Scorsese to make film on Harrison

The life of the quiet Beatle will soon be amplified by Martin Scorsese.

The Oscar-winning filmmaker plans to make a documentary about the life of George Harrison, the Fab Four guitarist who struggled in the shadow of John Lennon and Paul McCartney but then found considerable solo success and a well-rounded life as a spiritual pilgrim, film producer and race-car enthusiast.

The documentary deal was reported by Daily Variety, which also quoted “The Departed” director as saying that Harrison’s “music and his search for spiritual meaning is a story that still resonates today.” In a statement released Thursday, the musician’s widow, Olivia Harrison, said, “It would have given George great joy to know that Martin Scorsese has agreed to tell his story.” Harrison died in 2001 at age 58 after a battle with lung cancer.

Scorsese has a long history of nonfiction music projects. He directed the 2005 documentary “No Direction Home: Bob Dylan” and produced the 2003 documentary series “The Blues.” Also, his 1978 film “The Last Waltz,” featuring the Band’s star-studded farewell performance, is considered one of the best concert films ever.

-- Geoff Boucher