In a time when most franchise storytelling seemed intent on breaking the rules of storytelling or spitting out alternate character takes, the MCU created a product by sticking to the rules and playing it safe. Let's find out how:
MCU followed a few of the oldest rules in the book
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) represents an unprecedented phenomenon in the landscape of film and pop culture. It's a rich tapestry interwoven with elements of serialised storytelling, character development, and genre fusion that has fundamentally altered the dynamics of franchise filmmaking and the superhero narrative. Let's examine what were the fundamental rules of storytelling and why they worked for the MCU:
Stories should have a beginning middle and an end
The MCU's approach to storytelling is one of its most distinctive and influential features. Unlike traditional film franchises that often comprise loosely connected sequels and spin-offs, the MCU functions more like a television series, with each film serving as an episode in a broader narrative. This serialized storytelling approach, borrowed from their comic book origins, allows for intricate plot development, character arcs spanning multiple films, and a sense of continuity and buildup that culminates in crossover events like "The Avengers" and "Avengers: Endgame."
But more than this the oldest and possibly most followed rule of writing a story is that they should have a 3-act structure. The MCU follows Aristotle closely here, He argued that plot was at the core of narrative; a plot, he thought, needed to have a beginning, a middle, and an end, reflect an ordered structure of connected actions, and be self-contained. The MCU has three distinct phases, the buildup in Phase 1, followed by the mid-series tension in Phase 2, followed by the crescendoing finale of Endgame in Phase 3.
Develop interesting and relatable characters
The MCU's treatment of superhero origin stories is another area where it has broken new ground. Traditionally, superhero narratives have often centered on inherently virtuous protagonists who gain powers and then grapple with the responsibility that comes with them.
The MCU, however, chose to start its epic journey with "Iron Man," a film about Tony Stark, a flawed and egocentric billionaire who undergoes a transformative journey. This choice to focus on a morally complex character was a significant departure from the norm and set the tone for the franchise.
The success of "Iron Man" established a template for the MCU, where characters' flaws and personal struggles are as integral to the story as their heroic deeds. This humanization of superheroes makes them more relatable and adds depth to their journeys, thus engaging the audience on a more emotional level.
Tell don’t show (yes the opposite)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has thrived on a visual spectacle, bombastic action sequences, and quippy one-liners, often leaning towards "showing" over "telling" its audience what's happening. Yet, within this bombast lies a delicate dance between visual storytelling and expositional dialogue. Critics like Matthew Leyland (Variety, 2019) argue that the MCU sometimes falls prey to "telling, not showing," relying on character explanations and backstory dumps to propel the plot, sacrificing emotional resonance for information overload. Others, like Valerie Complex (The Mary Sue, 2017), defend the use of "telling" as a necessary evil, allowing complex world-building and character motivations to be conveyed efficiently within a shared universe of interconnected films.
The "show, don't tell" argument finds strength in moments where the MCU shines. Take Captain America's silent defiance against Hydra in "The Winter Soldier" (2014). His trembling jaw and tightening fists speak volumes about his internal conflict, far exceeding any dialogue, as eloquently argued by David Sims (The Atlantic, 2014).
Conversely, the "telling" approach has its merits too. Tony Stark's poignant monologue revealing his father's legacy in "Iron Man 2" (2010) provides crucial context for his character arc, even if it's exposition-heavy (as noted by Justin Chang, LA Times, 2010).
Ultimately, the MCU's success lies in its ability to find a nuanced balance between "show" and "tell." Films like "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014) masterfully blend witty banter with visually stunning action, while nuanced dramas like "Black Panther" (2018) seamlessly integrate emotional vulnerability with political commentary. While some may argue for a stricter adherence to "show, don't tell," the MCU's strength lies in its flexibility, recognising that both approaches have their place in creating a captivating, interconnected cinematic experience.
The style follows the story
The MCU has skilfully blended a variety of genres within its framework. While each film is rooted in the superhero genre, they often adopt elements from other genres to create unique experiences: "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" incorporates political thriller tropes, "Guardians of the Galaxy" is infused with space opera elements, and "Ant-Man" follows a heist movie structure. This genre-blending not only keeps the franchise fresh and unpredictable but also allows it to appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional superhero fans.
What comes next?
MCU has only exploited what we are by nature. Humans are a curious bunch, any given self-contained story is unable to quench our thirst. We crave for alternate endings, spin-offs, and sequels. In reality, we are like children constantly asking ‘what comes next?’
This has been a continuous theme in the MCU as well as superhero storytelling with the barrage of post-credit scenes, mid-credit scenes, and ending notes that are essential to the interconnected web that is the product.
But what really comes next?
And yet all of this brings us to the essential elephant in the room. What comes next? Where to go when the three-act structure is completed? This is a question that has haunted myths and legends of old, arguably the long ancestors of comic book heroes.
Yes sure, the MCU has given out more and more content in Phase 4 and Phase 5, and yes some of the movies and series are arguably Marvel's best work in ages. But despite all of this the franchise has seen less and less audience engagement in the years. Doing more of what has worked the first time is simply not how stories work. When the end has been reached stories demand a clean slate, a blank canvas, a page to start anew. The MCU owes a debt to its audience, its characters but also to its stories.
And it's growing, one interconnected story at a time.
Comments