Early Life and Religious Aspirations
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese revealed that he once considered joining the priesthood.
His story is featured in “Mr. Scorsese,” a new five-part docuseries directed by Rebecca Miller, which premiered at the New York Film festival on october 4.
The first episode focuses on Scorsese’s childhood and religious upbringing.
At age seven, he attended his first Catholic mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City — an experience that deeply inspired him.
Following this, he pursued religious education at a preparatory seminary on 85th Street.
Departure from Seminary Life
Scorsese recalled that he initially did well but eventually “behaved badly”, leading to his expulsion.
He shared, “There was a preparatory seminary… I did okay for the first few months, but something happened.”
The young Scorsese became increasingly curious about life outside the church.
He was drawn to rock and roll, changing social norms, and the emotional complexities of life — including feelings of love and attraction.
Realizing that the priesthood wasn’t his true calling, Scorsese said, “The idea of priesthood is to devote yourself to others… I realized I don’t belong there.”
Eventually, the seminary staff called in his father and told him to “get him out of here.”
Transition to Filmmaking
After leaving the seminary, Scorsese earned a B.A. in english and later an M.A. from New York University.
He made his directorial debut in 1967 with “Who’s That Knocking at My Door.”
His career spans nearly six decades, producing landmark films such as:
Taxi Driver
Raging Bull
Goodfellas
Casino
The Irishman
Scorsese has been nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning Best director in 2006 for The Departed.
About the Docuseries
“Mr. Scorsese” will be released on october 17.
It includes interviews with family, friends, and collaborators such as Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Spielberg, Cate Blanchett, Mick Jagger, and more.
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