ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Francis Ford Coppola Says Marvel Films Are 'Despicable'

Francis Ford Coppola Says Marvel Films Are 'Despicable'

He agrees with Martin Scorsese's opinions on the franchise

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

Francis Ford Coppola has said that Marvel films are 'despicable', doubling down on fellow amazing filmmaker Martin Scorsese's recent criticism of the franchise.

Coppola, who directed some of the most groundbreaking movies of all time, including Apocalypse Now and the Godfather films, made his comments after being awarded the coveted Prix Lumiere in Lyon for his contribution to cinema.

He won the coveted award for making actual cinema.
PA

Speaking to Al Arabiya, he said: "When Martin Scorsese says that the Marvel pictures are not cinema, he's right because we expect to learn something from cinema, we expect to gain something, some enlightenment, some knowledge, some inspiration.

"I don't know that anyone gets anything out of seeing the same movie over and over again. Martin was kind when he said it's not cinema. He didn't say it's despicable, which I just say it is."

Pretty harsh words, that you may or may not agree with - but there's no disputing the facts that the films are hugely popular and financially 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.

I reckon this is the face Martin Scorsese does when you ask him to watch a Marvel film.
PA

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."

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.

Viewers = dollars, after all.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: TV and Film