Martin Scorsese’s Opinion on Marvel Movies: “Theme Parks” that are “Not Cinema”

Martin Scorsese Shares His Opinion on Marvel Films

Director Martin Scorsese, in a recent interview, has shared his opinion on Marvel Cinematic Universe films and comic book films in general. That opinion is not what someone would deem ‘a positive summation of one’s thoughts on comic book films.’ Scorsese’ sentiments were made during a recent interview with Empire Magazine:

“I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema,” Scorsese told Empire. “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.”

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The first reason people have taken notice of Scorsese’s words is that he is such a lauded director with a filmography that most aspiring and working film director’s dream of.

The second reason people have taken notice of Scorsese’s words is that they are deleterious and contradict the point-of-view many movie-goers have about Marvel comic book films and comic book film adaptations in general. Many consider comic book films to be, in fact,: cinema, good cinema, and in rare cases, great cinema. Whether a comic book movie can be considered high art or not, the former being what I believe Martin Scorsese is alluding to with his comments, is subjective.

One person’s high art – or cinema – is another person’s trash – or theme park ride. Others seem to share this perspective on the issue:

Martin Scorsese knows more about movies than you do, and it's okay if he doesn't like the same movies as you do.

— Ron Marz (@ronmarz) October 4, 2019

Martin Scorsese is a god. Marvel movies are fun and good. Chill.

— Peter Ramsey (@pramsey342) 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

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https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1180158818736574464

When receiving similar criticism earlier this year, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige gave this defense of comic book films:

“Maybe it’s easy to dismiss VFX or flying people or spaceships or billion dollar grosses,” Feige said. “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.”

It may also be the case that when Scorsese ventured to watch comic book films, his selection was unfortuitous. The examples of comic book films that he chose to view may have been bad or horrendous, like Suicide Squad and Captain Marvel. Those films may have left a bad taste in his mouth, poisoning his outlook on all comic book movies. I am sure there are those that would like to know which comic book films Scorsese has watched (the films that informed his current opinion). I am one of them.

Leave your thoughts on Martin Scorsese’s opinion on the MCU, comic book films, and this article (via Variety, The Guardian, Indiewire) below in the comments section. Readers seeking to support this type of content can visit our Patreon Page and become one of FilmBook’s patrons. Readers seeking more movie news can visit our Movie News Page, our Movie News Twitter Page, and our Movie News Facebook Page. Want up-to-the-minute notifications? Want up-to-the-minute notifications? FilmBook staff members publish articles by Email, Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.