On October 17, Apple TV will premiere “Mr. Scorsese,” a five-part documentary series that offers an insightful exploration of one of cinema’s most significant figures, director Martin Scorsese. The series serves as an educational experience reminiscent of film school, showcasing Scorsese’s varied career and contributions to the film industry through an essayistic lens. As Scorsese articulates, “cinema is a matter of what’s in the frame,” and the series channels this perspective through a mix of archival footage and personal anecdotes that capture the filmmaker’s essence.
Directed by Rebecca Miller, known for “The Ballad of Jack and Rose,” the series is structured into five one-hour episodes, each dedicated to different periods in Scorsese’s life and career. Distinctively episodic, “Mr. Scorsese” engages viewers with cliffhangers that entice them to continue watching, highlighting key moments in Scorsese’s life—from his first encounter with longtime collaborator Robert De Niro to poignant periods of personal struggle, including his battles with addiction during the late 1970s. The narrative consistently ties back to the films Scorsese was creating at the time, providing context for the artistic choices he made, such as his signature use of popular music, notably from The Rolling Stones.
The series features interviews with various collaborators and younger filmmakers, including Ari Aster and Benny Safdie, but it is the insights from those who knew Scorsese in his formative years that add depth to the portrayal. Key contributions come from screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, whose reflections on the mobster world enrich the understanding of Scorsese’s cinematic influences.
Miller deftly uncovers the complex, human side of Scorsese, addressing the sacrifices he made in the pursuit of his craft, including strained personal relationships and his occasionally narrow perspective when working with women. The exploration of Scorsese’s immigrant background and experiences growing up in a neighborhood linked to organized crime provides a rich context for his creative journey. The series artfully juxtaposes these personal stories with visual elements from Scorsese’s films, such as his iconic overhead shots, further embedding his work in his life experiences.
Progressing through Scorsese’s career, the documentary shifts focus to his increasingly political narratives, investigating how his films responded to the evolving American landscape and faced critical scrutiny. Controversies surrounding films like “The Last Temptation of Christ” illustrate the tumultuous reception to his inquiries into human nature and religion, themes that have long intrigued the director.
Rather than being a mere tribute, “Mr. Scorsese” provides a nuanced examination of a filmmaker who, while often deified, is portrayed with all his flaws and complexities. Through candid interviews and personal stories, Miller presents Scorsese as someone who has lived an extraordinarily rich life, and whose body of work remains vital and thought-provoking. Additionally, light-hearted moments contributed by fellow directors like Brian De Palma and Steven Spielberg juxtapose the serious nature of the discussions, allowing for a more rounded portrayal.
Overall, “Mr. Scorsese” is a compelling representation of a filmmaker grappling with his legacy while embracing the challenges and tensions that have defined his illustrious career, making it a must-watch for cinephiles and casual viewers alike.