Over this past weekend, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese upset a portion of Marvel's fanbase when he proclaimed that films belonging to the MCU are "not cinema." Naturally, a statement such as this was all the fuel some cinephiles needed to take to their keyboards and denounce THE IRISHMAN creative, citing that he's somehow jealous of Marvel's success, and that his antiquated film style no longer appeals to mass audiences. As hilarious and baseless as those accusations are, it hasn't stopped Scorsese's words from reaching Marvel alums the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Downey Jr.
“I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema,” Scorsese told Empire while on the press tour for his new movie, THE IRISHMAN (via The Guardian). “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.”
While I might not agree with Mr. Scorsese's opinion, I respect his right to think what he wants about the MCU. If I'm being completely honest, and I might get flamed for this, but Scorsese's films aren't necessarily my cup of tea. The man is a titan of talent, of that there is no doubt, though I'd much rather dive headlong into a Marvel movie than yet another mob-related drama. To each their own and whatnot.
Recently, Robert Downey Jr. was asked about Scorsese's comments on Howard Stern. Unsurprisingly, Downey had a very level-headed response to the "controversy," when he said, "It's his opinion. I mean it plays in theaters. I appreciate his opinion because I think it's like anything. We need all of the different perspectives so we can come to the center and move on."
You can watch a portion of Downey's Howard Stern interview spot below:
Downey's time as Tony Stark may have come to an end with the gripping finale for AVENGERS: ENDGAME, though I have no doubt that he'll remain a supporter of the MCU for years to come. For the moment, there's even a rumor that Downey will reprise his Marvel role for director Cate Shortland's BLACK WIDOW starring Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff.
With Marvel films continuing long into the future, and Scorsese remaining a master of his craft, it sounds as if both parties are in good hands. The fact remains that both Marvel and Scorsese's films can exist outside of one another, and still manage to entertain millions thanks to their quality and desire to tell ambitious stories in their respective genres. Variety is what makes the world go 'round, after all.
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