A Deep and Daring Look at Martin Scorsese
Apple TV’s five-part documentary series Mr. Scorsese is more than a film retrospective—it’s a cinematic education. Directed by Rebecca Miller (The Ballad of Jack and Rose), the series provides an absorbing exploration of Martin Scorsese’s creative journey, tracing his evolution from a sickly child in New York’s Little Italy to one of the most celebrated directors in modern cinema.
Through this richly edited collection of interviews, archival footage, and personal reflection, Miller crafts what feels like a semester of film school condensed into five compelling hours. Scorsese himself is deeply involved, guiding viewers through his life and artistic obsessions with the same intensity that defines his films.
Episodic Storytelling with Purpose and Energy
Unlike many streaming docuseries that feel like long movies split into parts, Mr. Scorsese embraces an episodic format. Each hour-long installment focuses on a distinct chapter in the director’s life—from his early days collaborating with Robert De Niro to the personal struggles that shaped Raging Bull. The show uses its structure cleverly, ending each episode with just enough intrigue to make the next irresistible.
A Portrait of Collaborators and Conflicts
Miller populates the series with a wide array of voices—filmmakers, longtime friends, and actors who have lived through Scorsese’s creative storms. Names like Ari Aster, Benny Safdie, and Nicholas Pileggi offer fresh perspectives, while anecdotes from peers such as Brian De Palma, Steven Spielberg, and Sharon Stone paint an authentic picture of a man as complex as the characters he creates.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from imperfections. It touches on Scorsese’s battles with addiction, the controversies surrounding The Last Temptation of Christ, and how his personal life often collided with his professional intensity. Miller’s probing questions reveal a filmmaker unafraid to reflect on his missteps as much as his triumphs.
Faith, Art, and Humanity
Beneath the glamour and acclaim lies a consistent undercurrent: Scorsese’s lifelong fascination with morality, religion, and the human condition. The episodes weave together his Catholic upbringing, artistic influences, and the recurring imagery that defines his films—those signature overhead shots and musical choices that evoke entire worlds in seconds.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Film Lovers
Mr. Scorsese is not just a documentary; it’s an emotional excavation of one of cinema’s most passionate storytellers. Even as it celebrates Scorsese’s achievements, it maintains an honest perspective on his flaws, ego, and relentless pursuit of perfection. By the finale, viewers feel as if they’ve met the man behind the camera—his doubts, his drive, and his unyielding curiosity.
For anyone who loves movies, Mr. Scorsese on Apple TV is essential viewing—insightful, entertaining, and as richly layered as the films of its subject.
