Countless Marvel fans, like 19th century
gentlemen whose honor had been offended,
took up the cause on social media as if challenged
to a duel. They were backed up by some of the
premiere makers of Marvel movies, too, including
“Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn,
“Avengers” director Joss Whedon and “Thor:
Ragnarok” helmer Taika Waititi. Waititi wryly took
the debate at face value, noting matter-of-factly,
“It’s at the movies. It’s in cinemas.”
And, of course, it’s not a real brouhaha until Ken
Loach gets involved. The 83-year-old British
social realist joined the fracas, telling Sky News
that Marvel movies are “a cynical exercise” and
“commodities like hamburgers.” Many have been
left praying that the heated argument will be
joined, from beyond the grave, by past legends
of cinema. What does Hitchcock make of
“Spider-Man: Homecoming”? Would John Ford
think “Endgame” too long?
Despite the recent media storm, the referendum
on Marvel has been going on for a decade.
As much as the comic-book company’s most
slavish followers would like to believe otherwise,
not everyone is a fan. The way Marvel movies
are made, assembly-line style, is indeed a new
evolution of the kind of studio control that has
always played a role in Hollywood productions.
It’s well known that directors are often
approached for a Marvel film with a promise that
the studio will take care of the action sequences,
you just fill in the other bits.
The overarching vision, mapped out by Marvel
chief creative officer Kevin Feige, has succeeded,
extravagantly. But even $20 billion in ticket sales
is no match, really, for “The Godfather” or “Taxi
Driver.” Though some would like to settle this