7 Ways Marvel Has Learned From Its Mistakes

The cinematography has greatly improved as the MCU has progressed. The directors of more outlying films have been given more creative control over their characters and aesthetics. Using the same aesthetic across 20 films would have bored audiences and critics alike.

Most Phase 1 Marvel films look washed out with dull colours. Comparing shots of the original Iron Man suit to that seen in Infinity War shows the transition of Marvel towards a brighter, more colourful and vivid aesthetic. Guardians Of The Galaxy was again the turning point here, with director James Gunn being given the chance to experiment with colours since the film did not directly involve any other Marvel assets.

The result is a noticeable improvement in the cinematography of the MCU, with shots looking livelier, and the brighter colours giving a richness to the costumes and the worlds featured in each film. Another turning point in the cinematography was Doctor Strange being shot on film instead of on digital cameras, something fans had yearned for since the advent of the MCU.

The brighter colour palette also suits the levity of franchises like the Guardians Of The Galaxy and Ant-Man, which have a heavy focus on comedy. Since Civil War's darker tone, external shots are in sunlight rather than in overcast weather, changing the atmosphere of scenes. Scenes set on Earth are now being recoloured too to add vibrancy, something particularly apparent in Spider-Man: Homecoming.