Recently, some famous directors have criticized superhero movies for lacking substance and not being true cinematic works. This criticism has rubbed “Thor” Chris Hemsworth the wrong way, prompting him to retort that superhero movies have actually saved the cinemas. Directors of “The Avengers” believe that the decline of superhero films is a reflection of the changing times.
In recent years, renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Francis Coppola have voiced their criticisms of comic book-based superhero movies.
Scorsese has lambasted comic book adaptations, claiming that they are different from real cinema, almost akin to movies made by artificial intelligence (AI). He questioned the true value these films bring to audiences and their negative impact on film culture.
Tarantino, in his critique, argued that actors like Chris Hemsworth are not real movie stars as they are famous for portraying these characters, attributing it to a Hollywood trend where the characters themselves are the stars. He emphasized that superheroes, not the actors, are the true stars of these films.
Coppola, in a 2019 interview with The Guardian, likened superhero movies to today’s gangster, western, and space films. He concurred with Scorsese’s sentiment that Marvel films are not real cinema, adding that constantly rewatching the same film does not offer substantial value.
Addressing these critiques, Chris Hemsworth expressed his discomfort with the criticisms, feeling that they extend beyond just the films themselves but also denigrate the moviegoers who enjoy them. He questioned whether the millions who watch superhero movies are all wrong because of what a few directors say.
Martin Scorsese also highlighted how the film industry has changed due to the influence of comic book films, leading to a shift in attitude towards personal expression in movies compared to when he started his career seventy years ago. He noted that today’s studios are less inclined to invest in projects that convey personal feelings, categorizing such works as independent films.
Chris believes that the rapid evolution of media, driven by smartphones and social media, has deterred some from attending cinemas, not solely due to superhero films. He claims that superhero movies have actually helped in retaining audiences in theaters amidst these changes, earning them more appreciation.
Following Marvel’s box office disappointments, many have attributed the failures to “superhero fatigue.” However, the Russo brothers, directors of “The Avengers” series, believe it is a manifestation of changing times rather than a mere exhaustion of the superhero genre.
Anthony Russo emphasized that superhero fatigue existed long before they entered the industry, likening it to perennial complaints found in early superhero works, similar to how western movies were criticized yet continued for decades reinventing themselves and reaching new heights.
Joseph Russo added that Marvel is currently undergoing a transitional phase, facing uncertainty regarding what stories to pursue and what audiences desire. He pointed out the gap in how different generations consume media, with the older generation accustomed to scheduling movie outings, a habit that is gradually fading away.
This ongoing debate surrounding superhero movies and their impact on cinema underscores the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry, where the intersection of artistry, audience preferences, and technological advancements continues to shape the cinematic experience.