Scorsese: Comic book films endanger society, cinema must be saved.

Academy Award-winning movie director Martin Scorsese is once again making his feelings about comic book and‍ franchise movies clear.

The 80-year-old Hollywood mainstay shared his views during a recent cover profile for GQ magazine. Scorsese came ​down hard‍ on the‍ genre and went as far as urging ⁢other industry professionals to join him ⁢in rebelling against them.

“The danger there is what it’s doing to our culture. Because there are going to‍ be generations now that think movies are only ⁤those —⁢ that’s what movies are,” the legendary director ⁣said.

“They already think that. Which means that we have to then fight back stronger. And it’s ‌got to ‌come from the ‍grassroots ‌level.”

Scorsese‍ continued, saying, “It’s gotta come ⁣from⁣ the filmmakers themselves. And you’ll have, you know, the Safdie brothers, and you’ll have Chris Nolan, you​ know‌ what I mean? And hit ’em from all sides. ⁢Hit ’em from all ‌sides, and don’t ​give up. Let’s see what you got. Go ‍out there ⁤and do it. Go reinvent. Don’t complain about it. But it’s ‌true, because we’ve got to save cinema.”

He added,⁣ “I do ⁢think that the manufactured​ content isn’t really cinema,” ​before backtracking⁣ a little.​ “No, I don’t want to say⁤ it,” Scorsese went on. “But what I mean is that,⁤ it’s manufactured content. It’s almost like AI⁤ making a film.”

“And that doesn’t mean that you don’t have incredible ⁤directors and special effects people doing beautiful artwork,” ⁤he said.‌ “But what does ⁤it mean? What do these‌ films, ⁤what will it give ‍you? Aside from a kind of consummation of something and then eliminating it from your mind, your whole body, you know? So what⁤ is it giving you?”

The “Goodfellas” ⁣director said he’s not opposed to technology as ‌a whole, citing IMAX and 3D⁣ as innovative ways to enhance filmmaking. But he still has​ no love for the comic book genre.

“I’m looking forward to new ways,” he said.⁤ “You gotta say something with ⁣a movie. Otherwise, what’s the point of ⁤making it? You’ve ⁢got to be saying something.”

Scorsese got into hot water with Marvel fans in⁣ 2019 when he compared superhero⁤ films to “theme parks” during an interview with Empire⁤ magazine.

“I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema,” the director said at the time. “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.”

Why does Scorsese believe ⁤that comic book movies ⁢are damaging the artistic landscape?

Ides.”

Scorsese has ‌been vocal about his disapproval of comic book and franchise movies in the past, notably referring to them as “theme parks” rather than ​cinematic experiences. His comments sparked intense debate in the industry, with many defending the artistic merit and popularity of these films.

However, Scorsese remains firm in his⁤ belief that these movies are damaging the artistic landscape and limiting the potential of cinema. In his GQ interview, he expressed concern ⁤about the impact on future ⁣generations and the perception that movies are solely about superhero⁢ stories or big-budget spectacles.

Scorsese’s call ‍for industry​ professionals to resist the dominance of comic book movies echoes his previous statements. He believes that filmmakers themselves must⁢ take a stand and‌ deliver a different kind ⁤of cinematic experience that goes beyond the formulaic structure and predictable narratives seen in many franchise films.

While Scorsese acknowledges the talent and⁤ success of directors like the⁢ Safdie brothers and Christopher ⁢Nolan, who offer unique storytelling and visual ‌styles, he emphasizes the need for a collective effort from within ⁣the industry to ‍challenge⁤ the status quo and diversify the range of ⁣stories being told.

The debate ignited by Scorsese’s comments reflects the ongoing tension between traditional filmmaking and the rise ‌of‍ blockbuster franchises. While comic‌ book movies have undeniably become a dominant force in the industry,​ with sprawling cinematic universes‌ and massive box office returns,⁢ there are valid​ concerns about ⁢the creative stagnation ⁣and homogenization that may result.

Art is subjective, and personal preferences will always⁣ vary. However, Scorsese’s perspective as an ⁢acclaimed director ​with a long-standing career‍ in the film industry cannot be dismissed lightly. His call for filmmakers​ to push boundaries and explore new possibilities is a reminder that cinema has the ⁤power⁢ to be both‌ entertaining and thought-provoking.

The question remains whether the industry will heed Scorsese’s call and gravitate towards⁢ a more ​diverse range of stories and cinematic experiences.​ While superhero movies continue to dominate the ⁤box office, there is room for filmmakers to challenge the status quo and deliver unique visions that captivate audiences‍ and push the boundaries of storytelling.

Regardless of where one stands on the debate, it is undeniable ‌that the influence of Martin Scorsese ⁣and his contributions to cinema ⁢cannot ‍be underestimated. As an Academy Award-winning director with a distinctive style and ⁤a repertoire of critically acclaimed films, ⁢his opinion carries weight and should be considered as part ⁣of the ongoing conversation surrounding the ‌future‍ of filmmaking.

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