A five-hour study of Martin Scorsese on Apple TV+ describes itself as a "film portrait." In fact, with its insightful interviews and film clips, Mr. Scorsese is more a patiently created masterpiece.

Rebecca Miller’s “Mr. Scorsese” is a life portrait of a filmmaker who has seemingly lived a thousand lives. That means it’s also a portrait of a thousand deaths. There was his decision to steer away ...