It’s only fitting that we finish 2019 with yet another article about the big debate over whether or not superhero films are “cinema.” Of course, this discussion is now seen through the prism of what Martin Scorsese’s definition of “cinema,” which seems to include most films other than superheroes and ‘Fast & Furious‘-style films. Well, with mere hours left in the year (and decade), leave it to Olivier Assayas to provide perhaps the most well-rounded and honest critique of superhero films and why he doesn’t necessarily agree with the “Goodfellas” director.
Speaking to the French publication Le Monde, Assayas goes in-depth about his feelings towards modern superhero films (honestly, you should read the entire interview, if possible). And while he agrees with much of Scorsese’s critiques, he does so from a point-of-view that isn’t either 100% anti-Marvel or 100% pro-Marvel. Basically, unlike much of our modern society, Assayas provides a ton of nuance.
READ MORE: Martin Scorsese Says Disposable “Product” Has Replaced “Art” At The Cinema
“Martin Scorsese is one of the greatest filmmakers alive, so it’s only natural for me to pay attention to what he says. His point of view advances our thinking on American cinema, which he knows better than anyone,” said Assayas. “Martin Scorsese specifies that the superhero films do not match with the cinema that he dreamed of in his youth and that his generation wanted to practice. I would not put it that way, if only because I am not of the same generation. For me, the question is asked differently, but in no less explicit terms: if cinema was limited to superhero films, would I want to make films? The answer is simple: no.”
When asked if he’d ever see himself making a superhero film, Assayas gives multiple reasons why he “seriously doubts” that anyone would offer him that type of film. First and foremost, he doesn’t think that superhero films are his “calling.” And perhaps most importantly, he feels that working on studio blockbusters eliminates something that he thinks is vital to cinema — creative freedom.
READ MORE: Disney CEO Bob Iger Wants To Meet With Martin Scorsese About Those Marvel Comments
“Hollywood is a pretty extraordinary tool because it allows you to reach the whole world; but cinema, as I understand and experience it, is an art based on total freedom, and probably also on a form of irresponsibility, risk-taking, if you will,” he said. “Studios don’t see it that way. Basically it’s simple: the higher the budget, the more reduced the artistic freedom is. The space for creativity in the world of blockbusters is all the more limited as it is subject to censorship by two puritanisms, on one hand from American society, of course, but on the other hand from China, which is today the second world market, and requires, to gain access to it, to submit to a censorship which is not so much political as it is determined by the rules of Confucian morality. The son respects the father, we respect the authority of the state, the criminal is punished, etc.”
One of the big criticisms that Martin Scorsese experienced after his comments about Marvel films seems to be that the filmmaker has never watched them, therefore he doesn’t understand that they’re more emotional and mature than he’s giving them credit for. Well, in the case of Assayas, not only has he seen the films, but he’s also a comic book fan. However, he doesn’t think the Marvel films are as great as the cultural impact would suggest.
READ MORE: Filmmaker Olivier Assayas Is Re-Editing ‘Wasp Network’ After Unfavorable Venice Reviews
“I had no prejudice about Marvel universe adaptations. On the contrary, I’d rather be quite interested in them, as I read a lot of comic books of superheroes, even well after my teen years,” he explained. “With a soft spot for the version of the X-Men scripted by Chris Claremont in the 1980s. He created a rich and complex universe and narrative forms which seemed to be much more daring than what Hollywood cinema wanted to explore back then. The film adaptations of the X-Men, which are not the worst, do not demonstrate comparable originality. But like other recent Marvel movies, I find them terribly sanitized. The whole ‘Avengers‘ cycle, in particular, seemed particularly fishy to me. The narration is simplified to the extreme and the transgressive eroticism that some screenwriters injected into these comics, and which was a big part of their interest, has completely disappeared.”
Considering he’s being asked about comic book adaptations in 2019, the question of “Joker” is destined to come up. And while Assayas has seen the film and agrees that it meets the criteria of Scorsese’s “cinema,” he doesn’t necessarily think it’s a great movie.
“What I think of Joker is of no interest – to be honest, I don’t think much good of it – but if the question is whether it is cinema or not, the answer is unequivocally yes,” Assayas explained. “It is an original project that bears the touch of an authentic filmmaker. I insist on the fact that if we want to understand what Scorsese is talking about, we must not forget that he does not evoke superhero cinema in general but what the Marvel universe turned into today’s universe. These are two different questions.”
Another film that he feels is actually cinema, but barely, is Warner Bros‘ “Wonder Woman.” Sure, Assayas calls the film “silly,” but he says that Gal Gadot brings “life and credibility” to even the most ridiculous situations. And because of that, he feels drawn to that franchise.
“I could see myself shoot with her an ultra-cheap ‘Wonder Woman’ without special effects, but I doubt that I would convince anyone with such a calamitous pitch,” he said.
As we venture into a new decade just days from now, it’s hard to imagine a world that wouldn’t benefit from Assayas’ lo-fi version of “Wonder Woman.” So, WB, can we please get this?