Key Takeaways:
– Prominent filmmaker Martin Scorsese has faced backlash for his criticism of the superhero genre.
– Scorsese commendably observes one scene from Man of Steel as a cinematic experience.
– X-Men ’97 creator Beau DeMayo uses a scene from Man of Steel to defend the artistic value of superhero films.
– Scorsese encourages young filmmakers to preserve the art of cinema despite current trends.
Acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker, Martin Scorsese’s stance on superhero movies has stirred up the cinematic community. While his comparison of Marvel movies to “theme park rides” garnered criticism, it appears a scene from Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel might be altering this perspective.
Scorsese and Superhero Films: The Ongoing Debate
Martin Scorsese has previously been vocal about his lack of appreciation for the superhero genre, much to the ire of fans and industry peers alike. James Gunn, director of the Marvel franchise, including Guardians of the Galaxy, was among the many who expressed disappointment in Scorsese’s comments.
While Scorsese’s criticisms seemed to target the commercialization of Hollywood, his mention of ‘Cinema’ evolved into a trendy social media meme among cinephiles. George Lucas, Star Wars creator and friend to Scorsese, suggests that the director may have softened his stance, according to an interview by Brut 9.
Man of Steel: An Exception to the Rule
Despite his criticism of the superhero genre, even Scorsese acknowledges the cinematic potential of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, featuring Henry Cavill as Superman. The film remains inherently superhero, yet it integrates elements that elevate the viewer experience beyond conventional genre models.
Henry Cavill’s embodiment of Clark Kent, Superman’s alter-ego, takes flight in a memorable scene from the film celebrated by Beau DeMayo, the creator of X-Men ’97. DeMayo took to X (previously known as Twitter) to share his thoughts on the scene, which he believes encapsulates the essence of cinema.
The scene in question features Cavill’s character’s first flight as Superman, a powerful narrative moment underscored by Hans Zimmer’s evocative score. Many regard this scene as an exhilarating cinematic experience.
Scorsese’s Warning: Fears for the Future of Cinema
Despite the potential it revealed, Man of Steel’s pinnacled scene illustrates what Scorsese has been cautioning against. Zack Snyder’s opening film for the DCEU set a precedent for future films in the franchise, playing into the commercial assimilation Scorsese warned about.
The director expressed concerns about the domination of the superhero genre in today’s film landscape. In a GQ interview, he urged young filmmakers to challenge the norm and preserve the essence of cinema. Christopher Nolan and the Safdie Brothers were among the directors he named as defenders of cinema’s integrity.
Scorsese’s resistance, it seems, leans more towards manufactured, predictable content than the genre of films in general. Films like Man of Steel suggest that even within the realm of blockbusters, a unique and artistic orientation sets cinema apart.
Scorsese’s Reflections: A Clarion Call for Cinema
This ongoing debate reflects Scorsese’s advocacy for cinema as an art form that transcends mere entertainment. His call to action for young filmmakers signifies the need to push back against the prevailing trends, irrespective of genre. Even as superhero films dominate the cinematic landscape, Scorsese’s call to preserve the essence and diversity of cinema echoes loud and clear.
As stories like Man of Steel illustrate, the superhero genre has the potential to deliver artistic value. Whether other filmmakers can build on this success to offer diverse and quality cinematic experiences remains to be seen. In the meantime, viewers can enjoy Man of Steel on Max.
