Director Martin Scorsese Says Marvel Films Are 'Not Cinema'

In recent years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe seems to have pretty much taken over the entire cinematic universe.

But Martin Scorsese clearly isn't on board with the comic-based films conquering the world of cinema - in fact, he doesn't even consider them to be cinema at all.

PA

There's no denying that the films are hugely popular and successful, with Avengers: Endgame becoming the highest grossing film in history earlier this year, having topped more than $2.8 billion (£2.28 billion) at the global box office (which actually makes it the fifth highest when adjusted for inflation).

But when a director with the pedigree of Scorsese passes judgement on cinema, we all have to sit up and listen - even if he is dissing all your favourite lycra-clad goodies.

Speaking to Empire magazine, the Oscar winner said he tried to get into Marvel films, but just couldn't.

He said: "I tried, you know?" But that's not cinema."

Elaborating on his point, the 76-year-old said that even with all the money and the best actors in the world, the films fail to convey proper human experience.

Scorcese continued: "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."

Marvel

Seriously, who can't relate to the emotional and psychological human distress caused to you and your mates when the fearsome Thanos snaps his fingers and decimates half of all life in the universe?

However, not having Scorsese's support probably comes as no surprise to Marvel bosses. When asked about the films' lack of awards success in June 2018, Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige said the company is more concerned with bringing in viewers.

According to Comic Book, he said: "Maybe it's easy to dismiss VFX or flying people or spaceships or billion dollar grosses. I think it is easy to say that you have already been awarded in a certain way.

"[Alfred] Hitchcock never won best director, so it's very nice, but it doesn't mean everything. I would much rather be in a room full of engaged fans."

Meanwhile Robert De Niro - who stars in Scorsese's new film, The Irishman - has been making equally inflammatory comments, describing US president Donald Trump as 'crazy' and doing lots of swearing on live TV.

The Irishman will be released on Netflix on 27 November.

Topics: TV and Film, US Entertainment, Marvel

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey