We’re reaching the apex of absurdity when it comes to the debate over what constitutes real “cinema” nowadays. With more and more people chiming in, after Martin Scorsese ignited the shitstorm accusing Marvel films from being not real “cinema” and just glorified “theme park rides,” we’re starting to wonder if movies are even real. Maybe nothing is real? Is this the Matrix?
Well, it’s a brand-new day and with that, more Hollywood figures are discussing the comments and whether or not Marvel movies, or just superhero films in general, actually qualify as “cinema.” And now we have a new interview with the Russo Brothers, courtesy of THR, where the directors of “Avengers: Endgame” defend their film from the criticism of Scorsese and claim that the definition of “cinema” is really in the eye of the beholder.
READ MORE: Martin Scorsese Pauses Conflict With Marvel, Declares War On Algorithms
“Ultimately, we define cinema as a film that can bring people together to have a shared, emotional experience,” Joe Russo said.
The filmmaker went on to say that the box office records broken by the recent “Avengers: Endgame” isn’t a measure of financial success but of “emotional success,” as the film was able to strike an emotional chord with so many fans from all over the world, leading to the massive box office results.
“But, at the end of the day, what do we know?” Joe Russo joked. “We’re just two guys from Cleveland, Ohio, and ‘cinema’ is a New York word. In Cleveland, we call them movies.”
Anthony Russo added, “The other way to think about it, too, is nobody owns cinema. We don’t own cinema. You don’t own cinema. Scorsese doesn’t own cinema.”
Obviously, as with any of the comments made by people, such as Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Kevin Feige, Chadwick Boseman, and recently, Mark Ruffalo, the words shared by the Russos likely aren’t going to sway your opinion one way or another. And because of that, perhaps they’re right that no one actually “owns” cinema and it’s whatever you want it to be? At least if that’s true, we can end this debate now and move on to other pressing concerns, such as Scorsese’s thoughts on algorithms.