Another Look at the Faux Little Italy Created for ‘The Irishman’ on the Lower East Side
To recreate a scene from authentic Little Italy of yore, it apparently can’t even happen there…
The cosmetic transformation of Orchard and Broome Streets into Little Italy is almost complete. For the last week, a film crew has been busy recreating this “museum block” into a period scene plucked from 1970s New York. The masquerading is part of an upcoming shoot for Netflix gangster drama, The Irishman.
The attention to detail is laser-focused – an interpretation of Umberto’s Clam House at 90 Orchard Street (owned by Mark Miller); E. Rossi shares 91 Orchard Street with Hester Discount and Hardware and the Little Italy Restoration Assn; there is also hanging signage for Vitali Funeral Home.
Moreover, nearly everything in the vicinity that’s “current” is getting temporarily removed. For instance, bike racks and planters are slated for removal today.
The Irishman is billed as a “classic” mob movie focusing on the disappearance of union boss Jimmy Hoffa. Martin Scorsese is at the helm of the project, directing Robert de Niro, Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, and Joe Pesci. Filming began back in August and will continue through December. Expect its release on Netflix sometime in 2018.
Guess not enough of authentic Little Italy survives to portray on the big screen…
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