We live in a chaotic era for cinema: artificial intelligence, restructuring of working conditions and, of course, the eternal debate about whether franchises like superhero movies hurt or help. Martin Scorsese is a prominent figure in this latest discussion, and on this occasion highlights the need for today’s filmmakers to fight the effect franchises have had on our culture.
In interview with GQ, Scorsese expressed concern about how comic book franchises and adaptations can make new generations believe that cinema is just that kind of content.. For this reason, he stressed that it is the responsibility of filmmakers to continue generating works that challenge that conception and that show the public everything that cinema can mean, far from what he calls “manufactured content.”
Keep reading: Martin Scorsese asks filmmakers to fight against franchises
“Danger is what [las películas franquicia] is doing to our culture. Because now there will be generations who will think that movies are just that,” reflected the octogenarian filmmaker. “They already think about it. Which means that we must respond with more force. And it must come from a base level. It must come from the filmmakers themselves. And then you’ll have, you know, the Safdie brothers, and you’ll have ace Chris Nolan, you know what I’m saying? and you will arrive [a la audiencia] from all sides. Attack them from all sides and don’t give up. Let’s see what you have. Go out and do it. Reinvent. Do not complain. Because it’s true, we have to save the cinema. I think that manufactured content is not cinemareally”.
Likewise, the director of classics like Taxi Driver either Wild bull questioned what this “manufactured content” brings to viewers, and the impact it leaves on audiences. Although, Scorsese clarified that his opinion leaves aside those who work on this type of productions.
“It’s almost like make movies with artificial intelligence. And so Doesn’t mean you don’t have amazing directors or special effects workers. creating a beautiful piece of art. But what do they mean? What will these movies leave you with? Apart from the consummation of [una trama] which you can then eliminate from your mind, your entire body, you understand? So, What is it giving you?”, he concluded.
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Do you agree with the filmmaker? The Moon Killers, Martin Scorsese’s new film, premieres in Mexican cinemas on October 19. You can see the trailer here.