‘Mr. Scorsese’ Is a Joy to Watch (Unless You’re Martin Scorsese)
Director Rebecca Miller discusses with GQ how she created an intimate portrait of the greatest living filmmaker, Martin Scorsese. The Apple TV documentary miniseries about Scorsese feels like a rare achievement.
Miller brings together key collaborators from Scorsese's extensive career, including Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis (her husband), Leonardo DiCaprio, Robbie Robertson from The Band, longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker, and Margot Robbie. The only notable absence is Joe Pesci, who declined to participate. Scorsese himself contributed with 20 hours of interviews.
The series offers remarkable honesty. Scorsese opens up about his 1980s drug problems, struggles with faith, early encounters with the mob, complex relationships with his daughters, and his wife Helen Morris’ battle with Parkinson’s disease. Beyond that, it provides an entertaining behind-the-scenes look at the making of iconic films like GoodFellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Raging Bull.
“Well, I think to spend such a long time talking to this artist—it's like you are learning about his life, but you're also learning about film and all the films that influenced him. So there was almost like a going to graduate school quality about it.” – Rebecca Miller
Over a Zoom call, Miller explained how she captured the best from Scorsese and his close collaborators, offering a unique insider perspective unavailable elsewhere.
Author’s summary: Rebecca Miller’s documentary provides a rare, heartfelt glimpse into Martin Scorsese’s life and work, revealing his struggles and creative genius through candid conversations and insights.