Having My Say: Cinematic Marvel

So, a famous director recently said that the Marvel movies aren't "cinema".

And then other famous directors chimed in- some for... some against his opinion.

Now... a non-famous blogger (me- just in case you're wondering) is chiming in with his one non-famous opinion.

Why?

Why the fuck not?

To answer the question of whether the Marvel movies are "cinema", one has to define what it means to be "cinema". For me, it consists of movies that explore the human condition in a very intimate, personal way. Movies that write their own formula for telling their stories are part of "cinema" to me. A movie that makes you think long and hard about yourself, and your role in the wider world. A movie that makes you question the long held statutes and rules of Society, while pushing you to find those answers even after the credits have rolled, and the lights have come one. Movies that challenge you to face the uncomfortable truths about Life, Death, and all that's in between, and fundamentally change the way you view Reality. THOSE are what I consider cinema.

As much as I enjoy and love the Marvel movies, I wouldn't consider them part of the "art of cinema". They are masterful pieces of pop culture storytelling to be sure- but as the famous director that started this discussion pointed out- there's no real "revelation" or epiphany to these movies. They don't inspire self introspection, or an examination of who we are and what we're doing with our time on Earth.

There's no, "I see clearly now!" moment in them.

So, in my opinion, the Marvel movies- as wonderful as they are to watch, are not what I would consider part of the "art of cinema".

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