by Josh Sewell
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has been in the public spotlight so long – breaking through with 1973’s Mean Streets after some acclaimed shorts and student films in the ’60s – that it seems like movie nerds already know everything about him through pop culture osmosis. However, I tend to forget most people aren’t preoccupied with films like a guy who writes about them every week.
For the casual viewer, Apple TV+’s excellent new documentary series Mr. Scorsese could either be a welcome deep dive into an important artist or intimidating and overwhelming considering it’s five hours long. But for obsessive weirdos like me, there’s still not enough time to cover everything.
Director Rebecca Miller got exclusive access to Scorsese’s archives and assembles an astonishing lineup of his family, friends and collaborators – many of whom notoriously hate interviews – to talk about his life and art. (More on how she was able to do that in just a bit.)
She explores the titular genius from his childhood, through his decades in the industry, to his current role as elder statesman and patron saint of film preservation. She also uses his diverse body of work as a lens into his personal life and philosophies, many of which – on the surface, at least – seem paradoxical and contentious.
While there’s not a ton of new information in Mr. Scorsese, it’s still a treat to hear the filmmaker talk candidly about his troubled past, his controversial art and how the two intersect. It has become lore that he considered joining the priesthood before making films that chronicle man’s sinful nature, but it’s compelling to see how Miller uses Scorsese’s own words, as well as anecdotes from the incredible roster of actors who’ve worked with him, to click all the puzzle pieces into place.
Granted, Mr. Scorsese doesn’t dive too deeply into specific details of his personal life, but viewers will get the idea thanks to candid remarks from his ex-wives, former girlfriends and daughters. There’s also some frank commentary from Sharon Stone, Cate Blanchett and Margot Robbie regarding their experiences making Casino, The Aviator and The Wolf of Wall Street that speaks to the complex role women play in his films, which definitely comes through in their performances.
Longtime associates of Scorsese, including editor Thelma Schoonmaker; the late musician Robbie Robertson; fellow directors/pals Steven Spielberg and Brian De Palma; screenwriters Paul Schrader and Jay Cocks; and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, recount what it’s like working with such a brilliant and dedicated filmmaker, going into far more detail than the typical showbiz bio.
But it’s the surprising participation of usually reticent actors like Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis and Jodie Foster that make Mr. Scorsese a treasure trove of fascinating interviews. Typically, they’re people of few words, but here they’re remarkably forthcoming and even seem jovial sometimes. I’m guessing that’s because Miller, a talented filmmaker in her own right, is also the wife of Day-Lewis and the daughter of esteemed playwright Arthur Miller. I would imagine there are more than a few pre-established relationships in the mix.
Perhaps the most stunning aspect of the documentary is that Miller gets Foster to talk about her work in Taxi Driver, along with the film’s real-world ramifications, a topic she’s traditionally been uncomfortable talking about (understandably, of course). She doesn’t say much, but it’s a fascinating moment, nonetheless.
Unfortunately, most of Scorsese’s later career is reserved for the final episode. Anything after Casino (which accounts for 30 years of filmmaking!) gets crammed into about half an hour, with The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon receiving only cursory mentions. That’s still better than poor Hugo, an underrated, rare family-friendly entry in his filmography, which is ignored entirely.
Regardless of some minor nitpicks, Mr. Scorsese should be required viewing for anyone who remotely considers themselves a fan of movies and pop culture. The enormous impact the director has had on American life the past six decades is incalculable – as evidenced from the fact that five hours isn’t enough to cover it all. I would’ve been willing to watch even more episodes if it meant getting more great stories from everyone involved.
Mr. Scorsese is rated TV-MA. Streaming on Apple TV+ starting October 17.
Grade: A
For the casual viewer, Apple TV+’s excellent new documentary series Mr. Scorsese could either be a welcome deep dive into an important artist or intimidating and overwhelming considering it’s five hours long. But for obsessive weirdos like me, there’s still not enough time to cover everything.
Director Rebecca Miller got exclusive access to Scorsese’s archives and assembles an astonishing lineup of his family, friends and collaborators – many of whom notoriously hate interviews – to talk about his life and art. (More on how she was able to do that in just a bit.)
She explores the titular genius from his childhood, through his decades in the industry, to his current role as elder statesman and patron saint of film preservation. She also uses his diverse body of work as a lens into his personal life and philosophies, many of which – on the surface, at least – seem paradoxical and contentious.
While there’s not a ton of new information in Mr. Scorsese, it’s still a treat to hear the filmmaker talk candidly about his troubled past, his controversial art and how the two intersect. It has become lore that he considered joining the priesthood before making films that chronicle man’s sinful nature, but it’s compelling to see how Miller uses Scorsese’s own words, as well as anecdotes from the incredible roster of actors who’ve worked with him, to click all the puzzle pieces into place.
Granted, Mr. Scorsese doesn’t dive too deeply into specific details of his personal life, but viewers will get the idea thanks to candid remarks from his ex-wives, former girlfriends and daughters. There’s also some frank commentary from Sharon Stone, Cate Blanchett and Margot Robbie regarding their experiences making Casino, The Aviator and The Wolf of Wall Street that speaks to the complex role women play in his films, which definitely comes through in their performances.
Longtime associates of Scorsese, including editor Thelma Schoonmaker; the late musician Robbie Robertson; fellow directors/pals Steven Spielberg and Brian De Palma; screenwriters Paul Schrader and Jay Cocks; and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, recount what it’s like working with such a brilliant and dedicated filmmaker, going into far more detail than the typical showbiz bio.
But it’s the surprising participation of usually reticent actors like Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis and Jodie Foster that make Mr. Scorsese a treasure trove of fascinating interviews. Typically, they’re people of few words, but here they’re remarkably forthcoming and even seem jovial sometimes. I’m guessing that’s because Miller, a talented filmmaker in her own right, is also the wife of Day-Lewis and the daughter of esteemed playwright Arthur Miller. I would imagine there are more than a few pre-established relationships in the mix.
Perhaps the most stunning aspect of the documentary is that Miller gets Foster to talk about her work in Taxi Driver, along with the film’s real-world ramifications, a topic she’s traditionally been uncomfortable talking about (understandably, of course). She doesn’t say much, but it’s a fascinating moment, nonetheless.
Unfortunately, most of Scorsese’s later career is reserved for the final episode. Anything after Casino (which accounts for 30 years of filmmaking!) gets crammed into about half an hour, with The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon receiving only cursory mentions. That’s still better than poor Hugo, an underrated, rare family-friendly entry in his filmography, which is ignored entirely.
Regardless of some minor nitpicks, Mr. Scorsese should be required viewing for anyone who remotely considers themselves a fan of movies and pop culture. The enormous impact the director has had on American life the past six decades is incalculable – as evidenced from the fact that five hours isn’t enough to cover it all. I would’ve been willing to watch even more episodes if it meant getting more great stories from everyone involved.
Mr. Scorsese is rated TV-MA. Streaming on Apple TV+ starting October 17.
Grade: A
Reach out to Josh Sewell at joshsewell81@gmail.com or on BlueSky @joshsewell.bsky.social
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