Martin Scorsese has made headlines this week, stating that he believes Marvel Movies are not cinema.
In an interview with Empire Magazine, Martin Scorsese was questioned about Marvel Movies and he suggested that he doesn’t like them at all.
“I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema… 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.” Scorsese told Empire.
Scorsese immediately copped backlash from social media, with fans and celebrities jumping into the defence of Marvel movies. Two former Marvel directors James Gunn and Joss Whedon weighed in on twitter.
Martin Scorsese is one of my 5 favorite living filmmakers. I was outraged when people picketed The Last Temptation of Christ without having seen the film. I’m saddened that he’s now judging my films in the same way. https://t.co/hzHp8x4Aj8
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 4, 2019
“It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.”
I first think of @JamesGunn, how his heart & guts are packed into GOTG. I revere Marty, & I do see his point, but…
Well there’s a reason why “I’m always angry”. https://t.co/Wh3ptU2KBp
— Joss Whedon (@joss) October 4, 2019
Marvel star Robert Downey Jnr also weighed in on the discussion on the Howard Stern show. Howard Stern asked RDJ if he had enjoyed his Marvel experience.
“According to Scorsese, it’s not cinema,” RDJ joked. “I gotta take a look at that, you know?” RDJ told Howard Stern.
RDJ defended Scorsese’s right to an opinion, whilst defending the MCU.
“I appreciate his opinion because, it’s like anything. We need all of the different perspectives so we can come to centre and move on.” RDJ said
Robert Downey Jnr wasn’t the only Marvel star to weigh in, with Samuel L Jackson also shared his thoughts on the topic, defending both Marvel and Scorsese.
“I mean that’s like saying Bugs Bunny ain’t funny. Films are films. Everybody doesn’t like his stuff either. Everybody’s got an opinion, so I mean it’s okay. Ain’t going to stop nobody from making movies.” Samuel L Jackson told Variety.
Despite not calling them cinema, Scorsese does recognise the cultural significance Marvel movies have. Calling them a roller coaster ride is in many ways correct. As an audience, we are constantly on the edge. Following the ups and downs of the story; just like a roller-coaster. Although his thoughts are harsh, Scorsese is completely entitled to his opinion.
I just hope the Marvel movie he tried to sit through wasn’t Thor 2.
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