Renowned director Martin Scorsese recently opened up about his near departure from the film industry after his tumultuous experience working with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein on the 2002 film "Gangs of New York." In an interview with GQ, Scorsese revealed that the difficult working conditions and unsatisfying results made him consider quitting filmmaking altogether. Recalling his collaboration with Weinstein, who has since been convicted of rape and sexual assault and sentenced to 39 years in prison, Scorsese stated, "I realized that I couldn't work if I had to make films that way ever again. If that was the only way that I was able to be allowed to make films, then I'd have to stop because the results weren't satisfying. It was at times extremely difficult, and I wouldn't survive it. I'd be dead. And so I decided it was over, really."

Scorsese and Weinstein frequently clashed over various aspects of "Gangs of New York," including its length and budget. The tension between the two persisted during the production of “The Aviator” in 2004, as Miramax, Weinstein's production company, was involved as a distributor. Scorsese expressed his reluctance to work with Weinstein again, but he felt compelled to proceed due to contractual obligations. However, during the editing process, Weinstein's interference left a sour taste in Scorsese's mouth. According to GQ, Miramax and Warner Bros. eventually ceased funding for "The Aviator," leaving Scorsese with no choice but to invest $500,000 of his own money to complete the film.

Despite contemplating retirement once again, Scorsese ultimately persevered and directed the critically acclaimed 2006 film "The Departed," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, who had also worked with him on "The Aviator." The film garnered five Oscar nominations and earned Scorsese his first Academy Award for Best Director. This success marked a turning point in Scorsese's career, as he continued to create remarkable films, including the highly acclaimed 2019 movie "The Irishman," which received 10 Oscar nominations.

Scorsese's troubled relationship with Weinstein was not limited to creative differences. During the production of "Gangs of New York," Scorsese reportedly threw a desk in anger when Weinstein objected to the name of the gang depicted in the film, the "Dead Rabbits." The Independent reported that the two publicly claimed to have a "terrific working relationship," but behind the scenes, tensions were high.

Weinstein, now serving a 23-year prison sentence in New York for rape and sexual assault, has faced multiple legal repercussions for his heinous actions. In February, a Los Angeles judge sentenced him to an additional 16 years in prison after being convicted on three charges of rape and sexual assault.

Scorsese's struggle with Weinstein shed light on the challenges faced by artists in the industry. Despite the difficulties he encountered, Scorsese's passion for filmmaking ultimately prevailed, leading him to create some of the most iconic movies in cinematic history. His upcoming film, "Killers of the Flower Moon," featuring DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, is set to be released on October 20 and will also be available for streaming on AppleTV+.