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The Untold Story of ‘Dino’: A Martin Scorsese Project That Never Came to Be
Since embarking on his directing career in the 1960s, Martin Scorsese has navigated an extensive array of subjects. Throughout his remarkable journey, he has confronted the common plight of many filmmakers—a series of frustrating obstacles that thwart the realization of projects that deeply intrigue him.
At the age of 81, the legendary Martin Scorsese has experienced the disappointment of seeing some of his cinematic dreams thwarted, either due to lackluster box office reception or the stagnation of specific ambitious projects. One of the prime examples of this unfulfilled aspiration is Dino, arguably the most fascinating film idea by Scorsese that never materialized.
What ‘Dino’ Was Supposed to Be
Dino was envisioned as a biographical film about the iconic entertainer Dean Martin, a multifaceted talent known for his roles as a comedian, actor, and singer. In the 1950s, Martin captured audiences alongside Jerry Lewis and later hosted his own variety show. Born Dino Paul Crocetti, he was also a prominent member of the Rat Pack, a legendary group of entertainers that included the likes of Frank Sinatra and Humphrey Bogart, and ruled the artistic scene in Las Vegas during the 1950s and 60s.
With extensive experience in the biopic genre and past narratives rooted in historical events, Martin Scorsese was fascinated by Dean Martin’s intricate personal history. The story was one of incredible rise and disappointing fall, primarily drawing upon the detailed biography written by Nick Tosches. Scorsese collaborated with screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, with whom he had previously worked on successful projects like Goodfellas and Casino.
A Promising Cast and Creative Team
Scorsese had even assembled a stellar cast for the film, with Tom Hanks set to portray Martin. The ensemble included John Travolta as Frank Sinatra and Jim Carrey taking on the role of Jerry Lewis, making it a highly anticipated project in Hollywood circles.
However, the journey to bring Dino to life proved exceptionally challenging. Scorsese candidly shared in a 2004 interview, stating, “We really tried, but the story of Dean Martin is particularly complex.” A host of scheduling conflicts caused the project to be sidelined, keeping it in limbo for several years. Ultimately, the film remained shelved for nearly a decade until it was officially announced in 2004 that production would not proceed.
Reflections on a Great Collaboration
As Scorsese reflected on the creative tension that existed between Martin and Lewis, he noted, “The most compelling aspect of the story was their relationship, how they worked together creatively.” He emphasized that the narrative encapsulated the essence of collaboration—be it among writers, painters, musicians, comedians, or filmmakers—comparable to a marriage that evolves over time. It represents the dynamics of two individuals forging a path through their shared artistry.
Though Dino may remain an unrealized dream in Scorsese’s filmography, the story reflects the emotional and creative struggles inherent in filmmaking, reminding us that not every significant story can find its way to the screen.