Will Avengers: Endgame Revive the Era of Three-Hour Blockbusters?
The release of Avengers: Endgame hit screens in 2019, drawing both praise and criticism due to its unprecedented running time. With a runtime extending to nearly 3.5 hours, many wonder if this colossal film will pave the way for a new era of long, ambitious blockbusters.
Context and Purpose of the Long Run Time
Many viewers and critics may think that Avengers: Endgame is excessively long. However, behind the scenes, Endgame operates as the capstone to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a decade-long saga that meticulously built upon itself. The story threads from Iron Man onwards needed to be wrapped up in a single, massive narrative, necessitating a longer runtime. But does this film truly indicate a return to longer movies?
Is the Long Runtime a Necessity?
From a technical standpoint, the extended runtime of Endgame is inevitable. The film covers complex and interwoven plotlines, involving multiple time periods and quantum realm adventures. Simply put, such an intricate storyline cannot be condensed into a shorter runtime.
Contrary Views: Does Long Runtime Suit Modern Audiences?
On the other hand, some argue that three-hour long movies buck the trend of how contemporary audiences consume media. The rapid pace of modern society and the prevalence of short-form content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube often make long runtime films a challenge for some viewers.
Is theLength of Endgame set to revive a long-running era of such films? Stats from Google Search show that Endgame had a running pattern of about 4 hours between screenings, including both commercial breaks and cleaning times. But even with this time, some believe that such an extended runtime might be too much for moviegoers to handle consistently.
Historical Precedents: Is There a Precedent for Long Movies?
Comparatively, films like The Lord of the Rings trilogy were also notably long, with each film exceeding three hours, but this was several decades ago. The Wolf of Wall Street and Blue is the Warmest Colour are two modern examples of films being over three hours, challenging the norms of filmmaking.
The Viewer Experience: Still a Favorite Despite Its Length
Despite the extended runtime, the anticipation and attachment to the MCU among fans worldwide means that the movie can hold the attention of audiences. While some may find the duration overwhelming, the core appeal of superhero movies ensures their enduring popularity. Even in an age of short-form content, the narrative depth and character development found in Endgame can captivate viewers for extended periods.
Avengers: Endgame is a testament to how an ambitious story can require an equally ambitious runtime. It's unlikely to single-handedly initiate a trend of longer, more epic films, but it does show that when done right, such long narratives can still resonate with audiences.