Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi are directing a new documentary about the New York Dolls frontman, David Johansen.
The documentary will “reveal the many faces of Johansen”, who has had a diverse array of experiences within both the music and film industries.
Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi are directing a new documentary about proto-punk legend David Johansen.
Scorsese was drawn to create a film about Johansen because of their close relationship and a love for his music. In a press release about the upcoming film, the influential director revealed:
“I’ve known David Johansen for decades, and his music has been a touchstone ever since I listened to the Dolls when I was making Mean Streets. Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City. I often see him perform, and over the years, I’ve gotten to know the depth of his musical inspirations.
After seeing his show last year at the Café Carlyle, I knew I had to film it because it was so extraordinary to see the evolution of his life and his musical talent in such an intimate setting. For me, the show captured the true emotional potential of a live musical experience.”
The film will include footage from Johansen’s performances at New York’s Café Carlyle earlier this year, which were celebrated as some of his most inspiring. Johansen is still creating at the age of 70, flaunting an impressive career which spans across decades.
While Scorsese is more widely recognised for Hollywood films including Wolf of Wall Street, Gangs of New York, Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, and Shutter Island, he is certainly no stranger to the world of music. Scorsese directed the Bob Dylan documentary Rolling Thunder Revue and was an executive producer on the recent film Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band. We are looking forward to see David Johansen’s legacy brought to life on screen by one of the best directors in film history.
