US Actor Robert De Niro (right), and Vice President of Studio Relations & Special Project TFF Patty Newburger on the red carpet for the gala screening of ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ during the 2012 Doha Tribeca Film Festival in Doha.
BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: Hundreds of fans of multi-awarded actor Robert De Niro relished some of the best moments of the Hollywood icon’s lauded career during an intimate conversation with Tribeca Enterprises Chief Creative Officer Geoff Gilmore yesterday at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival’s Doha Talks event at Al Rayyan Theatre in Souq Waqif.
It was a nostalgic moment for the fans as a montage of films from De Niro’s decades-long career was flashed on the wide screen before and during the hour-long event. From his first major film Mean Streets in 1973 and other earlier movies like The Godfather II and Taxi Driver to his 1995 film Casino and his directorial debut A Bronx Tale, the films depicted some of the most memorable performances by the actor in his illustrious career.
Having started in theatre, he attributed his approach to acting to plays though he said he found film more complicated as it involves a complex process.
Recalling his longtime collaborations with director Martin Scorsese who directed his first major film Mean Streets, he said Scorsese was easy to work with giving him the freedom to do what he wanted to give his best in every role he played.
“Giving the actor the chance to try everything he wants is the most important thing. When a director gives his guidance and trust, he encourages him to deliver what he could for the role,” he said.
He said he became more sensitive to everyone when he started as a director because “you need the support of every one as you work as a team.”
Looking forward to the future, he said “I don’t see myself stopping. I’m looking into everything I’ve done until now and see what else I can do-something that you have not seen before.”
On his advice to young actors, he said, “Don’t expect to be famous. It’s great if it happens. You just have to do what you love doing,” he said adding among the most admirable young actors for him include Matt Damon, Leonardo Di Caprio and Bradley Cooper whom he worked with in his latest film Silver Lining Playbook.
Directed by David O Russel, the film to be released internationally this week will be shown tonight at 8pm at Al Rayyan Theatre and will be shown again on Friday, 6pm at the same venue. He considers Silver Lining, which won the People’s Choice Awards at the Toronto International Film Festival, as one of his favourite movies with its multi-layered characters and genre.
A film in collaboration with Al Pacino is in the works, he revealed. Doha Film Institute CEO Abdulaziz Al Khater praised De Niro as an award winning actor, director, producer and Doha Tribeca co-founder, whose performances have inspired generations.
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