Dear Mr Scorsese,
As a film buff who grew up watching your movies, I understand that you may not like Marvel comic book movies because they certainly don’t adhere to your style. And while everyone has the right to their own opinion, calling them “not cinema” breaks my heart and, along with it, the hearts of millions of fans who crowd movie halls to catch a glimpse of their favourite superheroes in action.
“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.”Martin Scorsese, Filmmaker
'But That’s Not Cinema'
Tell that to the seven Academy Award nominations that Black Panther got last year, including one for best picture – an award which you too have received for your ‘cinema’. It won three, for score, production design, and costume.
Accolades aside, Marvel is playing a crucial role in keeping cinema alive in, especially for the Netflix generation.
It is these very superheroes that attract millions of fans like me to a movie theatre, to catch the first show of Avengers: Endgame because I want to watch it in theatres (for the feel of it). This at a time when most prefer to stream over an OTT platform, for it’s a lot more convenient.
‘Theme Parks’
Millennials will probably be the last generation to grow up reading comic books. So, when they see these same comic book heros come to life on the silver screen, it is a beautiful trip down memory lane.
There is no denying that MCU movies are like “theme parks” since they too transport us to a world of fantasy injected with a thousand emotions, for two hours at a time. And for the kids of today, it is a way to experience the same joy that we, millennials, did as kids.
To many, these superheroes act as role models. The movies also inspire many to rise above and overcome adversity. A quick visit to a Comic Con festival would show you just how this fantastical leap helps many physically challenged fans embrace their handicap using clever costumes – like a amputee donning a prosthetic Winter Soldier hand.
'It Isn’t the Cinema of Human Beings Trying to Convey Emotional, Psychological Experiences'
Tell that to the scores of fans who had tears in their eyes after Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, sacrificed his life at the end of Avengers: Endgame, as millions of fans tweeted out ‘I love you 3000’.
Tell that to the scores of fans who were shouting, clapping and whistling when all the Avengers came back from the dead to fight Thanos.
Subtracting the action and superpowers, one of the best part about live-action superhero movies is that the characters are played by very human actors conveying very human emotions.
Mr Scorsese, had you watched all the Marvel movies, you would have probably seen the “emotional and psychological experiences” that almost every character undergoes – consider Stark’s journey from a self-centered billionaire to a mature and selfless father, who ultimately sacrifices his life.
As a director who thrives on character development, you would have certainly appreciated it. And, if you are looking for something which is more your style, Captain America: The Winter Soldier would certainly be a good place to start.
Peter Parker aka Spider-Man’s last words to Stark at the end of Avengers: Infinity War, “Mr Stark, I don’t want to die” – every single fan felt that emotion.
Mr Scorsese, as a millennial who has watched both comic book movies and your movies, I would request you to watch all the MCU movies and one can assure you that you will not be disappointed.
They might not adhere to the conventional rules of classical cinema, or at least the way you have defined it over the years, but they certainly are “cinema” – movies that have the ability get us out of our seats, to stand up and applaud towards the end.
Please give Marvel movies a chance.
Sincerely, a Fan.
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