Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Shusaku Endo's 1966 novel Silence has been in the works for more than two decades. A script was reportedly written in the '90s, and through all of that time it has been a cinematic Holy Grail for cinephiles and probably more of a white whale for Scorsese, who never seemed able to get it done. Well the wait is very nearly over with the first trailer debuting to signal its imminent arrival as a major Oscars contender.
Staying true to the title by keeping dialogue light, the footage reveals Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver as Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan to spread Christianity and locate their mentor (Liam Neeson) who has renounced the faith. There they bear witness to and experience the persecution faced by the Christian community. Scorsese wrote the script with Jay Cocks, who also worked with him on Gangs of New York.
A late start on Paramount's Oscars push may not necessarily be a bad thing. They have to know Silence is arguably the most eagerly awaited movie of the season and making a final lasting impression can only serve them well. The footage is impressive, especially the surprisingly brisk string-heavy score, serving as a counter to the relative silence coming from the actors.
Silence opens in limited release on December 23rd.
I pray but I am lost. Am I just praying to silence? From #MartinScorsese comes #SilenceMovie, watch the official trailer now. pic.twitter.com/3y4DvzeCs1— Paramount Pictures (@ParamountPics) November 23, 2016
