‘Mr. Scorsese’ Documentary Series Overview
Director Rebecca Miller discusses her experience creating the ultimate portrait of the greatest living filmmaker, Martin Scorsese, in the Apple TV+ documentary miniseries Scorsese.
Unique Access and Key Collaborators
The series brings together important collaborators from Scorsese's extensive career, including Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis (Miller's husband), Leonardo DiCaprio, Robbie Robertson of The Band, editor Thelma Schoonmaker, and Margot Robbie. Joe Pesci notably declined to participate. Scorsese himself contributed 20 hours of interviews.
Honest and Intimate Insights
The documentary is candid, with Scorsese sharing personal topics such as his 1980s drug issues, struggles with faith, early mafia experiences, and complex relationships with his daughters. It also touches on his wife Helen Morris’ battle with Parkinson's disease.
Filmmaking Reflections
Beyond personal stories, it offers an engaging insider's perspective on the making of classics like GoodFellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Raging Bull.
Rebecca Miller: "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."
Production Challenges and Highlights
- Securing participation from close collaborators was key to the series’ depth.
- Extensive interviews allowed for an unprecedentedly personal portrayal of Scorsese.
- The series balances honest self-reflection with celebratory moments from his filmmaking journey.
This documentary stands out as a rare, in-depth tribute to a legendary filmmaker, blending personal vulnerability with rich cinematic history.
Author’s summary: Rebecca Miller’s documentary presents an intimate and insightful look at Martin Scorsese’s life and career, revealing personal struggles and cinematic genius through candid interviews with the director and his longtime collaborators.