Martin Scorsese, acclaimed as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, will soon be the focus of a new documentary series titled Mr. Scorsese, premiering on Apple TV+. This series explores the director’s life and career, offering an in-depth look at his journey from his childhood in New York City to his status as a cinematic legend.
Inside the Life and Career of Martin Scorsese
The five-part documentary miniseries provides an extensive portrait of Martin Scorsese, tracing his evolution as a filmmaker and individual. Director Rebecca Miller, who helms the series, was granted unrestricted access to Scorsese’s personal archives, promising viewers fresh insights and untold stories from his prolific career. The series delves beyond his professional achievements to reveal personal moments, including conversations with his family.
In one revealing segment, Scorsese discusses his challenges as a father with his oldest daughters, reflecting on his struggles balancing parenting and career during his earlier years. Miller shared,
“At a certain point he says something about, ‘There are temptations along the way,’ and I say, ‘As a man or as an artist?’ And he said, ‘Both. Cause there’s no difference,’”
highlighting the inseparability of his personal life and artistic devotion. She also remarked,
“And it’s really true that this is a man who lives and breathes film. You can’t take the film out of the molecules of his skin, his body, his heart. The two things are together, and so they’re changing together. They’re creating each other.”
Notable Figures Featured in the Series
Alongside Scorsese and his family members, the documentary includes interviews with many of his longtime collaborators and influential figures. Robert De Niro, Steven Spielberg, and Mick Jagger appear to discuss their experiences and relationships with the director. Rebecca Miller, who is married to Daniel Day-Lewis—a revered actor and Scorsese collaborator—is also connected to the project, suggesting the possibility of his participation as well.
Critical Reception and Industry Reactions
The series debuted at the 2025 New York Film Festival and garnered positive acclaim from figures within the film community. Among those praising Mr. Scorsese were director Ari Aster and actor Michael Imperioli. Aster noted how the documentary illuminated Scorsese’s career struggles in a way that resonated personally, especially given Aster’s own experience with divisive films.
Aster commented,
“As somebody who has made a couple films that were divisive. It’s helpful to remember, oh, right, The King of Comedy wasn’t well received. Like, what? The Age of Innocence was disappointing? And even New York, New York, to me is such a f–king exciting, playful, experimental, beautiful film. It’s so, so much more valuable than some perfect little trinket,”
expressing how the series shifts perspective on Scorsese’s body of work.
He further praised the director’s fearless approach, saying,
“So many of [Scorsese’s] films were like lightning bolts … especially the ones that were okay with alienating the audience,”
and added,
“It’s ‘what does the movie need?’ There’s nothing calculated about his films. And that’s the thing that was instructive to me growing up. It’s something I kind of go back to, to remind myself, like, yeah, that’s right.”
Release Date and Viewing Information
Fans of Martin Scorsese and documentary enthusiasts can look forward to streaming Mr. Scorsese starting Friday, October 17, on Apple TV+. The series promises an intimate exploration of the director’s personal and professional life, shedding new light on his enduring impact in the film world.
This docuseries stands to deepen appreciation for Scorsese’s artistry while providing the audience with a candid look at the man behind iconic movies. By offering this unprecedented access and reflection, it enriches the understanding of his legacy and what has shaped one of cinema’s most influential careers.
