Mel Gibson Criticizes Marvel Movie Violence

Marvel movies are more violent that any film that Mel Gibson has ever made, the director said in a new interview. Speaking to The Washington Post, Gibson criticized Marvel films--without specifying any--for their depictions of "violence without conscience."

"To talk about the violence question, look at any Marvel movie," he said. "They're more violent than anything that I've done, but [in my movies,] you give a sh** about the characters, which makes it matter more. That's all I'll say."

Gibson has made some seriously violent movies, including Braveheart and Apocalyptco. His comments about Marvel movies came up in a discussion about the violence in his newest film, Hacksaw Ridge, which opened this weekend in the United States.

The film, Gibson's first directorial effort since 2006's Apocalypto, tells the story of real-life America soldier Desmond Doss. A devout Christian and conscientious objector, Doss refused to shoot his weapon in World War II. He won the Medal of Honor, saving the lives of 75 soldiers in the Battle of Okinawa (via IGN).

Read the full Washington Post interview here--it's very good.

Gibson has criticized superhero movies in the past; he recently said Batman v Superman was a "piece of sh**."

"I'm not interested in the stuff. Do you know what the difference between real superheroes and comic book superheroes is?" Gibson asked. "Real superheroes didn't wear spandex."

In May this year, Gibson was asked for his thoughts on superhero movies in general, saying, "Some are good. Some are kind of funny." He said he enjoyed Guardians of the Galaxy and the first Iron Man.

Gibson turned down the opportunity to play Thor's father, Odin, in a Marvel movie. In other news about Gibson and superhero movies, Iron Man 3 director Shane Black recently revealed that Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. apparently would like to see Gibson direct a new entry in the series.

Hacksaw Ridge made $14.7 million this weekend for its US opening, landing in the No. 3 position.