Award-winning director Martin Scorsese has already made numerous films in four decades. But, would you believe that he has already worked with Robert De Niro on ten films while he’s collaborated with Leonardo DiCaprio on six titles? It just goes that he loves working with these two amazing actors. But, why does he love casting these two in his movies? Here are 5 reasons why Martin Scorsese is fond of Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.
5. Robert De Niro was Martin Scorsese’s favorite actor
Martin Scorsese has previously admitted that Robert De Niro has been his favorite actor even in his early years as a filmmaker. For four decades, the two icons have worked together on multiple projects. They have basically become best of friends. They both came from the same background and one would say they may have grown up together.
In the 1990s, De Niro was already a huge Hollywood star. He and Scorsese had already seen their fair share of the spotlight, and it seemed at the time that Casino (1995) would be their final movie together. But, two decades later, Scorsese and De Niro would work again in the 2015 movie The Audition. In between that time skip, Robert De Niro was already aging and Scorsese found a younger actor to work with – Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s safe to say that Scorsese found the same success with DiCaprio.
4. Both Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro are of Italian descent
Scorsese is an American-Italian director, so would it surprise you he’s got a knack for picking actors with Italy written all over them? Both DiCaprio and De Niro are of Italian descent. Don’t believe us? Just look at this video of Leo speaking Italian with Pope Francis.
In addition, most of Scorsese’s films in the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s were crime thrillers that featured the mob and gangsters that resembled the infamous Italian mafia (shocker!).
3. DiCaprio and De Niro proved to be extremely versatile, talented, and appealing actors
I mean, it’s Leo and Robert for crying out loud! Although, before they became who they are right now, these two iconic actors started out in smaller films. But, they eventually broke out as Hollywood’s most talented stars.
Leonardo DiCaprio, despite only winning one Oscar’s Best Actor award, has always been a versatile performer. From portraying an autistic Gilbert Grape (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape), the enigmatic Billy Costigan (The Departed), to the bear-fighting Hugh Glass (The Revenant), there’s nothing Leo cannot do. On the other hand, Robert De Niro is just as versatile, talented, and appealing as Leo is. Have you ever heard of bad movies featuring these two actors? None, right?
2. Martin Scorsese’s artistic vision and filmography happen to be compatible with De Niro and DiCaprio
Collaboration isn’t as easy as it sounds when it comes to show business. But, for Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro, it’s never been easier.
Directors often develop that sense of artistic relationship with some of the actors they previously worked with. But, Scorsese’s fondness of De Niro and DiCaprio isn’t new. Below are just some examples of directors who love working with the same actor/s over and over again.
Christopher Nolan: Sir Michael Caine and Tom Hardy
Tim Burton: Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp
Quentin Tarantino: Samuel Jackson
David Fincher: Brad Pitt
Steven Spielberg: Tom Hanks
1. Scorsese has already been familiar with the two
Scorsese thinks of Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio as friends. He even believes they are already his family with how much he’s worked with them through the years. That being said, Scorsese has become familiar with the two. He trusts them and their chemistry is unquestionable.
