We thought for sure that Damon Lindelof’s surprisingly reasonable response to Martin Scorsese’s anti-Marvel comments would be the end of it. Alas, Taika Waititi might have the last word. (Who are we kidding, this is going to go on forever, isn’t it?)
Speaking to the AP, while promoting his new film “Jojo Rabbit,” Waititi was asked his thoughts about the idea that Marvel Studios films are not “cinema.” Clearly, with his history with the studio, you had to expect that Waititi would defend Marvel and that he does. But he doesn’t attack Scorsese, at all. Instead, he just points out the obvious. Of course, Marvel films are “cinema,” as it’s in the name.
“Of course it’s cinema! It’s at the movies! It’s in cinemas…near you,” said Waititi.
He added, “Marvel CINEMA-tic Universe.”
As the reporter says in the clip, “Fair enough.” You can’t argue the logic, but obviously, Scorsese was talking more of the spirit of cinema and less about the concrete definition of the medium. The way the filmmaker sees it, Marvel films are “theme parks” and they are taking the place of real movies at the theaters. This implies that superhero movies are stealing spots from more deserving features.
And as you might expect, Waititi is firmly on the side of Marvel Studios, considering the company has paid him handsomely for “Thor: Ragnarok” and the upcoming “Thor: Love & Thunder.” With the success of the former, his star has risen to new heights, giving him carte blanche to basically make whatever films he wants. Y’know, like a Nazi satire featuring himself as an imaginary version of Adolf Hitler.
Speaking of that film, “Jojo Rabbit” is set to arrive in theaters on October 18.
"Of course it's cinema! It's at the movies." Director Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) of "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Jojo Rabbit" responds to Martin Scorsese's criticism of Marvel movies as "not cinema." pic.twitter.com/WtqE0NM8p3
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) October 16, 2019