What is the 'Marvel Formula' ?
Jun 14, 2017 18:22:16 GMT
charzhino, Hauntedknight87, and 4 more like this
Post by Tristan's Journal on Jun 14, 2017 18:22:16 GMT
well, it would be downright silly and naive to deny that MCU films run on formula. Most genre films do, e.g., Bond is subject to a certain successful formula . Yet formula (as with soft drinks etc) is frequently changed (see latest Bond films) to accommodate audience fatigue and changing times. Also, another issue: How do you define "formula" with filmmaking, eg is the hiring of puppet Indie directors part of formula or policy?
I am by no means a fan or expert on MCU; having seen most films only once and immediately forgotten them. But when you see one, you have seen it all in some way. The MCU formula is pretty prevalent, my two cents from the top of my head:
- MCU Movies all feel similar (derivative): One knows what to expect and how it ends, there are no big surprises (as eg with out of formula movies such as Logan, Watchmen, TDKReturns etc).
- This includes tone (quip-y, jokey, upbeat, clean)
- Family friendly pandering to the broadest common denominator, including simple to understand dialog,
- Relevant characters never die, and if they do they resurrected quickly (Fury, Winter Soldier, Loki, IM buddy etc)
- Repeated storytelling tropes: essentially "Hero's Journey" a la Campell as defined in literature with magic items and mentors to be found
- Hardly any focus on developing the (one shot) villain
- Similar arcs and structures : Most of these movies have the same "flawed jerk goes through character crisis and becomes hero by learning something (Dr Strange, Thor, Ironman, Antman etc). Guardians has the Avengers-arc of several selfish and different jerks having to learn to work as a team to fight a common (weak) villain. It's the oldest formula arc in literature.
- Despite being stand alone movies (not serialized) there are not story-relevant "teasers" and character introductions.
- Also the cinematography and pacing is pretty standardized (colorful, natural look), and there are other formula tropes such as end credit scenes .
etc...
There are countless articles/essays on what exact elements constitute MCU formula, but in the end an exact definition is futile as many elements are changed per movie; just a few:
www.hypable.com/how-to-write-every-marvel-movie-ever/
whatculture.com/film/10-biggest-parts-marvel-movie-formula-will-destroy-series
www.comicbookmovie.com/comics/marvel_comics/what-is-the-marvel-studios-formula-a133104
www.reviewsphere.org/news/the-marvel-formula/
I am by no means a fan or expert on MCU; having seen most films only once and immediately forgotten them. But when you see one, you have seen it all in some way. The MCU formula is pretty prevalent, my two cents from the top of my head:
- MCU Movies all feel similar (derivative): One knows what to expect and how it ends, there are no big surprises (as eg with out of formula movies such as Logan, Watchmen, TDKReturns etc).
- This includes tone (quip-y, jokey, upbeat, clean)
- Family friendly pandering to the broadest common denominator, including simple to understand dialog,
- Relevant characters never die, and if they do they resurrected quickly (Fury, Winter Soldier, Loki, IM buddy etc)
- Repeated storytelling tropes: essentially "Hero's Journey" a la Campell as defined in literature with magic items and mentors to be found
- Hardly any focus on developing the (one shot) villain
- Similar arcs and structures : Most of these movies have the same "flawed jerk goes through character crisis and becomes hero by learning something (Dr Strange, Thor, Ironman, Antman etc). Guardians has the Avengers-arc of several selfish and different jerks having to learn to work as a team to fight a common (weak) villain. It's the oldest formula arc in literature.
- Despite being stand alone movies (not serialized) there are not story-relevant "teasers" and character introductions.
- Also the cinematography and pacing is pretty standardized (colorful, natural look), and there are other formula tropes such as end credit scenes .
etc...
There are countless articles/essays on what exact elements constitute MCU formula, but in the end an exact definition is futile as many elements are changed per movie; just a few:
www.hypable.com/how-to-write-every-marvel-movie-ever/
whatculture.com/film/10-biggest-parts-marvel-movie-formula-will-destroy-series
www.comicbookmovie.com/comics/marvel_comics/what-is-the-marvel-studios-formula-a133104
www.reviewsphere.org/news/the-marvel-formula/