The Conversation.
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Hollywood’s Paramount Pictures decided to postpone the release of Martin Scorsese’s film “Shutter Island” from October 3, 2009 to sometime in 2010. In effect, this knocks the film out of Oscar contention for 2009.
Paramount Chairman Brad Grey was quoted as saying, “Our 2009 slate was green-lit in a very different economic climate and as a result we must remain flexible and willing to recalibrate and adapt to a changing environment.”
That may be what he said but what he meant was “We have Oscar bait with “Up In The Air”, not “Shutter Island.” The fact is that Paramount did not want to overspend marketing a movie that wasn’t going to win any awards on March 7.
In movie circles, Martin Scorsese is as close to God as you will find. He is considered the best filmmaker alive today. So I wonder how the conversation went down between Brad and Marty:
Brad: Sir Martin, could I have a moment of your time?
Marty: I can’t spare much. I’m doing some foley work on the last reel today.
Brad: Of course, of course. Well about your movie Shutter Island…
Marty: Are you looking directly in my eyes?
Brad: No, uh, yes, I mean. Right right. I remember, (no looking directly at Martin Scorsese). My eyes are cast downward.
Marty: Anything else?…
Brad: Well yeah, about your movie Shutter Island…
Marty: I can give you 10 seconds. I’m a busy man.
Brad: We are pulling the release date. It’s going to run in 2010.
(30 SECONDS OF SILENCE)
Brad: Marty? Marty?
Marty: You’re blocking my light.
Brad: Oh yes, of course. Let me move out of your way. Uh Marty. Did you hear what I said? About the movie? About Shutter Island? The release date and all…?
SFX: FOOTSTEPS AS MARTY WALKS AWAY
