Summary
One Marvel star stood up for theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)after a successful filmmaker seemingly criticized it. Martin Scorsese previously said that Marvel movies were “not cinema” and even likened them to theme parks, but one actor who appeared in the franchise argued.
Scorsese published an op-ed forThe New York Timesin 2019 with the headline, “Martin Scorsese: I SaidMarvelMovies Aren’t Cinema. Let Me Explain.” In the article, he made a reference to his interview with Empire magazine when he was asked about Marvel movies. TheIrishmandirector said he tried to watch superhero flicks, but they didn’t qualify for what he believed was cinema. Instead, he felt that they closely resembled theme parks and lacked what he expected in a good film – a “cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.” However, one actor who appeared in theMCUdefended the franchise, especially from those who felt that it was approaching its demise.
Tim Blake Nelson responded to Scorsese’s criticism towards the MCU. He argued about how theGoodfellasdirector perceived Marvel projects. Nelson said, perVariety, “I couldn’t respect Martin Scorsese more, he’s his own genre, but I disagree with him when he derides Marvel. I come down on the side of Marvel movies absolutely being cinema.” Nelson added that Marvel films make the audience return to being kids again and they are “really good.” While Marvel movies aren’t comparable to Scorsese’s hitGoodfellas, the successful 1990 noir-crimeMiller’s Crossing,or the 1994 war dramaSchindler’s List, entertainment and artistry are involved in producing Marvel projects. He also doesn’t think Marvel is approaching its demise, even callingCaptain AmericaandLogan “the most grounded” MCU franchises.
Marvel is an unheard-of phenomenon in movie history. Kevin Feige and his studio created dozens of connected movies that exist in one cinematic universe, to use their term. There’s no comparable achievement. So no – I don’t think it’s over.
Nelson made his Marvel debut inThe Incredible Hulkin 2008, starring Edward Norton. Nelson portrayed Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader, a supervillain who first appeared inTales to Astonish #62. The Leader is the Hulk’s archenemy, created by Stan Lee. Nelson also appeared inThe Fantastic Fourrebootreleased in 2015, where he portrayed another supervillain — Harvey Rupert Elder, aka the Mole Man. After nearly two decades, Nelson had the opportunity to reprise his role as The Leader in the upcomingCaptain America: Brave New Worldstarring Anthony Mackie. He admitted that he, himself, wondered what happened to his character after the 2008 film. He shared, “I deeply, deeply grieved over the prospect of not being able to come back into the MCU. All I wanted to do, as an actor, was to figure out what happens to this guy. 18 years later I got to do it and I wasn’t disappointed.” He found his return to the MCU challenging but credited theCaptain Americadirector, Julius Onah, for guiding him. According to Nelson, the indie director wants to work with real actors and allows them to portray “outlandish characters” that Marvel supports.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, including Scorsese and Nelson. Scorsese felt that Marvel movies lack mystery and genuine emotional danger because nothing is at risk. He has a point, probably because these films spring from heroic fantasy with sci-fi elements. For instance,Thanos killing half of the universeis definitely unimaginable to many and is obviously a plot one can only find in the comics — where Marvel stories come from. However, there’s a genuine emotional connection between fans and the superheroes they adore from the MCU. For instance, many were heartbroken when Robert Downey Jr.’s character Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, died inAvengers: Endgame.Iron Man sacrificed his life to defeat Thanos. RDJ portrayed one of Marvel’s fan-favorite superheroes and starred in multiple movies in the MCU. He has become synonymous with Marvel, and his departure from the MCU was a shock and devastating revelation. However,RDJ is coming back in the MCU, but this time as supervillain Doctor Doom inAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars. Downey Jr.’s return raised some eyebrows because it was a striking contrast to his former role — the beloved Iron Man. However, many celebrated his comeback because it’s RDJ. Regardless of how Scorsese views Marvel movies, fans would definitely agree with Nelson that these superhero movies are entertaining; otherwise, they would not patronize them.
