Celebrity Extra: Martin Scorsese
By Dana Jackson
Q: I read that Martin Scorsese's new movie is more than three hours long. Will it have an intermission? What is the longest movie ever made anyway? -- K.K.
A: Widely considered one of America's greatest film directors, Martin Scorsese is known for making films that are anything but short. His latest release, "Killers of the Flower Moon," clocks in at three hours and 26 minutes, and he makes no apologies for not having an intermission. He recently told the Hindustan Times that if viewers at home "can sit in front of the TV and watch something for five hours," people can sit and watch a movie in theaters for more than three hours.
However, he doesn't mention that many Broadway plays and musicals do include intermissions, and those who prefer the couch to their local moviehouse have the option to hit pause for a bathroom break. But if "Killers of the Flower Moon" turns out to be as great as the initial reviews are stating, you won't want to take a break, even if your bladder has other ideas.
According to Guinness World Records, the longest film ever made is the aptly titled "The Cure for Insomnia," an 85-hour experimental movie that was released in 1987. Before that film, 1963's "Cleopatra," starring Elizabeth Taylor, premiered at four hours and three minutes, but was then edited down to three hours and four minutes.
When "Titanic" came out in 1997, the debate about intermissions was brought up. Director James Cameron didn't seem concerned, though, and even went beyond that length last year with his film "Avatar: The Way of Water," which audiences flocked to see despite it being three hours and 12 minutes.
Director Martin Scorsese ("Killers of the Flower Moon"). Photo Credit: Depositphotos
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Q: Is it true that "Monk" is coming back? Will it still have the same cast and, obviously, Tony Shalhoub? -- L.S.
A: Tony Shalhoub is soon returning to his three-time Emmy-winning role of Detective Adrian Monk, but in the form of a movie, not a new series. "Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie" reunites the cast for the first time since the series ended in 2009. Returning are Ted Levine as Leland, Jason Gray-Stanford as Randy and Traylor Howard as Natalie. Bitty Schram is also expected to appear as Sharona in flashback scenes.
Also, despite its definitive-sounding title, the series' creator, Andy Breckman, says that he hopes to follow it up with another movie someday. "A Monk Movie" premieres Dec. 8 on Peacock.
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Q: Is it true that Michael Caine is retiring from acting? What was his final movie? -- B.N.
A: Yes, the acclaimed two-time Oscar winner Michael Caine is now 90 years old and is done accepting roles. He's starred in more than 100 films and wants to end his career on a high note, having earned great reviews for his current and final film "The Great Escaper." In the movie, he plays a nursing home resident who breaks out to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy.
However, Caine isn't done exploring art. He's written his first work of fiction, a thriller called "Deadly Game," and plans to keep writing. "Deadly Game" will be released on Amazon and in stores on Nov. 23.
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