Scorsese plans Bill Clinton documentary

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese is to make a documentary about Bill Clinton, he said Monday, describing the former US president as “a towering figure” on the world stage.

Scorsese, who has made award-winning films about Bob Dylan and former Beatle George Harrison, will have Clinton’s full cooperation on the project with cable broadcaster HBO.

“A towering figure who remains a major voice in world issues, president Clinton continues to shape the political dialogue both here and around the world,” said the director.

“Through intimate conversations, I hope to provide greater insight into this transcendent figure,” he added.

Clinton added: “I am pleased that legendary director Martin Scorsese and HBO have agreed to do this film ...I look forward to sharing my perspective on my years as president, and my work in the years since, with HBO’s audience.” Scorsese, whose fictional dramas include “Taxi Driver” and “Goodfellas,” won a primetime Emmy for the small screen film “No Direction Home” in 2005 about Dylan, and two for 2011’s “George Harrison: Living in the Material World.”

The filmmaker, who is an executive producer on HBO’s award-winning crime drama “Boardwalk Empire,” is also thought to be working on a biopic of classic crooner Frank Sinatra.

In a statement announcing the Clinton film, recently-named HBO boss Richard Plepler and the broadcaster’s head of programming Michael Lombardo said: “President Clinton is one of the most compelling figures of our time.” His “world view and perspective, combined with his uncommon intelligence, make him a singular voice on the world stage,” they added.

“This documentary, under Marty’s gifted direction, creates a unique opportunity for the president to reflect on myriad issues that have consumed his attention and passion throughout both his presidency and post-presidency.” Clinton was US president from 1993 to 2001. After leaving the White House he set up the William J. Clinton Foundation, which fosters public-private projects in a range of areas including healthcare, the economy and the environment.