The Audition (Short 2015)

Last updated:
October 6, 2025

The Audition (2015) is a 17-minute short film written and directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio as exaggerated versions of themselves. The short doubles as a promotional film for the City of Dreams Manila and Studio City Macau resorts but unfolds like a self-aware comedy about ego, rivalry, and the absurdity of Hollywood fame. Despite being created as a luxury commercial, it became a fascinating meta-commentary on acting itself.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Call from Scorsese

The film opens with Martin Scorsese meeting both Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro separately, inviting them to audition for his next movie. Both actors are thrilled—until they discover they’re competing for the same role. The absurdity of two of Hollywood’s most respected actors having to “audition” instantly sets the tone: self-parody, ego, and humor collide.

Rivalry Intensifies

De Niro and DiCaprio bump into each other in the hotel lobby. What begins as a polite exchange quickly escalates into a contest of passive-aggressive banter. Each tries to outdo the other—discussing past Scorsese projects (Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, The Aviator, The Wolf of Wall Street)—while subtly asserting superiority.

Scorsese’s direction heightens the absurdity, cutting between their one-upmanship and the glamorous casino environments of Macau and Manila.

The Audition Scene

Both actors finally meet Scorsese for the big audition. What follows is a hilariously uncomfortable sequence where the two legends attempt to “act” opposite each other while trying to impress their director. Scorsese looks torn and mildly annoyed, forced to choose between two of his long-time collaborators.

The meta humor shines: both actors channel their real-life personas—De Niro as the intense perfectionist, DiCaprio as the ambitious golden boy. The chemistry between them is electric, and the self-referential dialogue pokes fun at their filmographies.

Movie Ending

In the film’s final sequence, Scorsese reveals that neither De Niro nor DiCaprio will get the part—because the role has already been given to Brad Pitt. This twist lands perfectly: both actors are visibly stunned, their competitive energy evaporating into disbelief.

The closing moment is a masterpiece of irony. After all the tension, Scorsese casually explains he didn’t want to “offend anyone” by choosing one over the other. De Niro and DiCaprio exchange silent looks, their egos crushed, before awkwardly congratulating each other on “a great audition.”

The final shot lingers on Scorsese’s amused grin—a knowing nod to the audience that this entire film has been an inside joke about Hollywood vanity and artistic rivalry. The short fades out on a stylish montage of the casino resorts, blending art with luxury marketing.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, The Audition does not have a post-credits scene. The film concludes immediately after the reveal that Brad Pitt got the role, ending on a comedic and ironic note. The credits simply feature logos of the resorts involved in its production.

Type of Movie

The Audition is a comedic short film with elements of meta-fiction and satire. It parodies the egos of famous actors and directors while celebrating the craft of filmmaking itself. It’s both a luxury-brand advertisement and a clever Hollywood self-parody.

Cast

Robert De Niro as Himself
Leonardo DiCaprio as Himself
Martin Scorsese as Himself
Brad Pitt as Himself (cameo appearance)

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Howard Shore, Scorsese’s frequent collaborator. The music blends jazzy, cinematic energy with a luxurious tone that complements both the comedic moments and the upscale setting of the casinos.

Filming Locations

The short was filmed across multiple international locations:

Studio City Macau (Macau)
City of Dreams Manila (Philippines)
New York City (brief sequences)

These real-world luxury casinos were chosen not only for sponsorship reasons but also to emphasize the contrast between the glamorous backdrop and the ridiculous egos on display.

Awards and Nominations

While The Audition was not officially entered into major film competitions (since it was commissioned as a commercial), it was widely discussed and praised for:

Its cinematography and production value (shot by Rodrigo Prieto)
Its self-aware humor
The rare pairing of Scorsese, De Niro, and DiCaprio in a single project

It’s often described as “the most expensive short film ever made,” with an estimated budget of $70 million, mostly funded by Melco Resorts.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Scorsese had to direct De Niro and DiCaprio together for the first time, something fans had been awaiting for decades.
The budget was reportedly one of the highest ever for a short film.
The chemistry between the actors was real—both joked about their rivalry throughout filming.
The entire short was shot in just a few days across two countries.
The dialogue was partially improvised, especially the exchanges between De Niro and DiCaprio.

Inspirations and References

The film’s premise is inspired by real-life competition and admiration between Scorsese’s two greatest collaborators: De Niro (his muse from the 1970s–1990s) and DiCaprio (his muse from the 2000s onward). It also draws inspiration from self-referential Hollywood comedies like Tropic Thunder and Entourage.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While no alternate endings were officially released, early drafts reportedly considered adding an extended cameo by Brad Pitt, showing him actually filming the role De Niro and DiCaprio were fighting over. This was cut for pacing and comedic timing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There is no book adaptation. However, the short heavily references Scorsese’s own filmography, creating a “meta-textual” feel that connects to his cinematic themes of ego, ambition, and performance.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The opening scene where both actors learn they’re auditioning for the same role.
The awkward “friendly” chat between De Niro and DiCaprio in the lobby.
The actual audition scene—both trying to out-act each other while Scorsese watches in confusion.
The twist ending revealing Brad Pitt as the chosen actor.

Iconic Quotes

De Niro: “You never did comedy, huh?”
DiCaprio: “You never did Titanic.”
Scorsese: “You’re both great… but it’s already been cast.”
Brad Pitt (off-screen): “Hey, Marty, ready when you are!”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Posters in the background reference Scorsese’s real films (Raging Bull, The Departed).
De Niro drinks from a coffee cup labeled “Taxi Co.”—a nod to Taxi Driver.
The room numbers correspond to the release years of Scorsese’s major films.
DiCaprio’s wardrobe mimics his look from The Wolf of Wall Street.

Trivia

The short was funded entirely by Melco Resorts and shot in 4K resolution.
It marked the first and only collaboration between Scorsese, De Niro, and DiCaprio to date.
The film’s full version premiered exclusively at the grand opening of Studio City Macau.
The project’s estimated cost made headlines for its extravagance.
The humor was praised for showing a lighter, more self-deprecating side of all three men.

Why Watch?

If you love Scorsese, De Niro, or DiCaprio, The Audition is a must-watch gem. It’s short, witty, and brilliantly self-aware—a rare piece of cinematic meta-humor that gives fans the collaboration they’d been dreaming of, even if just for 17 minutes.

The Audition (Short 2015)