Legendary filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola recently made waves with their comments about Marvel superheroes movies, sparking a huge discussion that most people seem to land strongly on one side or the other of. In case you missed it, let’s start with the background.
Scorsese started things off when he said that Marvel movies are “not cinema,” telling Empire magazine that he tried to watch them but could not. He added: “Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are, with actors doing the best they can under the circumstances, is theme parks. It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.”
So, while some feel that Scorsese was out of bounds with the “not cinema” remark, he made his opinion known in a respectful manner and seems to just believe the movies are a different flavor that is not true cinema.
Coppola took things a step further, saying that “Martin was being kind when he said it wasn’t cinema. He didn’t say it was despicable, which is what I say.” The Godfather and Apocalypse Now director doesn’t believe you learn anything from Marvel movies, which is understandable—and that falls in line with Scorsese comparing the films to theme parks.
Scorsese and Coppola are not alone in this thinking, but there are plenty of Marvel movie fans making counter arguments—it basically comes down to a matter of opinion. James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) handled the criticism well and with class on social media, and overall there seems to be some disappointment in those that are against Marvel movies.
While I love superhero movies, I am not going to disagree with Scorsese and Coppola. They are absolutely right that Marvel movies are not real cinema, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
The point Coppola made about not learning anything from Marvel movies is interesting, and he’s right. The films in the MCU are fun, but what have we really learned from them aside from the basic theme of teamwork?
On the other hand, films like The Dark Knight, Logan, and Joker do invoke more emotion and/or provide lessons that are applicable to society. The Dark Knight in particular is widely regarded as a top-ten film of all-time and includes a number of different themes that can be dissected for hours upon hours—it will stand the test of time and should be examined decades (and perhaps centuries) from now. Nothing from Marvel has come particularly close to The Dark Knight as a pure cinematic masterpiece.
Think about it. Would a top-ten movies list even have something from Marvel that comes close to even being considered for the list? The Dark Knight is a no-brainer. Joker is looking like it might get similar consideration as things stand, with an 8.9 user rating on IMDb (not a perfect measurement, but the vast majority of people clearly really liked the film, which is more in line with something Scorsese—once attached as a producer for it—would be behind as real cinema).
Winter Soldier or Infinity War might be in a lot of people’s favorite movie list (a matter of personal preference), but I don’t think anyone seriously considers those for a bestmovie list (more of an objective exercise). Let’s be real, Marvel movies do not compare to Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, or The Departed, among his other classics.
It’s nothing against the actors, directors, and crew associated with the superhero films. Good for them; take the money and don’t look back. Plenty of fans love them, and you’ll gain a ton of new fans being associated with Marvel. And you can’t blame Disney for continuing to create content that works for them with fans and makes boatloads of money at the box office.
Anyway, you could do a lot worse than being compared to a theme park. They’re fun.
The funny thing is people think movies like Winter Soldier are better than TDK hahahahaha.
winter soldier is better..
Why do filmmakers think that we have to “learn” something from movies? IMHO, movies’ primary goal should be to entertain and not necessarily to educate. And there’s a certain degree of arrogance that they think they can teach moviegoers anything. Do I need to be lectured by them about often debatable social issues, politics or anything else for that matter. Are they even qualified to do so ? I’d look to real scholars and research if I want to be educated.
I just saw the Joker and while i think it had a good story, tied in with the Batman stories well and Phoenix was amazing, it didn’t necessarily stir up any personal emotions in me. I don’t often get inspired by movies or any form of entertainment really. And movies shouldn’t have to inspire or have something substantial to say to make them good.
Marvel movies are fun and entertaining and that’s why I pay to watch them.