Lecture on the Marvelization of Cinema

Introduction

• The landscape of cinema has changed significantly, often criticized for the "Marvelization" effect.
• Common criticisms include constant quipping, self-awareness, and the franchise model.
• The core issue is identified as "storytelling entropy."

Storytelling Entropy

• Concept: A term coined by the speaker to explain the decline in engaging storytelling.
• Example: The lightsaber from Star Wars, a symbol of anti-entropic storytelling, representing a unified core idea.
• Anti-entropic storytelling unifies elements into a cohesive essence, admired for its meaningfulness.
• Entropy occurs when stories become less about core ideas and more about expanding complexity.

Impact of Storytelling Entropy

• As seen in Star Wars, adding complexity beyond the core idea dilutes the original concept.
• Other franchises suffer from storytelling entropy as complexity overshadows core storytelling.

Key Features of Marvelization

1. Franchise-Building

• Marvel popularized the idea of cinematic universes, impacting standalone movies.
• Initially, Marvel's interconnected universe was somewhat anti-entropic on a broader scale.
• Other studios misapplied Marvel's model, focusing more on marketing than storytelling.
• Post-Endgame Marvel struggles with excessive characters and plotlines, decreasing meaningful connections.

2. Meta-Awareness and Nostalgia

• Increased use of meta-references, nostalgia-baiting, and ironic detachment.
• Meta-commentary, while not inherently bad, can distract from storytelling when overused.
• Nostalgia, when used without contributing to the story, becomes an entropic force.
• The cultural shift towards irony may contribute to storytelling entropy.

3. Industry Influence

• Creative Passion vs. Corporate Passion: Passion as an anti-entropic force, often missing in corporate-driven projects.
• Many recent franchises initiated more by corporate goals than storytelling passion.
• Example: "The Lord of the Rings" success due to genuine creative passion; "The Hobbit" fell short due to corporate influence.

Exceptions and Solutions

• Some films, like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Mission Impossible," avoid entropy by refining the core idea.
• James Cameron's and Francis Ford Coppola's approaches demonstrate successful anti-entropic storytelling through premise changes or story envelopment.

Conclusion

• Effective storytelling requires knowing when to end a story.
• The audience's passive consumption can contribute to the state of cinema.
• Encouragement to actively engage with cinema and seek out unique films.

Recommendations

• MUBI: A platform offering curated films to explore diverse cinematic experiences, fostering a deeper connection with cinema.