Entertainment
New Documentary Explores Martin Scorsese’s Life and Legacy

NEW YORK, NY — A new documentary series titled Mr. Scorsese dives deep into the life and work of acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese, providing insight into his struggles, creative process, and lasting impact on cinema. Released on October 17, the series is directed by Rebecca Miller and spans five episodes.
In the late 1970s, Scorsese faced a life-threatening crisis due to his battle with substance abuse. He recalls being hospitalized with internal bleeding, stating, ‘I was dying.’ During this time, his friend Robert De Niro urged him to pursue filmmaking again, ultimately leading to the creation of his iconic film, Raging Bull.
The series weaves personal stories with reflections on his professional journey, highlighting Scorsese’s childhood in New York’s Little Italy and his experiences growing up with asthma that kept him indoors, fueling his passion for films. Scorsese, now 82, openly discusses his past struggles, including his battle with addiction and the emotional toll his work has taken on his family life.
Miller’s documentary includes candid interviews with Scorsese’s close collaborators and friends, such as De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as family members. One of the highlights comes from Isabella Rossellini, the filmmaker’s ex-wife, who describes Scorsese as a ‘saint/sinner,’ emphasizing his moral complexities that appear throughout his films.
The documentary sheds light on the moral dilemmas that consistently influence Scorsese’s storytelling. He speaks about his brief experiment with priesthood and how themes of good and evil persist in his work, stating, ‘The problem is, you enjoy the sin.’
Among the more personal moments captured in the film are Scorsese’s reflections on his long-standing collaborations with editor Thelma Schoonmaker and actor Robert De Niro, who have helped shape the direction of his films over the decades.
Despite its rich content, some critiques note that the series could have explored certain aspects of Scorsese’s life and career in greater depth. Nonetheless, Mr. Scorsese presents a heartfelt homage to one of cinema’s greatest directors, illustrating his ongoing influence on the film industry and his enduring quest for artistic expression.
Mr. Scorsese is available for streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, allowing viewers a unique chance to discover the man behind classic films such as Taxi Driver and Goodfellas.