Rumor alert: Scorsese to remake 'Taxi Driver' in collaboration with Lars von Trier? Huh?

The good old rumor machine is on fire today. The Web is buzzing about a story no one really believes at this point. That said, you never know what these crazy filmmakers are up to, so let's see what happens.

Anyway, here it is: word is Martin Scorsese may be gearing up to develop some sort of "Taxi Driver" remake project. And get this: Lars von Trier may be involved somehow as well. Sounds weird, right?

Well, maybe, but we shouldn't panic quite yet. As various news articles and Variety point out, the project could follow the structure of von Trier's excellent documentary "Five Obstructions" from 2003.

In that film, von Trier challenged his buddy Jorgen Leth to go out and remake his film "The Perfect Human" five times. The plan was to give Leth new obstacles to overcome each time. It worked beautifully.

So, will von Trier challenge Scorsese to remake 1976's "Taxi Driver" a couple of times in short versions? If that's the idea, I'm all for it. If the idea is to remake the whole movie as a feature, well... I don't know...

Peter Aalbaeck, one of von Trier's business partners, told a Danish newspaper a statement would be coming shortly. Right now, it seems like the entire world is waiting for it. I'll make sure to keep you posted.

In related news, Scorsese did speak about doing a new mobster film with Robert De Niro. Scorsese is in Berlin promoting "Shutter Island," which will open in theaters this weekend.