When you think of Martin Scorsese films, you probably don’t think of anything that could remotely resemble a full musical. Well, though he’s not directing the upcoming musical, “Fascinating Rhythm,” the legendary filmmaker is working with a noted musical filmmaker to bring the new feature to life.
According to Variety, Martin Scorsese is teaming up with John Carney to bring the musical film, “Fascinating Rhythm” to life. The film is named after a song from composer George Gershwin and the film will be inspired by the musical icon’s catalog. However, this is not a biopic. Instead, the film will follow a young woman as she goes on a magical journey through past and present New York City, with Gershwin’s music being featured throughout.
George Gershwin is probably best known as the composer behind “Rhapsody in Blue” and “An American in Paris.” He also wrote songs such as songs “Swanee,” “Fascinating Rhythm,” and “I Got Rhythm,” as well as the iconic opera, “Porgy and Bess.” Though he passed away in the ‘30s, Gershwin’s music continues to be used in films and TV series and is hugely influential on the entire medium.
As mentioned, Scorsese is on board as a producer with Carney set to direct and co-write alongside Chris Cluess (“SCTV,” “Night Court”). Carney is probably best known as the filmmaker behind musicals such as “Once” and the entirely underrated “Sing Street.” Scorsese has been trying to get a Gershwin-inspired film going for a while now, dating back to right after “Raging Bull.” That film would have been a more traditional biopic, but it’s clear the filmmaker has been trying to shine a light on Gershwin’s accomplishments for decades now.
No anticipated release date has been set for “Fascinating Rhythm.”