Martin Scorsese Considered Priesthood but Was Kicked Out ‘Because I Behaved Badly’
```html Scorsese Reveals Seminary Expulsion in New Documentary Martin Scorsese, the acclaimed director known for his exploration of morality, faith, and violence, reveals in a new docuseries that he was once a seminary student who was ultimately asked to leave due to his "bad behavior." The revelation comes in "Mr. Scorsese," a new documentary chronicling his life, which premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 4th.
Early Religious Influence Scorsese's fascination with religion is evident throughout his filmography, from overt explorations in "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "Silence" to subtle allusions in crime dramas like "Goodfellas" and "Casino." The first episode of "Mr. Scorsese" delves into the director's childhood and the profound impact of his early religious experiences.
He recalls attending his first Catholic mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City at the age of seven, an event that inspired him to pursue a religious education. "There was a preparatory seminary... I did okay for the first few months, but something happened," Scorsese reflects in the series.
A World Beyond the Church Scorsese explains that his growing awareness of the world outside the church walls led to his eventual departure. "I began to realize the world is changing," he states. "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... there were these feelings, and I suddenly realized it's much more complicated than this. You can't shut yourself off."
This realization prompted Scorsese to conclude that the priesthood was not his calling. "The idea of priesthood, to devote yourself to others... I realized I don't belong there," he remembers. "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."
Speculation on "Bad Behavior" The documentary does not elaborate on the specifics of Scorsese's "bad behavior," leaving room for speculation. Given the themes explored in his later work, it's likely that his burgeoning interest in secular life, including relationships and popular culture, clashed with the seminary's strict code of conduct.
From Seminary to Cinema Instead of pursuing the priesthood, Scorsese earned a B.A. in English from New York University's Washington Square College and later an M.A. from the University's School of Education. He launched his directorial career in 1967 with "Who's That Knocking at My Door," embarking on a path that would cement his status as one of cinema's most influential figures.
His filmography includes iconic titles such as "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "Goodfellas," "Casino," "Gangs of New York," and "The Irishman." Scorsese has received ten Academy Award nominations for Best Director, winning in 2006 for "The Departed."
Expert Perspective: The Influence of Early Life "Scorsese's early religious training, even his expulsion, is fundamental to understanding his work," says Dr. Miriam Klein, a film studies professor at UCLA specializing in the portrayal of religion in cinema. "His films often grapple with guilt, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil. These themes are clearly rooted in his Catholic upbringing and his personal journey away from the priesthood. He uses cinema as a confessional, exploring the complexities of human nature through a distinctly Catholic lens."
Historical Context: Hollywood and Religion Scorsese's complicated relationship with religion reflects a broader trend in Hollywood, where faith has often been a source of both inspiration and controversy. From the biblical epics of the studio era to more nuanced explorations of faith in contemporary cinema, filmmakers have grappled with religious themes in diverse and often challenging ways. Scorsese's work stands out for its unflinching portrayal of both the beauty and the darkness inherent in religious belief.
Release Details "Mr. Scorsese" will be available on Apple TV+ on October 17th. The five-episode series features interviews with Scorsese, his family, and collaborators, including Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger, Steven Spielberg, and more. ```
Originally sourced from: Variety