Director Neill Blomkamp, best known for his science fiction films like 2009's District 9, 2013's Elysium, and 2015's Chappie, recently shared his thoughts on fellow filmmaker Denis Villeneuve's criticism towards Marvel films.
While doing press for his upcoming blockbuster Dune, which received rave reviews after its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, Villeneuve recently expressed his frustration with the MCU, adding that Marvel movies are nothing more than a "cut and paste of other films." After his comments, many people, including Blomkamp, took to social media to criticize Villeneuve's words.
Villeneuve isn't the first person to make these sorts of comments. The MCU has been dominating the film industry for the last 10-12 years, producing blockbuster hit after hit. As the ongoing franchise continues to shape various trends in the industry (cinematic universes), many other filmmakers have felt the need to share their insight on the phenomenon. Most notably, Martin Scorcese said Marvel movies aren't true cinema while promoting the Oscar-nominated The Irishman. Ever since, numerous directors have been asked about their thoughts on the MCU, sparking even more debates and public criticism.
What is interesting about Blomkamp's comments, though, is that the people supporting the MCU have usually worked on the films in that universe. However, Blomkamp may just be looking out for the artists/filmmakers behind the Marvel films who do have a creative vision rather than belittling them. Based on the replies to Blomkamp's Tweet, some people believe he was only being sarcastic and others are still defending Villeneuve's opinions, believing he is right when thinking of Marvel films as products of their studio. Whatever side one may be on, there's no denying that the MCU's formula, which many of their films follow, continues to dominate in Hollywood, as the superhero genre, in general, has become a big part of today's pop culture.
Villeneuve, though not a big fan of Marvel films, has worked with plenty of actors who have been featured in the MCU. Josh Brolin, who portrayed Thanos in the MCU, called Villeneuve's Dune a cinematic masterpiece. Regardless of Blomkamp's comments towards Villeneuve, there's no denying the master filmmaker that Villeneuve is and his appreciation for large-scale, original storytelling that can be a rarity in today's industry.
With many new Marvel projects making their way to either Disney Plus (Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye) or theatres, expect there to be more criticism from fans or other filmmakers in the coming months.
Source: Neill Blomkamp