Why Martin Scorsese is Right About Marvel Movies

// Are Marvel Movies Cinema? //

In this essay I explore Martin Scorsese' claim that Marvel films and other big budget franchise pictures are something different than classical cinema.

With the support of Creative Europe – MEDIA Programme of the European Union

Get Access To Patron-Only Bonus Video: "My Top 10 Favorite Films From The Decade"

Films I reference:
1:16 Touch of Evil
1:22 Taxi Driver
1:42 Days of Heaven
2:29 Vivre Sa Vie
2:57 The Godfather
3:43 There Will Be Blood
4:28 Her
4:57 Inside Llewyn Davis
5:33 Barry Lyndon
6:21 The Grand Budapest Hotel
7:49 The Place Beyond The Pines
7:57 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
8:13 Parasite
8:31 Breathless
8:35 Tree of Life
8:38 Days of Heaven
8:58 Taxi Driver

// STREAM THEORY PODCAST:

[ThomasFlight]

OK - So I know the #1 criticism I'm going to receive is for comparing action sequences from Marvel movies to dramatic moments from other films. Here's my justification:

1. As I say immediately after that section, it's not that Marvel films don't have those kinds of moments, it's that those moments aren't the dramatic core. For any of the "cinema clips" I could have chosen dozens of other similar moments from those films that illustrated similar emotional exploration. Any given Marvel film might have 1-3 of those scenes, and dozens and dozens of such action clips. It's not about whether or not the Marvel films have such moments, it's about what's at the heart of each.

2. I'm being a little hyperbolic intentionally to make my point. The video is about feeling the contrast between the two. I expect my audience to know it's not a 1:1 comparison, and understand what I'm trying to get at.

[carllaitenberger]

What pisses me off is people focusing on the quote and not on Scorsese's real concern : Disney slowly destroying independent theaters.

[stewartmullings]

Chris Evans actually complained about this himself. There were two non-Marvel films he did during his Capt America period and he liked them and thought they were very good but he said nobody went to see them. Capt America was colossal and though people love Chris, they didn't want to see him if he wasn't carrying the shield.

[aaronmudd]

Marvel fans are very sensitive to criticisms of Marvel, I’ve found.

[RogueAstro]

I find it funny how people are saying that this video has been proven right since audiences don't like phase 4 of Marvel, when Marvel has been like this the whole time. This video was always right, most people were just attracted to spectacle or references to their favorite comics to notice. Now that Marvel has run out of original ideas or big superheros to draw attention, these things are becoming more obvious and people feel like they're being cheated.

These movies have always been different than Cinema and everyone called them summer blockbusters. These movies made to be spectacular, appealing to all audiences, and profitable. Before Marvel it was the occasional Roland Emmerich movie or Transformers, but Marvel took the summer blockbuster concept into hyperdrive and burned everyone out on them. And Top Gun Maverick shows us that it's possible to make a summer blockbuster that is also quality cinema, unfortunately Marvel just isn't interested in trying that

[johnpeterson]

What hurts me the most is knowing how much hate is Scorsese getting by only giving his opinion, defending the type of film that he loves

[mcbass]

Even RDJ wasn't pissed at Scorsese, he appreciated his opinion

[bigpoppa]

I’m very lucky I’ve got a classic cinema near me that does replays of old films and try’s to run all the most known Arthouse films that came out that year. Let’s hope cinema never dies

[themanwithnothingtolose]

3 years later and his comment is Aging like "Fine Wine"

[boodyjacob]

Imagine saying that Martin Scorcese is seeking attention. I am a Marvel fan, but that's Martin Freakin Scorcese, saying he seeks attention makes you look very stupid.

[mygrandpasayshesd.b.cooper]

The difference between movies made by film makers and movies made by studios.

[ericfelds]

There are a number of Scorsese pictures, that I know will stay with me for the remainder of my time on earth, and if there’s an afterlife I’ll still be thinking about them.

After a Marvel movie, I forget what happened before I even leave the theater.

[donnellboykin]

I so agree with this video essay, I've been reminiscing movies like The Fugitive with Harrison Ford, Seven with Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, and Shawshank Redemption. Thinking about those movies I remember the genuine journeys and emotional revelations these characters go through. For Marvel in general it feels more like a Saturday morning cartoon from back in my day

[capricola]

When the theatre is filled with noisy crowd who shouts and claps every 10 minutes, it's indeed a theme park movie.

[fuelknightmare]

Martin Scorsese seeking attention? Dude's literally one of the greatest directors of all time

[mayiborrowadollar]

I actually agree. The emotional depth and moments you could build up in all of these comic book movies are wasted to being a few small scenes whereas the fight scenes last minutes upon minutes and honestly, it's sometimes hard to keep up with as a viewer. I like some Marvel films but I also like tv and films that take their time to build and reveal.

[macisr]

Of course he was right, and time proved him right. Just look at how everyone sees the marvel movies for what they are now, because the hype has already passed.

[nataliajagielska]

Scorsese : Being cordial and respectful, carefully voicing his opinion
Most of Internet: *throws him under the bus*

[ecfmuqd]

I love how he specifies exactly why he feels that way, they really do lack any sort of tension or risk. We all know that Spiderman is going to be brought back to life in the Endgame sequel.

[aaronlo]

Scorsese is getting more and more correct with each MCU movie. They used to be impactful and well crafted, now they are all the same: same personalities, same quippy humor, same plot, basically fun to watch in the moment until afterwards