Al Pacino has landed an artistic new role playing legendary French painter Henri Matisse in new movie Masterpiece.

The Godfather star will tackle the lead role in the new film, which will focus on Matisse's relationship with his nurse and muse, Monique Bourgeois.

The pair met in 1942, when Bourgeois was 21 years old and the artist was in his 70s, but they were separated by World War Ii until they finally reunited in 1946. Bourgeois became a nun and inspired Matisse to paint one of his most famous works - the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence, France.

Masterpiece will be directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta, The Post Chronilcle reported.