Scorsese endorses 'Gomorrah' film

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The Italian gangster picture "Gomorrah" will feature a "Martin Scorsese Presents" banner as part of its title when released in the United States, the BBC said.

Scorsese has directed numerous crime dramas, including "Mean Streets," "GoodFellas," "Gangs of New York" and "The Departed."

Inspired by a bestselling expose about the Camorra crime family of Naples, "Gomorrah" is Italy's entry in the foreign language category of the Oscar race. It is to be released in U.S. theaters Feb. 13.

The BBC has quoted Scorsese as describing Matteo Garrone's film as "a tough, forceful look at the Neapolitan underworld."

"I admire the bluntness of this picture and the devotion of Garrone and his actors in their pursuit of a terrible truth," Scorsese said.

Garrone, in turn, has said he is "extremely proud" his movie has been embraced by "such a prestigious adoptive father."

"Of all directors, he is one of the most important in my development as a filmmaker," Garrone added.