For over five decades, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese and acclaimed actor Robert De Niro have maintained a remarkable friendship, which naturally includes casual phone calls. This dynamic duo, both icons of Hollywood, recently engaged in a delightful interaction that has captured the attention of social media. De Niro is currently participating in a trending TikTok challenge known as “good night, bro,” where friends call each other to convey wishes for a restful sleep. This trend showcases how social media has transformed even the most revered figures in our culture into participants in light-hearted and whimsical exchanges.
In a charming video shared on the official TikTok account of the Tribeca Film Festival, which began on June 4th, we witness Martin Scorsese answering a call from Robert De Niro. In a playful tone, De Niro cheerfully states, “Calling to say good night…and sleep tight!” Scorsese, caught off guard, reacts with endearing awkwardness, prompting De Niro to suggest a FaceTime call. During the call, De Niro humorously reveals he is watching The Wiggles, a reflection of his new role as a father at the age of 79 with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, welcoming a baby in 2023. Before concluding the call, De Niro affectionately tells Scorsese, “Sleep well, dear.” Scorsese, finally joining in on the fun, responds, “OK, thank you, my love.” It is only later that Scorsese learns this was all part of a “trend thing.”
While this playful exchange could have easily been conveyed through a simple text message, De Niro opted to involve Scorsese in the viral TikTok trend, highlighting how these social media challenges often foster deeper connections. Although it may seem trivial at first glance, this trend is recognized for promoting healthy relationships among men, encouraging them to express their emotions openly. Remarkably, De Niro might just be on the verge of surpassing Scorsese as the reigning film icon of TikTok, a testament to the evolving nature of celebrity culture in the digital age.
When De Niro informed Scorsese that they would be seeing each other the next day, he was speaking truthfully. The two legends were set to attend the Tribeca Film Festival in celebration of the 30th anniversary of their iconic film, Casino. This classic film follows De Niro’s character, Sam “Ace” Rosenthal, who runs the Tangiers Casino, funneling profits back to the mob while navigating tumultuous relationships with his future wife, Ginger (played by Sharon Stone), and volatile mobster Nicky (portrayed by Joe Pesci). During his address at the festival, Scorsese reflected on the film’s enduring themes, stating, “You can go back to the ancient Greek tragedies…It’s a basic story of hubris and pride, with the pride taking us all down.”
