As Kevin Burwick of MovieWeb shows, Bob Iger, you know, the guy that pretty much runs Disney, is taking a pretty healthy approach to the comments given by Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese concerning how the MCU is ‘not cinema’. In fact there’s almost enough talk about this matter at the moment that it almost seems as though the entire thing is a way to hype up Marvel and the Mouse House in the process, but the comments that the two aging directors have given seem a bit harsh to be anything but a reminder of their disdain for anything that’s not stuffy and rather pompous when it comes to ‘high art’. Of course if one was really in the mood to be vindictive the films created by both Scorsese and Coppola could be broken down to bare bones and relegated to little more than simple stories that don’t have nearly as much context or content. But hey, if Iger’s going to be civil then the rest of us can too. Keep in mind we CAN, that doesn’t mean we’re bound to be at all times.
There’s just so much that can be said about this matter, and Owen Gleiberman of Variety says plenty, that could possibly be used to shred both Coppola and Scorsese that it boggles the mind to think that either man thinks that their reputations couldn’t be touched in the slightest. Thankfully there’s really no need to go after them since trying to tarnish their directorial legacies isn’t really possible and not necessary since they’ve created movies that people will and should remember for a long time to come. But at the current moment they’re not exactly shining brightly considering that they’ve done a bit of damage to their own reputations by stating that anything would be somehow beneath their notice or that of the viewing audience. Stating the the MCU is ‘despicable’ and ‘not cinema’ are remarks that might seem like fighting words to many people, but to those that can keep a cool head they’re the words of old men that, admittedly, have been around and seen quite a few things, but seem resistant to change in a way that is kind of telling. Plus, the Marvel universe hasn’t really been trying to steal anyone’s thunder in an active way as it’s continued to move forward of its own accord and build another universe all to its own where it can thrive. The funny thing would be if this little display of churlish, elderly spite was what really kicked the MCU into gear in order to really start the takeover of the theater.
Likely as not it still wouldn’t work since Scorsese and Coppola aren’t bound to go anywhere unless they’re ready to retire or have taken their last breath. But if they really want to keep poking the bear and double down on their comments then there’s no telling if Iger will continue to play nice. A lot of us could claim that we wouldn’t since Iger is more concerned about the reputations and jobs of the many people that work for the company and manage to bring the material that so many fans have come to enjoy. He could care less for Coppola and Scorsese’s opinions it sounds like, but trying to malign his people seems like it might get personal to a degree that he won’t stand for if the two directors persist. It’d be kind of funny to hear Coppola and Scorsese even try to call out anyone at Disney in regards to the Marvel universe since their words already sound hollow and quite brittle, as though a single counterargument voiced in the right manner could shatter them and scatter the pieces to the winds. That’d be kind of fun to see really, but hey, I’m a bit vindictive when it comes to denying the validity of a story. Andrew Pulver of The Guardian has a little more to say as well that’s kind of interesting.
I’ll be one of those that admits that Disney has really managed to screw up on a few aspects of the Marvel universe and has in a way kind of shaved off the rough edges of heroes and villains that might still do better if they’d been left as they were on the page. The idea to make them all family-friendly is understandable, but neutering a dog is also reasonable at the time, but it’s usually lamented afterward. However, even diminished, the Marvel universe as given by Disney has been entertaining enough to amass millions and billions as it’s continued on the big screen. With Disney+ coming soon one can only imagine just how much is going to change and how much more material we might get to enjoy and possibly criticize. So really, it’s almost as though we’re already ignoring Coppola and Scorsese since there’s just too much to focus on to really give even half an ear to their less than acceptable comments.
You talkin’ to me? Nope, not in the least, and yes, a scuffle of words is an offer we can refuse.
Follow Us
