Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar weighed in the conversation surrounding the quality of Marvel and superhero films as a whole.
Within the past few weeks, acclaimed filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola have sharply criticized the Marvel films and outlined why they believe superhero films are not true “cinema.” The comments have stirred up passionate conversations online and Pedro Almodovar discussed his own criticism of the Marvel films during an interview with Vulture.
During the interview at the Film at Lincoln Center’s 50th-anniversary gala, Pedro Almodovar noted that superhero films, including Marvel movies, are limiting for writers because they don’t explore desire or sexuality. Pedro Almodovar elaborated by noting that Marvel and other superhero films are focused on the adventure aspect while independent films allow for more exploration of human sexuality:
“There are many, many movies about superheroes. And sexuality doesn’t exist for superheroes. They are neutered. There is an unidentified gender, the adventure is what’s important. You can find, among independent movies, more of this sexuality. The human being has such sexuality! I get the feeling that in Europe, in Spain, that I have much more freedom than if I worked here.”
Pedro Almodovar added that he would not direct a Marvel film if asked by Kevin Feige. As Pedro Almodovar explained, he believes the Hollywood system is “too big” for him:
“You have to wait too long to see the results [with big movies]. I like being able to impose my opinion as a director. I’ve made 21 movies. I’m used to doing it the way I like, not fitting with the Hollywood system.”
What do you think of Pedro Almodovar’s comments? Does he have a point? Let us know your thoughts below!
Marvel Studios’ upcoming slate of films includes Black Widow, The Eternals, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Thor: Love and Thunder. In addition to the aforementioned feature films, Marvel Studios is developing several shows for Disney Plus including The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, WandaVision, Loki, What If…?, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk.
Stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for the latest news on Marvel Studios and to see if Pedro Almodovar follows up on his comments!
Source: Vulture
