Martin Scorsese wants to fight back against superhero movies. The 2023 box office proves him right

Martin Scorsese, the legendary filmmaker with a career spanning over five decades, has been a vocal advocate for preserving the essence of cinema in the face of what he perceives as a dominance of franchise and comic book entertainment in the modern film industry.

In a world dominated by capes, spandex, and franchise blockbusters, Scorsese stands as a lighthouse, beckoning filmmakers to find their way back to the shores of true storytelling.

What

In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Scorsese emphasised that the film industry he was a part of almost 50 years ago has transformed dramatically. 

• He lamented the current lack of interest from major studios in supporting individual voices that express personal thoughts and ideas within the realm of big-budget productions. 

This shift has relegated such creative endeavours to the independent film category, often referred to as "indies".

2023 is a win for origin storytelling

The veterean filmmaker's words have so far rung sonorous when it comes to the cinematic landscape of 2023, with major franchise blockbusters from Marvel, DC and more tanking at the box office and dissapointing fans for their shoddy, repetitive narratives.

• Meanwhile, if there's anything that this year has proved, it's that people crave originality and nuance to the cinema they consume.
• Standalone heavy-hitters such as Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer as well as Greta Gerwig's Barbie stand testament to this fact.

Culture in jeopardy

Scorsese's concerns extend beyond the cinematic landscape; he worries about the long-term impact on our culture. 

• He believes that the omnipresence of blockbuster films, particularly those centred around superheroes and comic book characters, may lead future generations to perceive movies primarily as high-budget spectacles. 

This, he argues, could overshadow the diverse and thought-provoking storytelling that has characterised the art of cinema for decades.

When questioned about whether audiences already held this perception, Scorsese agreed. He recognised that there is a segment of the audience that has come to expect these types of films as the norm, only strengthening his resolve to advocate for change.

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The Marvel fiasco

Back in 2019, Scorsese stirred controversy when he describedd Marvel and comic book films as a "theme park experience" rather than true cinema. 

Four years later, he remains steadfast in his stance. He believes that while many elements of cinema can be found in Marvel movies, they often lack the critical components he associates with true cinematic art: revelation, mystery, and genuine emotional depth. 

• According to Scorsese, these films tend to be designed to meet specific market demands, resulting in a formulaic and risk-averse approach that stifles creativity.

What Scorsese wants

His call to action is clear. 

Scorsese urges filmmakers to fight back and reclaim the essence of cinema. He believes that this battle must originate from the grassroots level, with filmmakers themselves leading the charge. 

• Scorsese commends fellow directors like the Safdie Brothers and Christopher Nolan for their unwavering commitment to their unique filmmaking styles despite the pressures exerted by studios.

The future for Scorsese

While Scorsese acknowledges the potential for technological experimentation in movie making, he remains focused on his own unique style. 

In Killers of the Flower Moon, his upcoming film, Scorsese explores an epic Western crime saga. The story is told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and Mollie Kyle, portrayed by Lily Gladstone. 

READ MORE: Why Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon is an Oscar Best Picture frontrunner

Scorsese's passionate call to action resonates through his critiques of the current state of the film industry. As he continues to make films and inspire the next generation of filmmakers, Scorsese remains a stalwart defender of true cinema.

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