We all have our heroes and idols to look up to and aspire to. Whether motivated by wealth, fame, knowledge, or religion, each of us requires a unique source of inspiration to spark drive and ambition. Many consider on-screen heroes as positive role models, but is this the case?
In this article, I intend to explain the impact of the Marvel franchise on viewers and cinema. Between 2012 and 2021, Marvel appeared to dominate the film industry, reaching a peak in 2019 with Avengers: Endgame which grossed $2.8 billion. Despite its massive success, I believe the Marvel craze stifled creativity in cinema.
A classic film captivates through storytelling and whether it’s an intense thriller, a romantic rollercoaster, or the use of an unreliable narrator, the viewer’s attention is gripped. Additionally, films should be able to deliver messages and explore controversial subjects for viewers to contemplate. However, I have never found this to be the case with Marvel films.
Initially, you might say that these films do include plot twists and that there are many positive messages to be taken. For me though, the plot lines of each film are repetitive, featuring the conflict between the hero and villain with the message of good triumphing over evil and the need to stand up to the “bad guys”. While characters may have slight changes, the core ideas remain consistent.
As the franchise gained popularity, the films started relying on recycled ideas to make money. This led to remakes and spin-offs relying on repetitive storylines, with writers focusing more on conflict and violence rather than exploring new and original ideas. As well as the effects on cinema, it is also important to discuss the portrayal of violence and fighting in these films with the potential consequences it could have on younger viewers.
Clearly, as with any action film, fighting scenes are extremely common, often featuring brutal and gruesome moments. However, Marvel often censors these bloody scenes, showcasing battles while not actually including any explicit injuries. Initially, this could be seen as being beneficial and more appropriate for kids, though doesn’t this give impressionable children a false image of fighting.
With the film’s age ratings being mainly 12, this means a high number of viewers are likely to include children around the age of 11 or 12 still learning about the world. Children at this age could watch a fight scene and with no show of injury, assume it is OK to get into fights and that no one would get seriously hurt. They could also think that fighting is justified if another child is doing something bad, after watching the “heroes” fight the villains.
Marvel's popularity has declined in recent years, with poorly reviewed and attended films such as The Marvels. At the same time, I would argue that cinema has seen a rise in originality with unique films like Anatomy of the Fall, The Menu, and The Banshees of Inisherin. Will this trend continue, or will the Marvel craze rise again?
It's up to us as viewers to shape the future of film.