Director Rebecca Miller discusses with GQ her experience creating a definitive portrait of Martin Scorsese, the greatest living filmmaker, for Apple TV's documentary miniseries Scorsese. The series brings together key collaborators from his extensive career, including Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robbie Robertson of The Band, longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker, and Margot Robbie. Daniel Day-Lewis, Miller's husband, was also featured, while Joe Pesci declined to participate. Most notably, Scorsese himself contributed through 20 hours of interviews.
The documentary offers a candid look at Scorsese’s life. He opens up about his drug issues in the 1980s, struggles with faith, early encounters with the mob, complex relationships with his daughters, and his wife Helen Morris’ battle with Parkinson’s disease. The series also provides a lively behind-the-scenes perspective on the making of films like GoodFellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Raging Bull.
"I think 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 project feels unique, offering an insider’s glimpse into the creative world of one of cinema’s most influential figures.
Scorsese stands out as an honest, engaging, and fun exploration of the filmmaker's life and legacy.
Author’s summary: This documentary expertly captures Martin Scorsese’s creative journey and personal struggles through candid interviews and insights from his closest collaborators.