Scorsese Gearing Up To Produce Rolls Royce Drama

From films like Goodfellas to Gangs of New York and Hugo, Martin Scorsese has shown passion for history and attraction to tales of stubborn men of great ability. And his latest announced project sounds like it will fall well within this wheelhouse. Variety reports Scorsese is joining forces with Lord Richard Attenborough—who memorably played the lovable old fool who brought dinosaurs to modern day in Jurassic Park—and Anthony Haas to produce Silver Ghost, a docudrama of sorts that will focus on the personal struggles and professional triumphs of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, who founded the luxury car brand Rolls Royce.

"When I read the story of Silver Ghost, I was mesmerized," Scorsese told the trade, "I immediately thought, 'This is a picture that has to be made.' And When I was asked to come aboard as a producer alongside Richard Attenborough and Anthony Haas, I didn't hesitate a moment."

The story is an ambitious one, not only encompassing the men's interpersonal problems and development of their iconic car, but also involving the illicit love affairs and family secrets of the Beaulieu family. Set in turn of the century England, Silver Ghost seems destined to be a costly production, but with Scorsese attached, one that's sure to draw interest with ease. Still, at this point there's no mention if the Oscar-winning helmer of The Departed will be directing the picture. Already he has plans to helm the historical drama Silence,the recently confirmed The Wolf of Wall Street which will reunite him with recurring collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio, and an in-development biopic about Frank Sinatra.This could mean Scorsese won't have the time to direct this tale of men, machines and love anytime soon, and really I think that’s for the best.

Of course Scorsese is an American treasure who has created some of the most stirring dramas of the last century. However, when it comes to his more recent real-life-inspired efforts, he's had a compunction for nostalgia and indulgence that has been at least distracting if not damning—as was the case with the long-winded and verbose Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator. Nonetheless, Sikelia Productions, which is Scorsese's company, primarily produces directorial vehicles for the bushy browed Oscar-winner, so it seems Silver Ghost is destined to be driven by Scorsese somewhere down the road.