Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese once pursued the path of priesthood, a journey shaped during his childhood in New York City, before ultimately leaving seminary due to behavioral issues. His early religious education and complex relationship with faith significantly influenced his later work, making the Martin Scorsese priesthood journey a compelling chapter in his life.
Early Religious Influence and Seminary Experience
Scorsese’s fascination with religion began at a young age when he attended his first Catholic Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. This experience inspired him to seek religious education, leading him to enroll in a preparatory seminary located on 85th Street. However, while he initially adapted well, his time there was short-lived.
Reflecting on this period in a new documentary series titled Mr. Scorsese, which debuted at the New York Film Festival on October 4, the director explained that his understanding of the world began to evolve rapidly.
“There was a preparatory seminary, and that was on 85th Street somewhere. I did okay for the first few months, but something happened,”
Scorsese recalls.
The Changing World Beyond the Seminary Walls
Scorsese soon realized that the world outside the seminary was complex and full of new experiences, which contrasted with the more rigid, sheltered life at the religious institution. He noted,
“I began to realize the world is changing. It was early rock and roll and the old world was dying out. I became aware of life around me. Falling in love or being attracted to girls, not that you’re acting out on it, but there were these feelings, and I suddenly realized it’s much more complicated than this. You can’t shut yourself off.”
These emotions and his growing awareness of life’s complexities led Scorsese to question whether the priesthood was the right path for him.
Departure from Seminary and Its Reasons
As his doubts grew, Scorsese recognized that dedicating himself fully to the priesthood was not his calling. He explained,
“The idea of priesthood, to devote yourself to others, really, that’s what it’s about. I realized I don’t belong there.”
Despite attempts to stay, his behavior led to intervention from the seminary authorities, who involved his father. According to Scorsese,
“And I tried to stay, but they got my father in there, and they told him, ‘Get him out of here.’ Because I behaved badly.”
The documentary doesn’t specify the exact nature of Scorsese’s misbehavior, but considering the themes prevalent in his films—such as sex, violence, and drug use—it suggests his youthful curiosity extended far beyond the confines of seminary discipline.
Transition to Filmmaking and Academic Pursuits
After leaving the seminary, Scorsese pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English at New York University’s Washington Square College and completed a Master of Arts from the university’s School of Education. His academic background laid the foundation for his directorial debut with the 1967 film Who’s That Knocking at My Door, marking the start of his influential career in cinema.
Over nearly six decades, Scorsese has crafted some of the most iconic films in American cinema, including Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, Gangs of New York, and The Irishman. His work frequently explores themes resonant with his religious upbringing, blending theological meditation with explorations of human flaws. He has garnered ten Academy Award nominations for Best Director, ultimately winning in 2006 for The Departed.
The New Docuseries and Its Insights
The documentary series Mr. Scorsese, directed by Rebecca Miller, spans five episodes and features interviews with Scorsese himself alongside family members, colleagues, and notable collaborators such as Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Mick Jagger, and Steven Spielberg. It offers an intimate exploration of his early years, his complex relationship with faith, and the evolution of his career. The series is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on October 17.
This detailed insight into Scorsese’s life not only highlights his abandoned path toward priesthood but also underscores how those experiences helped shape the complex themes that define his films, enriching the understanding of his creative legacy.
