The Reason Martin Scorsese Avoids Rewatching His Own Movies

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Martin Scorsese is considered one of the most important and influential directors in American film history, having worked for over fifty years. His movies, ranging from the raw realism of Taxi Driver to the extravagant world of The Wolf of Wall Street, are known for their powerful energy and exploration of complex ideas about belief, regret, and what it means to be human. Surprisingly, despite all his achievements, Scorsese has said he rarely enjoys watching his finished films.

Martin Scorsese recently told Conan O’Brien that he rarely watches his older films because they feel too personal. When asked if he ever revisits his classic movies, he said, “No, that’s enough.” For Scorsese, watching films he made decades ago isn’t a pleasant experience; it’s actually uncomfortable. He explained that he finds it difficult to watch because he’s acutely aware of the mistakes and the intensely personal emotions he put into every shot, and it feels both embarrassing and overwhelming.

This viewpoint differs greatly from directors like Quentin Tarantino, who has said he creates films primarily for his own enjoyment – wanting to watch them repeatedly.

Tarantino has said he pities directors who can’t enjoy their own movies, because he loves watching his. Scorsese, on the other hand, generally prefers to concentrate on future projects rather than revisit his past work, always eager to tell the next story.

Despite being in his mid-80s, Martin Scorsese is still actively making films. He’s now starting work on What Happens At Night, a project he’s been planning for a long time, as of early 2026.

Based on a novel by Peter Cameron, this psychological thriller reunites Leonardo DiCaprio with the director for the seventh time and also features Jennifer Lawrence. The story centers on a couple who journey to a remote, snow-covered town in Europe to adopt a child, but they soon find themselves stuck in a bizarre, unsettling hotel where reality feels distorted.

The director’s latest films, like his Oscar-nominated movie Killers of the Flower Moon, have been celebrated for thoughtfully exploring historical events and moral questions. He’s also gaining attention for his production company, Sikelia Productions, which is working on several upcoming series and documentaries.

Martin Scorsese continues to shape Hollywood, whether he’s working with new artists or bringing his own visions to life. Interestingly, despite celebrations of his work, he prefers not to participate in events honoring his career.

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2026-01-28 18:14