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It was rumoured back in 2008 that Martin Scorsese was intending to adapt Shusako Endo’s novel Silence , the tale of Jesuit missionaries in 17th century Japan.
Those whisperings appear to have finally been confirmed now that the director has stated that it is to be his next film.
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The Raging Bull man, who has once again shown his extraordinary diversity with critically-lauded Hugo , was rumoured to be taking on Jo Nesbo’s thriller The Snowman (definitely not to be confused with the evergreen Christmas Day classic) next.
But, the comments he made during a recent interview on Radio 5 suggest that any adap of the Swedish book would have to wait its turn...
He told Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode, “I’m hoping to do Endo’s book next, Silence … Not hoping, we’re literally pulling all the elements together at this point”.
Those concerned that he might for once have rested on his many laurels will not be disappointed. Endo’s 1966 spiritual tome is about the experience of missionaries who must contend with traders from rival European nations and the persecution of Christians by Japanese feudal lords.
Serial Scorsese-collaborator Daniel Day-Lewis was linked with a role, but due to his commitments to playing the eponymous stovepipe hat enthusiast in Lincoln – or as Marty puts it, “Daniel’s working with Steve right now, Steve Spielberg” – it appears the filmmaker will have to look elsewhere for a high-calibre star.
Stay tuned for updates.
Silence is expected to open in the U.S in 2013.
