John Woo–the director behind action favorites like Hard Boiled, Face/Off, and Mission: Impossible 2–doesn’t like superhero movies or stuff with lots of special effects. Instead, the filmmaker would rather watch “old-fashioned” films or Martin Scorsese projects.

Speaking with Variety, Woo opened up about his movie preferences while promoting Silent Night, starring Suicide Squad’s Joel Kinnamon. “I’ve never liked watching movies with big special effects, or anything based on comic books,” he said. “I prefer Martin Scorsese’s movies, that kind of cinema. I can’t wait to watch Killers of the Flower Moon. I like old-fashioned movies, you know? Real cinema. There aren’t many movies like that lately.”

It’s been over four years since Scorsese himself said Marvel movies aren’t cinema and more like “amusement parks.” The celebrated director even clarified his superhero film comments in a New York Times opinion piece. But Scorsese didn’t back down, mentioning “nothing is at risk” in a Marvel movie.

Meanwhile, Silent Night marks Woo’s first time directing a Hollywood movie in 20 years, as his last previous American film was 2003’s Paycheck starring Ben Affleck. The upcoming Christmas film sees Kinnamon’s character, Godlock, being shot in the throat early on. As such, Silent Night is basically a silent film. “There’s no dialogue in the entire movie! I thought this would be very good for me because it lets me use my gifts for telling a story visually,” explained Woo.

Lionsgate plans to release Silent Night in theaters on December 1.

Image credit: Getty Images/Amy Sussman