Few directors are as admired and esteemed in the entertainment industry as Werner Herzog and Martin Scorsese. These two titans of the industry have become household names thanks to their distinct styles and uncompromising visions. However, it appears that Herzog is not afraid to challenge even his fellow cinematic legends on the subject of comic book movies.
In a recent interview, Herzog—the pioneer of New German Cinema—made waves by saying that he completely agrees with Scorsese’s dismay at the dominance of superhero flicks. However, the director-author, 81, also maintained that these movies aren’t simply entertainment. They are a reflection of our society and culture, and should not be so easily dismissed by those who believe themselves to be above such populist fare.
Werner Herzog: Hollywood Elites Should Not ‘Dismiss’ the Power of Comic Book Movies
While Martin Scorsese has famously been critical of the superhero genre, Werner Herzog holds the view that all kinds of films are in the cinematic landscape. He argues that the mere fact that a movie has characters in tights and capes doesn’t imply that it doesn’t have artistic value.
The 81-year-old legend participated in an ‘unfiltered’ conversation with Piers Morgan Uncensored, while claiming that he does, completely concur with Scorsese’s displeasure with the popularity of superhero films:
“It’s easy to nag and say the film industry has become somehow narrowed down to comics but he has the authority to say that, and I see it in a similar way. However, we should not underestimate the power of fantasies and comic books… so don’t dismiss it completely.. It’s not what I do, it’s fine.”
In fact, Herzog simply suggests that some comic book films can be viewed as contemporary myths that delve deeply into difficult concepts like power and corruption, and good versus evil.
While Scorsese may turn up his nose when it comes to superhero movies, Herzog calls on other filmmakers to embrace the diversity of cinema and appreciate the power of every form of storytelling.
Martin Scorsese’s Questions About the Value of Superhero Flicks
In a GQ interview, Martin Scorsese stated his distaste for comic book movies and franchises, believing that they could negatively impact moviegoers in the future. They mislead audiences—both present and future—who are not familiar with different kinds of movies, claims the Academy Award–winning director. He said:
“The danger there is what it’s doing to our culture. Because there are going to be generations now that think movies are only those — that’s what movies are.”
When asked if he thought some of his fans felt the same way, Scorsese said that many of them do. He feels that more people should support filmmakers like Christopher Nolan because they are the ones who can “save cinema” from the Hollywood studios’ glut of comic-book movies and franchises.
Continuing, he said:
“They already think that. Which means that we have to then fight back stronger. And it’s got to come from the grassroots level. It’s gotta come from the filmmakers themselves. And you’ll have, you know, the Safdie brothers, and you’ll have Chris Nolan, you know what I mean? And hit ’em from all sides. Hit ’em from all sides, and don’t give up. Let’s see what you got. Go out there and do it. Go reinvent. Don’t complain about it. But it’s true, because we’ve got to save cinema.”
Before, Scorsese expressed his disapproval of comic book movies, especially those from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (see CBR). He even went so far as to compare the MCU to amusement park rides and question the real purpose of the films.
Still, this is a world where the lines between high and low culture are constantly blurring. As a result, it is refreshing to see directors like Martin Scorsese and Werner Herzog champion the underappreciated artistry of film—whether comic books or general films. Perhaps it is time for Hollywood’s elites to follow Herzog’s lead and consider the possibilities that these films have to offer.
Who knows, perhaps they will be pleasantly surprised by what they discover.
