Meryl Streep Critiques Modern Cinema: Is 'Marvel-isation' Dulling Storytelling?
Meryl Streep Sparks Debate on Today's Film Industry
Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep has stirred conversations about the current state of cinema. Streep, who stars in The Devil Wears Prada 2, shared her thoughts on modern filmmaking, criticizing what she calls the growing trend of "Marvel-isation" in films, which she believes undermines narrative complexity. The celebrated actress expressed concern that many contemporary films rely on simplistic storylines, hindering the development of rich characters. In this sequel, Streep reunites with Anne Hathaway, marking a return to their iconic roles after two decades. During promotional activities, she echoed the sentiments of her character, Miranda Priestly, who laments the absence of true "visionaries" in the industry.
Insights from Meryl Streep on Modern Storytelling
Meryl Streep discusses contemporary filmmaking
In a recent interview on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show with co-stars Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, Streep pointed out that many films today create clear distinctions between heroes and villains, a trend she finds unexciting. "I think we tend to Marvel-ize the movies now. We got the villains and we got the good guys, and it's so boring," she stated.
Streep, who has received three Oscars from a record 21 nominations, emphasized that the most captivating stories emerge from characters that defy easy categorization. She believes that true cinema is layered, showcasing individuals with both strengths and weaknesses. Characters that exist in these "grey areas" are far more compelling than those strictly defined as good or evil. "What's really interesting about life is that some of the heroes are flawed and some of the villains are human and interesting and have their own strengths," she remarked, advocating for her own film, which she describes as "messier."
Overview of The Devil Wears Prada 2
About The Devil Wears Prada 2
The sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, follows Andy (Hathaway), now an experienced journalist, as she returns to work for Miranda (Streep) after two decades. The film addresses the challenges faced by traditional print media as Miranda adapts to the changing digital landscape. While the original cast returns, new characters played by Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh are introduced.
Before the film's release, Streep revealed in another interview that she initially declined the role to negotiate a better salary. She expressed to Today her belief that the creators needed her involvement as much as she desired the role, confident in the film's potential for success.