‘Mr. Scorsese’ Is a Joy to Watch
Director Rebecca Miller shares insights with GQ about creating a definitive portrait of Martin Scorsese, often regarded as the greatest living filmmaker. The Apple TV documentary miniseries explores the career of Scorsese with an impressive lineup of collaborators.
Behind the Scenes of the Documentary
The series includes interviews with key figures such as Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis (Miller's husband), Leonardo DiCaprio, Robbie Robertson of The Band, longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker, and Margot Robbie. Joe Pesci, however, chose not to participate. Scorsese himself contributed with 20 hours of interviews.
Honest and Personal Revelations
The documentary presents a candid view of Scorsese's life, discussing his struggles with drug addiction in the 1980s, his faith, early encounters with the mob, complex family relationships, and his wife Helen Morris’s battle with Parkinson's disease.
A Unique Insider Perspective
The series offers a fascinating look at the making of iconic films such as GoodFellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Raging Bull. Such an in-depth exploration of Scorsese’s life and work is rare in today’s media landscape.
Rebecca Miller said, "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."
The series blends personal storytelling with artistic insight, making it a compelling watch for film enthusiasts and Scorsese fans alike.
Author's summary: Rebecca Miller's documentary offers an intimate, revealing portrait of Martin Scorsese, capturing both his personal struggles and his lasting impact on cinema.