Martin Scorsese Says Marvel Movies Are Not Cinema and Likens Them to Theme Parks
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is not a fan of the Marvel movies. In fact, he says the movies are “not cinema” and goes on to compare them to theme parks.
During an interview with Empire (via ScreenRant), the subject of Marvel films were brought up, and he said he tried to watch them, but they ultimately didn’t grab him. He explained:
“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. It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.”
I understand what he’s saying and yeah… Marvel movies are extremely fun and entertaining rides! But at the same time, in my opinion, these films actually have conveyed human emotional and psychological experiences.
I respect Scorsese’s opinion because the guy is a master filmmaker who loves movies. The guy is a true cinephile. But, I am too! I love movies! I enjoy watching all kinds of films from various genres, not just comic book movies. They are all cinema to me. But to each their own. Comic book movies aren’t for everyone.
Feige previously talked about people dismissing Marvel films during the Produced By conference, saying:
“Maybe it’s easy to dismiss VFX or flying people or spaceships or billion dollar grosses. I think it is easy to say that you have already been awarded in a certain way. [Alfred] Hitchcock never won best director, so it’s very nice, but it doesn’t mean everything. I would much rather be in a room full of engaged fans.”
Marvel is certainly accomplishing that! What do you all think about what Scorsese said about Marvel movies? Do you agree or disagree?
Update:
James Gunn offered his thoughts on this in a Tweet that he since deleted that said:
“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 mine in the same way.”