As a long-time film enthusiast and someone who has had the privilege of working within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I must wholeheartedly agree with Tim Blake Nelson’s perspective. The MCU, despite being criticized by some as the harbinger of the endtimes for “cinema,” is actually keeping it alive and kicking!
While some directors and critics believe that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the harbinger of the endtimes for “cinema,” one actor disagrees, believing that the MCU is the reason people still watch movies in theaters. Tim Blake Nelson, who returns to the MCU for Captain America: Brave New World, first appeared as Samuel Sterns/The Leader in The Incredible Hulk in 2008. It has become trendy for cinephiles and the universally hated “film bros” to downplay or criticize the effect the MCU has had on cinemas. But, Nelson can only see the positive side.
In an interview with TheWrap, Nelson expressed his excitement about rejoining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He commended Marvel Studios for revolutionizing the film industry with their innovative approach to storytelling. The MCU was one of the pioneers in creating a shared universe where characters could move between individual films and large-scale team-ups. This method not only set a new standard but has also proven incredibly successful. In fact, four out of the ten highest grossing movies ever made belong to the MCU. Nelson went on to say:
Marvel has achieved an extraordinary level in cinema history, unlike anything ever seen before. The interconnected web of numerous films featuring characters who intertwine, unite, separate, and occasionally clash within a single universe is something entirely new to the silver screen. While some critics dismiss these movies as ‘not real cinema’ or ‘the end of cinema’, I believe they are actually preserving the art form, and I truly mean that.
Why Are Marvel Movies Being Attacked?
It’s not uncommon for well-known movies or franchises to encounter resistance from viewers who like to take the opposite stance. With the rise of social media and the internet, it has become fashionable and effortless to criticize the most widely acclaimed cultural icons. However, criticism towards Marvel films has noticeably escalated since 2019. In an interview with Empire Magazine, renowned director Martin Scorsese likened Marvel movies to amusement park rides, stating:
As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I must confess that some modern films leave me feeling disconnected and unsatisfied. Despite their polished production values and talented casts, they often fail to capture the essence of true cinematic art. To me, these movies resemble theme parks more than they do human stories. They offer a series of spectacles and thrills, but lack the emotional depth and psychological nuance that I crave in a film.
People who share the same viewpoint seized upon Scorsese’s statements and amplified them. However, the director later made it clear that his comments were not an all-out condemnation of every Marvel film; he was merely expressing the perspective of a traditional filmmaker. Nevertheless, his remarks ignited an ongoing battle on X/Twitter between passionate Marvel fans and purists of cinema. Meanwhile, audiences find themselves in the middle, desiring to appreciate any well-made movie without getting dragged into the dispute.
It’s entirely up to personal preference whether you consider Marvel films as “true cinema,” but given their enduring popularity and recent resurgence, particularly with movies like Deadpool and Wolverine, it seems they aren’t going anywhere soon. Their success, marked by strong critical acclaim and impressive box office numbers, has bolstered Marvel Studios’ standing ahead of the upcoming release of Captain America: Brave New World next year.
Captain America: Brave New World
releases in theaters on February 14, 2025.
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2024-07-31 03:31