During a promotional interview for his new movie The Irishman last week, Martin Scorsese ruffled the feathers of fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the legendary filmmaker stating: “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.”
As one might expect, this dismissal of Marvel movies hasn’t sat right with some of the creative talent involved with the MCU, with directors James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Joss Whedon (The Avengers) taking to Twitter to respond to Scorsese.
https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1180158383070105606
https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1180178873465659392
“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
Meanwhile, MCU veteran Samuel L. Jackson was asked for his thoughts on Scorsese’s comments during an interview with Variety, the Nick Fury actor responding that: “Films are films. You know, everybody doesn’t like his stuff either. I mean, we happen to, but everybody doesn’t. There are a lot of Italian-Americans that don’t think he should be making films about them like that. Everybody’s got an opinion, so it’s okay. It’s not going to stop anyone from making movies.”
What do you make of Scorsese’s comments? Can you sympathise with his opinion, or is he out of touch on the subject? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
