Marvel Studios has a pretty incredible track record of finding the best filmmakers for the job. Whether its already impressive talent like Ryan Coogler and Taika Waititi or up-and-coming filmmakers that have yet to really break out, such as the Russo Brothers, James Gunn, and Jon Watts. But according to a new interview with Empire magazine (via ScreenRant), it would appear that Martin Scorsese likely won’t ever be on that list.
When asked about his thoughts on the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the almost two-dozen films, the filmmaker pulled no punches when giving his critique.
“I don’t see them,” revealed Scorsese. “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.”
Calling the likes of “Avengers: Endgame” a “theme park” and “not cinema” is a bit of a stretch, right? I mean, the film is the biggest box office grosser of all time, featuring dozens of heroes fighting villains in one of the largest battles ever committed to film. Oh…right. I can see the theme park aspect.
But who is Scorsese to talk? I mean, when has he ever done anything remotely as emotionally resonant as Robert Downey, Jr. snapping his fingers and saving the world? When has he made grown men weep in theaters because their favorite superhero sacrifices himself for the greater good? *Checks Scorsese’s IMDB* Right…okay…nevermind.
Kidding aside, it’s difficult to argue with anything that Scorsese says about film because he’s one of the greatest filmmakers that has ever graced the planet. However, a filmmaker doesn’t do himself any favors when he makes such sweeping generalizations about a whole genre of films because he doesn’t view them as the same as “The Irishman.” But by now, everyone reading is probably thinking that’s a crazy thing to say and Scorsese can do no wrong.