A trend that I’ve seen lately on social media has been people deliberately attempting to start intense arguments and debates about superhero films and whether or not they should be considered cinema. While this has been topic of discussion amongst cinephiles and fans of the comic book movie genre for quite some time, the heated and impassioned arguments seem to have increased, likely due to the renewed interest in the conversation sparked by comments made by well-known filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, James Cameron and more.
In 2019, Scorsese had taken the lead in the conversation against superhero films as cinema in an interview he did with Empire Magazine, in which he compared the genre to theme park rides that lack substance and are rather all thrill. Scorsese and other filmmakers have a right to their opinions, as does anyone with any type of opinion on any genre of film. After all, all film is subjective. However, by constantly making comments of this nature, not only are filmmakers like Scorsese degrading the work of so many of their peers in the film industry, but they are also insulting those who enjoy these types of films.
As a cinema lover, I tend to view all film as art, even if I see a film that I personally do not enjoy or one that doesn’t make me think about anything on a deeper level. With that being said, I think there is beauty in all cinema, especially superhero cinema because of the effect that the genre tends to have on audiences.
Some of the most amazing cinematic experiences I’ve ever had have taken place in superhero films. A movie theater moment that I’ll never forget is how loud crowds of people cheered during the moment when Captain America lifted Thor’s hammer and uttered the words “Avengers assemble” in “Avengers: Endgame,” or when all three Spider-Men appeared on screen together in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” I’ll never forget hearing the collective sobs of a crowd when Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine died in “Logan.”
"Avengers: Endgame" Audience Reaction; Video courtesy of Clip Channel and Marvel Studios
Moments like these will forever serve as reminders to me of how magical cinema can be. Few moments have come close to these examples of how movies can bring together a room full of strangers and have them all connect and emote over something they’re all witnessing as a collective.
Even though superhero cinema is not typically the type of film genre one would see being nominated for Academy Awards, it should not be excluded from any conversation about how cinema can be viewed as art because of how deeply it is able to impact audiences.
What have been the most memorable movie moments in your life?
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