Martin Scorsese hasn’t watched Barbie or Oppenheimer yet, but he gives Barbenheimer the thumbs up
In the midst of a Hollywood landscape littered with formulaic franchise films, Martin Scorsese's battle cry is clear: cinema should be more than just a quick, sugary snack. It should be a feast for the senses, an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Scorsese commented on the success of "Barbenheimer" in the current year. He acknowledged the convergence of Barbie and Oppenheimer as something special, a "perfect storm" that captivated audiences.
This convergence generated a significant buzz online, with memes, marketing campaigns, and discussions proliferating across the internet.
READ MORE: Barbenheimer, Oppenbarbie memes take over the Internet as Barbie-Oppenheimer release draws close
Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, presents a vivid and satirical take on the beloved childhood doll, characterised by its vibrant aesthetics and unapologetic girlishness.
In stark contrast, Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, delves into the gritty and solemn subject of the development of the atomic bomb.
The differences in style and subject matter between these two films made their simultaneous release all the more intriguing and a global pop cultural phenomenon. Scorsese hasn't seen them yet, but he's intrigued by this cinematic odd couple.
While Scorsese acknowledges the unique pairing of these films, he also expresses his appreciation for the work of Christopher Nolan and Margot Robbie.
- He notes that various members of his cinematic "family" contributed to these projects - including Robbie herself who previously worked with him in The Wolf of Wall Street, as well as Barbie cinematographer Rodrigo Preito, who went on to shoot Scorsese’s upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon - highlighting the interconnectedness of the film industry.
But what really tickles Scorsese's fancy is the fact that these wildly divergent films could signal a new dawn for cinema. It's a glimmer of hope that "True Cinema" might rise from the ashes of formulaic storytelling.
While Scorsese has been critical of blockbuster films for their formulaic nature and profit-driven motives, his newfound admiration for Greta Gerwig's work in Barbie is a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of "True Cinema."
During a Screen Talk at the BFI London Film Festival hosted by director Edgar Wright, Scorsese vocalised his sentiments about "content" versus cinema. He described "content" as something ephemeral, comparable to a fleeting indulgence like candy.
To him, the focus on "content" is indicative of a cultural madness that prioritises consumption over substance. His words underscore his belief that cinema should be more than just a fleeting form of entertainment; it should be an experience that enriches one's life.
“I don’t know where cinema’s going to go.” —Martin Scorsese. 📽️
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) October 8, 2023
In a conversation with @edgarwright at @BFI London Film Festival’s Screen Talk, Martin Scorsese discusses the future of cinema and tells us about that one time he showed Boxcar Bertha to John Cassavetes. #LFF pic.twitter.com/dqn3f5ZUn2
He underscores the fundamental distinction between cinematic experiences and mere "content." In his view, "content" is disposable, akin to candy that one consumes and discards, lacking depth and lasting impact. Scorsese's perspective on cinema as opposed to content is not only a critique of the industry but also a passionate plea for preserving the essence of true filmmaking.
Scorsese's concern about the state of contemporary cinema is evident in his remarks about not wanting to be the "last line of defence" for auteur-led filmmaking against the tide of franchise films. He expresses reservations about the growing obsession with "content" at the expense of genuine cinematic artistry. This concern echoes throughout his discussions on the topic.
The renowned filmmaker and a staunch advocate for the art of cinema, has consistently encouraged young filmmakers to rethink and "reinvent" cinema with the aid of technology.
Scorsese acknowledges the role of technology in reshaping the landscape of filmmaking. He recognizes the freedom that modern technology offers to filmmakers and urges them to reconsider what they want to convey and how they want to convey it, aligning with his belief in the power of cinematic storytelling to transcend mere consumption and engage audiences on a profound level.
📽️ Martin Scorsese on the responsibility of cinema to tell stories like #KillersOfTheFlowerMoon, and finding the right balance between journalistic non-fiction and narrative cinematic filmmaking. @BFI #LFF pic.twitter.com/oqgmbqllmR
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) October 7, 2023
His concern about franchise films taking over theatres is palpable. He's not saying we should abolish popcorn flicks altogether; he's just worried they might push serious cinema into a dark corner. Scorsese hopes that amidst the onslaught of technology, there will still be room for "serious" films to shine on the big screen. It's not just about entertainment; it's about the grandeur of the cinematic experience.
ALSO READ: Martin Scorsese wants to fight back against superhero movies. The 2023 box office proves him right
So, in Scorsese's world, it's not about tearing down the popcorn flicks or dismissing "content" entirely. It's about recognizing that cinema has the power to be more than just a fleeting diversion. It can be a transformative experience, a medium for artistic expression, and a source of emotional resonance.
In the end, Scorsese's message is clear: let's not settle for empty calories when we can feast on the rich, nourishing banquet of "True Cinema." Whether it's a war epic or a pink, plastic satire, as long as it stirs something deep within us, it's a step in the right direction.
New Scorsese masterpiece just dropped pic.twitter.com/DyaKpZOdXB
— Cinema Solace (@SolaceCinema) October 5, 2023