Are Theme Parks Art?

In a 2019 interview, Martin Scorsese said that the Marvel movies were not "cinema", and instead called them "theme parks". Obviously, a lot of editorials, blog post, and other opinion pieces were devoted to arguing that the Marvel films are indeed artistic endeavors. But very little was said about how Scorsese used the term "theme parks" as a pejorative, to describe something without artistic achievement or merit.
That view, that somehow theme parks aren't a valid form of art, isn't confined to old snobs who keep making the same movie about fat old Italian men over and over for half a century (just kidding... sorta). So today we tackle this question: are theme parks art? And since we're a little biased here that theme parks are definitely art, we spend time taking a look at some of the more valid complaints and criticisms of theme parks as an art form.
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[@fatalynn7]

You mentioned the fireworks display as an emotional moment, but even just walking into Magic Kingdom and seeing the Castle elicited such a powerful emotion for me the first time I visited that park, and every time since.
As far as thinking of theme parks, as whole, as art, I think even just the namesake of the show proves the point. The way that everything is designed and laid out to create illusions and to further immerse you in the experience is a testament to the wholistic artistic approach to theme parks.
When I think back on the video about what is a theme park, and especially thinking about the things that are NOT theme parks it’s easier to see theme parks are art.
Fantastic video essay, as always!

[@ThemeParchive]

Thank you. Glad it was entertaining.
I think all too often we confuse the quality of art with its intrinsic value as art. The Transformers and Fast & Furious movies caught a lot of flack for being "bad", but they're still artistic endeavors. Some of the best music to musicians is unpopular with general audiences, and vice versa. I think those of us engaged in artistic projects are often the worst people when it comes to appreciating the art of others, especially if it's not something that appeals to our taste. I can only imagine how much worse that is when you're an aging, and increasingly out of touch, "indie" or "arthouse" darling like Scorsese.

[@RigoLeons]

Love your series!
Art is Art! ❤❤❤

[@hollywilliams1957]

Great video! You should send this to “Marty”. He might learn a thing or two!!!