Key Takeaways:
– George Lucas defies Martin Scorsese’s stance, claiming that Marvel movies are cinema.
– The debate over the cinematic value of Marvel films began in 2019 with comments by Scorsese.
– Scorsese compared these movies to theme parks, hinting they lack deep emotional resonance.
– Lucas disagrees, categorizing any moving images as cinema.
– Public response to Lucas’ comments remains mixed, reflecting the ongoing debate.
Since the explosive comments by Martin Scorsese in 2019, discussions on whether Marvel movies count as cinema have persisted. Divergent viewpoints from various filmmakers, celebrities, and public figures have shaped this debate. The latest contributor to this discourse is Star Wars creator, George Lucas.
George Lucas Defends Marvel Films
In an unexpected reveal during an interview at Cannes, Lucas deviated from Scorsese’s perspective, firmly stating that by his understanding, Marvel films do indeed qualify as cinema. This statement comes as a subtle rebuttal against Scorsese’s initial critique and supporting arguments.
Recall that in 2019, Scorsese, celebrated for his many award-winning films, famously disagreed with the suggestion that Marvel and similar superhero films qualify as cinema. His controversial opinion had incited a storm in the movie industry, causing ripples still seen today.
Revisiting Scorsese’s Bold Remarks
Demarcating his stance, Scorsese claimed the theatrical experience presented by Marvel movies was distant from what he considered cinema, likening these films to theme parks more than emotional explorations. In a follow-up piece for The New York Times, he clarified that his comments did not insinuate disrespect for those involved in these popular productions. Rather, he chalked it up to differences in personal taste and the times he grew up in.
Lucas’ Perspective Fuels Further Discussion
In contrast, Lucas aligns with the simplest interpretation of cinema – the art of creating motion pictures. He told Brut at Cannes Film Festival 2024, “Cinema is the art of a moving image. So if the image moves, then it’s cinema.” This perspective added a fresh layer to this recurrent discourse, rousing mixed responses from fans and critics.
Public Opinion Divided, Debate Continues
As the industry grapples with this ongoing debate, Lucas’ comments have stirred diverse reactions. While some applaud his broad definition of cinema, others argue that the value of superhero movies should be enough to move past the debate.
Whether people agree with Scorsese or Lucas, it’s clear that superhero movies are here to stay. Despite differing opinions on their cinematic worth, these films continue apace, with a firm foothold in the industry.
As this debate evolves, it not only reflects the state of contemporary cinema, but also shapes how we might come to define and understand the concept of cinema in future. As long as there are moving images on a screen, cinema will persist, irrespective of thematic content or genre. Thus, while we dissect and analyze the differences between traditional cinema and newer formats, we ought to remember what Bobby Kennedy once said, ‘Just because we cannot see clearly the end of the road, that is no reason for not setting out on the essential journey.’
