Marvel Is Not Cinema

 

   In October of 2019 the film community was shocked by Martin Scorsese’s stance on Marvel movies. In an interview with Empire magazine, Martin Scorsese compares marvel movies to theme parks, saying “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.” With many people agreeing and/or disagreeing with this statement, it was not surprising when the internet began an uprising of opinions. While there are those who will defend Scorsese endlessly, there are also those who were offended by his statement and feel that it was entirely wrong. 

 

   It was necessary for the film community to have a conversation like this. Everyone knows and can sense that there is a difference between a film like The Graduate, and one like Avengers Endgame, however the distinction had never before been put into terms of what should or should not be considered cinema. Although there has always been a distinction between two films like these in our minds, the difference was hard to put into words. These two works can both be considered films and they can both be considered movies, but they couldn't both be considered cinema, not anymore, at least not by Scorsese’s terms. 

There are those who argue that Marvel movies definitely check all of the boxes to be considered cinema. Screenwriter C. Robert Cargill, who worked on Marvel's Doctor Strange as a screenwriter, tweeted about the great effort that was put into deepening the characters in the film. “The vast majority of Marvel's notes were about deepening character, strengthening the story...anyone who thinks Marvel is only trying to make theme park rides is being unjust and cynical.” Cargills response to Scorsese's statement is a great embodiment of the argument that those who take this defensive side make. Those who deem Marvel cinema argue that Marvel films are as much of a film as any other and that it is simply a different genre with an advanced and higher level of production. 

 

   On the other hand, those who agree with Scorsese, argue that Marvel movies are not cinema, rather they are films that are meant purely for entertainment. They are meant to enjoy on a surface level and lack the maturity and depth required for a true cinematic piece. When asked about this controversy Scorsese says many times that there is nothing wrong with Marvel movies, he acknowledges the art and creativity that go into them, he simply doesn't think that the art is the same. In a piece for The New York Times Scorsese followed up on his statement saying, “There was some debate about that at the time, so we stood up for cinema as an equal to literature or music or dance. And we came to understand that the art could be found in many different places and in just as many forms.” 

Whether or not Marvel films should be considered cinema, will continue to depend on how every individual defines that term. For Scorcese cinema is a film which runs deep with art and personality, and for him, Marvel films do not make the cut.

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~Paloma Ixta