Despite being a decade in and some 23 films later, director Martin Scorsese still doesn’t think Marvel movies are cinema.
In an interview with Empire while promoting his new movie The Irishman, Scorsese revealed that he’s not really a fan of the billion dollar-grossing franchise.
“I don’t see them,” he said. “I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema… It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.”
“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.”
Marvel directors however, took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the comment.
“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
That said, I will always love Scorsese, be grateful for his contribution to cinema, and can’t wait to see The Irishman.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 4, 2019
As I tweeted last night, I take no issue with Scorsese. The man's a genius.
I'm mostly taking issue today with all of the smug freelancers retweeting his quote, patting themselves on the back as if correct and vindicated, before lining up to watch and review the next one.
— C. Robert Cargill (@Massawyrm) October 4, 2019
Hollywood A-lister who has starred in many a Marvel movie as Director Nick Fury, Samuel L. Jackson also shared his thoughts on Scorsese’s comments.
“That’s kind of like saying Bugs Bunny ain’t funny,” Jackson said. “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.”
Scorsese’s The Irishman releases on Netflix November 27.
