Isabella Rossellini opens up about her marriage to filmmaker Martin Scorsese in the newly released Apple TV documentary series, “Mr. Scorsese.” The third episode of this five-part series, directed by Rebecca Miller, provides a candid look at their tumultuous relationship from 1979 to 1982.
Rossellini, now 73, recalls the complexities of living with Scorsese, who has openly grappled with anger and depression, particularly during the production of his films “Raging Bull” and “The King of Comedy.” “He could get really angry,” Rossellini shares, adding that while he never directed this anger towards her, his ability to “demolish a room” was startling. She recalls a moment when a friend filmed Scorsese in a fit of rage, which left him shocked by the intensity of his own emotions. “It was like a volcano. It was terrifying,” she says.
The documentary reveals that Scorsese’s struggles with anger were intertwined with his creative process. Rossellini notes that sometimes his outbursts were sparked by trivial matters, suggesting a deeper connection between his rage and the pressures he faced as a director. “I understood that partially also this rage was part of the fuel to give him courage,” she explains, acknowledging that the pressures of filmmaking were particularly daunting for someone from his background.
Throughout the series, Scorsese reflects on his own battles, admitting to experiencing profound depression which hindered his work on “The King of Comedy.” “I never experienced such depression,” he confesses, expressing how the struggles affected his professional life and personal relationships. He credits therapy and medication for helping him navigate through these dark times, emphasizing the loneliness he felt despite his success.
Scorsese has been married five times, with Rossellini being his third wife. The couple’s shared experiences during their brief marriage speak to the challenges artists may face not just in their work, but also in their personal lives.
“Mr. Scorsese” is now available for streaming on Apple TV, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind some of cinema’s most iconic films and the personal struggles he has faced along the way. This docuseries not only sheds light on Scorsese’s artistic journey but also highlights the significance of emotional resilience, reminding viewers of the importance of support and self-awareness in the pursuit of one’s passions.