a must-read for those seeking knowledge and entertainment.
