Director Martin Scorsese Pushes Back Against Lawsuit

Director Martin Scorsese

On Aug. 22, attorneys for Cecchi Gori Pictures filed suit against director Martin Scorsese, claiming a breach in an agreement to direct Silence as his next pic. According to court documents, producers invested roughly $750,000 into development of the picture, which Scorsese allegedly agreed to direct over twenty years ago. The story of Silence is based on a book by Japanese author Shusako End and tells the tale of a 17th century Jesuit missionary. Scorsese’s next film will be The Wolf of Wall Street, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio.

Representatives for Scorsese are calling the lawsuit a “media stunt.”

“It is shocking to us that the lawyers for Cecchi Gori Pictures would file a suit pursuing such absurd claims considering the amicable working relationship existing between Martin Scorsese and the principals of Cecchi Gori Pictures.The claims asserted are completely contradicted by, inconsistent with, and contrary to the express terms of an agreement entered into by the parties last year…. Mr. Scorsese is confident that he will prevail in court should Cecchi Gori Pictures actually pursue this meritless action.”

Cecchi Gori Pictures’ recent history has been punctuated by hardships, which includes bankruptcy proceedings as well as an auction of the company’s 300-title library.