DiCaprio says working with cinema ‘fathers’ De Niro, Scorsese on Macau film was like heaven

MACAU, Macau – Leonardo DiCaprio says being able to work with his two cinematic father figures on a short film commissioned for the opening of a Macau casino resort was “a slice of heaven.”

He spoke in the Asian gambling mecca ahead of Tuesday’s debut of “The Audition,” which also stars Robert De Niro and was directed by Martin Scorsese, who also attended the press briefing.

DiCaprio said that “for me the great joy was finally getting to be on set with both of these guys.”

“To be able to have scenes with Bob and being directed by Marty is a small slice of heaven for me as an actor,” DiCaprio said. He described the two as like his “fathers in the world of cinema.”

The 15-minute film’s premiere is part of the star-studded lineup to launch Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd.’s Hollywood-themed Studio City resort in Macau. The casino’s ability to draw such star power attests to the rising influence of the special Chinese region, which has grown into the world’s top gambling market.

Scorsese described the film as “reality-based with some humour.” The plot has DiCaprio and De Niro invited to Macau by Scorsese to compete for the same part in a movie. Brad Pitt also appears in the film but did not attend the opening.

Scorsese has directed multiple films with DiCaprio or De Niro, but “The Audition” marks the first time the three, along with Pitt, have collaborated.

Producer Brett Ratner said he hoped that the short could be turned into a feature film.

“It’s just a teaser. We come to Macau, Marty comes here, lives at the hotel for three months, six months and we make a big event movie,” he said.