The Clintons have sabotaged a documentary on Bill Clinton by famed director Martin Scorsese.
The director of Gangs of New York, Casino, The Departed, and Goodfellas disputed with the Clintons about who had final word on the portrayal of America’s 42nd president.
Bill Clinton wanted more control over the interview questions asked and the final cut of the film, the New York Times reported Thursday. When his people passed along his desires after already filming for two years, Scorsese scoffed. Scorsese’s camp, outraged, shelved the project indefinitely.
"Why do historical figures get final edits?" mocked Joe Scarborough. "That’s crazy. That’s just absolutely insane."
It is atypical for anyone other than a director to get the final say on a film, especially someone as celebrated as Scorsese.
The Clinton camp may have shot itself in the foot, as the documentary was sure to shed a positive light on Bill. Crews followed him to Africa to film Clinton doing charitable work with his foundation and Scorsese is an outspoken fan. Instead, the Clintons get an embarrassing story circulated through the media and no documentary.
Scorsese’s documentary was to be released sometime later this year, around the same time Hillary Clinton is expected to announce her run for the presidency. The dispute highlights how the Clintons are going to extraordinary lengths to control their image as Hillary prepares to run for office.