Martin Scorsese Explains Why He Believes Marvel Movies Are 'Not Cinema'

Martin Scorsese is explaining his controversial take on Marvel movies.

The 76-year-old Goodfellas director, who was met with mixed reactions and criticism after saying the superhero movies were “not cinema,” wrote an op-ed for The New York Times on Monday (November 4).

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“Many of the elements that define cinema as I know it are there in Marvel pictures. What’s not there is revelation, mystery or genuine emotional danger. Nothing is at risk. The pictures are made to satisfy a specific set of demands, and they are designed as variations on a finite number of themes,” he said.

“They are sequels in name but they are remakes in spirit, and everything in them is officially sanctioned because it can’t really be any other way. That’s the nature of modern film franchises: market-researched, audience-tested, vetted, modified, revetted and remodified until they’re ready for consumption.”

He went on to explain why he sees a problem with franchise films.

“So, you might ask, what’s my problem? Why not just let superhero films and other franchise films be? The reason is simple. In many places around this country and around the world, franchise films are now your primary choice if you want to see something on the big screen. It’s a perilous time in film exhibition, and there are fewer independent theaters than ever. The equation has flipped and streaming has become the primary delivery system. Still, I don’t know a single filmmaker who doesn’t want to design films for the big screen, to be projected before audiences in theaters.”

For Martin Scorsese‘s full thoughts, head to NYtimes.com.

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