Exploring the Life and Legacy of Martin Scorsese: A Journey with Rebecca Miller
Documenting the illustrious career of Martin Scorsese is no small feat, but filmmaker Rebecca Miller embraced the challenge head-on after expressing her interest in creating a documentary about him. Over the years, Miller had several interactions with the legendary director of classics like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas. Curious if anyone was working on a documentary about Scorsese, she reached out to his producing partner and discovered that no one had yet received the green light to proceed. That’s when Miller decided to step up and pitch her vision.
“I had a meeting, and by the end, it felt like we were on the path to making this film,” Miller shares. And indeed, they were. Premiering on Apple TV this Friday, her five-part docuseries, Mr. Scorsese, chronicles the filmmaker’s remarkable journey from his childhood in Manhattan’s Little Italy—where he observed the "wise guys" who would later inspire his iconic gangster films—to the production of his latest work, Killers of the Flower Moon.
This captivating series is enriched by approximately 20 hours of interviews with Scorsese himself, along with countless hours of discussions featuring a star-studded lineup of his past collaborators, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Thelma Schoonmaker. Miller’s docuseries paints a comprehensive picture of Scorsese’s life, highlighting both his triumphs, like winning the Best Director Oscar for The Departed, and his struggles, including battles with substance abuse and depression. Miller reflects, “Scorsese’s ups and downs remind us all that it’s possible to redefine ourselves at any stage of life.”
In an engaging interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Miller discussed the lesser-known films she aimed to spotlight in the series, her exploration of Scorsese’s faith, and the heartwarming reunions with his childhood friends featured throughout the documentary.
Did You Have Any Hesitations About Telling Scorsese’s Story?
“I felt excitement rather than trepidation,” Miller explains. “I often push aside fear while working because if I let it in, I might not take action. In hindsight, I feel a bit nervous, but I’m grateful I took it on. I believed I could bring something unique to the project.”
How Did You Decide to Feature Scorsese’s Childhood Friends in the Documentary?
The idea emerged during an initial interview when Scorsese shared childhood photographs, revealing the significance of his early friendships. “I realized these friends played a crucial role in shaping him and his cinematic vision,” Miller recalls. “I learned he was still in contact with some of them, and I reached out to arrange conversations. It was an incredible experience to witness these reunions and delve into their shared history.”
How Open Was Scorsese During the Interviews?
Miller approached the project with genuine curiosity about Scorsese’s private life, having extensively studied his films. “I was surprised by many personal details, especially about his childhood,” she notes. “Scorsese seemed ready to share openly, which enriched our conversations.”
What Were the Production Dynamics Like?
The collaboration process involved Scorsese’s producing partner and manager, among others. “Initially, we began self-financing the project until the pandemic hit. We conducted interviews from my porch, which helped us establish a vision,” Miller explains. “Eventually, we secured funding through Apple, while ensuring I maintained creative control throughout the process.”
Were There Any Films You Wanted to Highlight That Are Often Overlooked?
Miller expressed a desire to shine a light on Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, a film she believes is underappreciated. “It’s a remarkable work,” she affirms. She also mentioned The Age of Innocence, which holds a special place in her heart. “Scorsese isn’t just the ‘mob director’; he’s an anthropologist at heart, exploring distinct worlds and capturing the essence of human experience in his films.”
What Themes Emerged During the Documentary’s Development?
Miller was particularly interested in examining Scorsese’s spiritual life and how it intertwines with his exploration of good and evil. “I wanted to understand how these themes manifested in his work, from overtly religious films to the darker tones of Raging Bull and Goodfellas,” she explains.
What Do You Hope Viewers Will Take Away from Mr. Scorsese?
Miller describes the series as a thrilling emotional journey, saying, “Viewers will see the ups and downs of Scorsese’s life, realizing that even in his darkest moments, he found a way to rise again. I hope it inspires everyone to embrace the possibility of transformation.” She adds that she hopes the docuseries encourages audiences to revisit and appreciate Scorsese’s films, revealing new dimensions to his work.
Were There Any Notable Moments Left on the Cutting Room Floor?
Miller mentioned a poignant story about how Scorsese helped the renowned director Michael Powell escape obscurity, which unfortunately didn’t fit into the documentary’s narrative. “It’s a beautiful story that speaks volumes about Marty’s character, but sometimes, to create a cohesive film, tough choices must be made,” she reflects.
Have You Discovered Any New Films While Working on This Project?
Miller revealed that she was unfamiliar with some of Scorsese’s early works. “For instance, It’s Not Just You, Murray! made when he was just 21, mirrors the energy and style of Goodfellas. It’s astonishing to see how his vision was already so developed at such a young age,” she shares. “He has been a complete filmmaker from the start, yet he continues to evolve and grow in his craft.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity, encapsulating a unique glimpse into the world of Martin Scorsese through the lens of Rebecca Miller.
