I may not be Scorsese or Coppola but here’s my unsolicited opinion on their opinions on the MCU!

In an interview about a week ago, Martin Scorsese was cited saying he did not consider the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or the MCU, cinema. Uh oh. Of course, a lot of people were offended about this statement, especially because he admitted he’s never watched any of the movies. Other people came to his defense, making the point that it’s Martin Scorsese, so he’s earned the right to say what he wants. At least in regard to film. The man is a Hollywood legend who has given us classics for decades and although I don’t agree with his statement, I’m never going to try to downplay his genius. But still, I couldn’t disagree more. Cinema can’t be defined by one person. It’s subjective, because people watch movies for all different types of reasons. Cinema can/does serve so many purposes at once. It touches people and teaches them lessons in a way that reality sometimes can’t. It makes them laugh, cry, and it inspires. I understand that someone who makes high caliber films like Scorsese does might not see how “comic book movies” can have any importance, but it’s not fair to completely dismiss them. Especially when you considered the millions of people who they have positively impacted. However, Scorsese is not alone in his feelings.

Francis Ford Coppola, who is credited by many to be one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, agrees with Scorsese’s assessment on the successful superhero franchise. Clearly, I’m never going to say that Coppola doesn’t know film, but his thoughts on the MCU shows that he also probably hasn’t watched any of the movies, or even spoken to anyone who has. According to Yahoo! News, Coppola backed up Scorsese, saying “When Martin Scorsese says that the Marvel pictures are not cinema, he’s right because we expect to learn something from cinema, we expect to gain something, some enlightenment, some knowledge some inspiration…”. I hear his opinion, and I disagree. Respectfully of course.

The MCU possesses all of the characteristics that Coppola so confidently claims it doesn’t. And it should be noted that, unlike most films made by Scorsese and Coppola, the MCU’s movies can be impactful on people of all ages. So many are emotionally invested in these movies because they are more than fight scenes and super-powered, super good looking people. And, contrary to the naysayers, each movie is not the same plot reiterated over and over again. A lot of Marvel fans grew up watching these movies and saw themselves in these heroes. The stories relate to fans because when Stan Lee wrote them years ago, he was weaving real life lessons into fantastical stories. Lessons that translated over into these films. Steve Rogers was a hero before he picked up Captain America’s shield because he stood up to bullies despite his small stature. Iron Man sacrificed everything for the good of those around him, even though he had so much to lose. Spiderman’s just a kid who learns to acknowledge his weaknesses and even though he doubts himself, that doubt doesn’t stop him. Marvel has shown its heroes experiencing mental health issues that need to be seen on screen, issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Placing human aspects in these stories makes them so important. And that importance extends far beyond the silver screen. “The Godfather” is one of the best films I’ve ever seen, but Marlon Brando couldn’t go into the ICU of a children’s hospital, dressed as Don Corleone, and make a terminally ill child’s day. Sure, “The Wolf of Wall Street” has DiCaprio, but it didn’t have the cultural impact of “Black Panther”. 

 The complete dismissal of the MCU, calling it “despicable” and labeling it “not cinema” is setting a dangerous precedent. Every film doesn’t have to be “Apocalypse Now” to be important, and minimizing importance contradicts everything film is about. There are movies for everyone, but every movie isn’t going to appeal to everyone. I would never say that these critically acclaimed directors can’t speak their thoughts on cinema, but they speak so definitively and that’s what makes them wrong. They don’t have to understand why people like the movies, but they could just say that. Speak specifically on their own feelings. Making absolute statements about films that clearly mean so much to people isn’t necessary. I hate the Fast & Furious movies, but I would never say they aren’t cinema. For me they’re ridiculous car movies, that should have ended years ago. But, despite my feelings, I can understand how the theme of family that is constantly present speaks to people. And the effect are pretty impressive. It’s the same with Marvel and its movies. The heroes on the screen aren’t just shown beating up bad guys (let’s be honest though, the fight scenes are so awesome). They are relatable characters with fears and flaws. They lose sometimes, but they never give up, even when all the odds are against them. As corny as it may sound, theses movies truly inspire people. They’ve definitely inspired me. That’s why Marvel fans love the movies, and if Coppola and Scorsese spoke to any of them, maybe they would see that these films do have merit.