The most recent TV documentary about former US president Bill Clinton was hardly flattering.
Part of E!'s True Hollywood Story strand, All the President's Women examined the events surrounding his famous phrase: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman," and focused primarily on his experiences with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
So Clinton will no doubt be considerably happier to be the subject of a new, authorised, documentary by Martin Scorsese.
HBO announced Monday that Scorsese will produce and direct a film on a somewhat broader span of the 42nd US president's life – from his Arkansas childhood to his current campaigning work.
"A towering figure who remains a major voice in world issues, President Clinton continues to shape the political dialogue both here and around the world," Scorsese said in a statement. "Through intimate conversations, I hope to provide greater insight into this transcendent figure."
Scorsese is currently producing The Wolf of Wall Street featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and is executive producer of HBO series Boardwalk Empire.
He also worked with the cable network for the documentaries George Harrison: Living in the Material World in 2011, and 2010's Public Speaking, which starred author Fran Lebowitz.
This will be Scorsese's first time producing a documentary about a president.
"I am pleased that Martin Scorsese and HBO have agreed to do this film," Clinton said in the statement. "I look forward to sharing my perspective on my years as president, and my work in the years since, with HBO's audience."
While in office from 1993 to 2001, Clinton was the subject of several unauthorized television biopics and news specials. The most recently released Clinton documentary television special is the E! True Hollywood Story: Bill Clinton in 2003.
Steve Bing, who worked with Scorsese on the Rolling Stones documentary Shine a Light in 2008, is also producing the film.
HBO CEO Richard Plepler and programming president Michael Lombardo said in a combined statement: "President Clinton is one of the most compelling figures of our time, whose world view and perspective, combined with his uncommon intelligence, make him a singular voice on the world stage.
"This documentary, under Marty's gifted direction, creates a unique opportunity for the president to reflect on myriad issues that have consumed his attention and passion throughout both his presidency and post-presidency."
