Robert De Niro Defends Anna Paquin's Lack Of Dialogues In 'The Irishman'

Robert De Niro, who is enjoying the success of his latest movie “The Irishman,” has defended Anna Paquin’s minimal role in Martin Scorsese’s latest project.

The Netflix movie sees the Academy Award-winning actress portraying the character of De Niro’s daughter, Peggy Sheeran. Even after being the most prominent female character in the movie, Paquin only speaks seven words in her ten-minute screen time.

Speaking in an interview with USA Today, the 76-year-old actor defended Paquin’s role in the movie and shared that she was really powerful in the epic gangster pic. Though the “Joker” star admitted that there could have been some more interaction between Peggy and Frank Sheeran, played by De Niro, whatever she has done in the movie is “terrific.”

“She was very powerful and that’s what it was. Maybe in other scenes, there could have been some interaction between Frank and her possibly, but that is how it was done. She is terrific and it resonates,” De Niro explained.

Earlier this month, the “Piano” actress also responded to a netizen on social media who said that Scorsese ordered her to be part of the movie. The star replied by saying that no one gave her an “order” and she is really proud of being part of such an amazing movie.

Even Scorsese had a lot to say about Paquin’s role in the movie. Speaking at the DGA Theater last month, the director noted that her character looks at her father crushing the guy’s hand in one scene and she knows that her father is up to something. The director concluded the topic by saying that Paquin was ultimately the best with her “looks.”

In related news, the “Wolf of Wall Street” helmer urged fans to not watch “The Irishman” on a phone and see the movie on a “bigger” iPad or in theaters.

The three-and-a-half-hour long mob drama reunites Scorsese with his favorite star De Niro as the titular hitman. The movie also includes Al Pacino and Joe Pesci in supporting roles. The film has garnered universal acclaim and currently has a 96 percent score on review site Rotten Tomatoes.

“The Irishman” is currently streaming live on Netflix.