It goes without saying that legendary director Martin Scorsese knows what he’s talking about when it comes to movies. Still, that hasn’t stopped the internet from coming after him following some controversial comments about Marvel films and cinema.
In an interview with Empire (via Screen Rant), Scorsese was asked for his opinion about the behemoth that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his comments get fanboys raging because he considers Marvel films to be more akin to “theme parks” than “cinema.”
Best get those pearl necklaces and comments about a 76-year-old man who’s made several cinematic masterpieces knows nothing about cinema:
“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.“
Unsurprisingly, Marvel nerds everywhere did in fact have some issue with Martin Scorsese’s comments. Some were reasonable responses of the “I disagree but he’s a frigging genius so I respect his opinion” while others were, well, let’s just say a little less respectful.
But perhaps the best response to Scorsese’s came from Marvel veteran, James Gunn.
The Guardians of the Galaxy director considers Scorsese to be one of his all-time favourite filmmakers and hearing a hero of his trample over his work with Marvel is akin to removing one’s soul from their body.
But like how Taika Waititi responded beautifully to Todd Phillips’ tone-deaf comments about comedy, Gunn’s response on Twitter to Scorsese’s critique was beautifully measured and poised:
And that, folks, is how you handle getting crushed by your personal hero: with respect and grace rather than salty quips.
So here’s what we’ve learned from this little Martin Scorsese/Marvel/James Gunn saga:
- Scorsese doesn’t like Marvel films
- Scorsese is perfectly entitled to his own opinion and it doesn’t detract from his own legendary body of work
- James Gunn got mauled by a personal hero but handled it like a champ.
Marty almost certainly put himself out of contention to direct a Marvel film ever, but we suspect he’s going to be fine based on the career-best buzz he’s been getting for his newest film, The Irishman, and all this nerd-rage will likely provide him inspiration for his next masterpiece.