BvS Batman v Superman - Reviews Thread [TAG SPOILERS] - Part 2

I feel the job of the filmmaker is to deliver the interpretation of an imperfect Superman that's likable and relatable. It's fine to make Superman unable to figure what to do. It's okay to make him uncertain. But if you're going to do that, you better make us like him. You better make us feel for him, so that his problems are not cause for criticism but cause for us to sympathize with him. For a character like Superman, you have to challenge his beliefs to make him interesting to a wider audience (I really invested in Superman though, he's my favorite superhero), and you have to dramatize it well. You can't just discuss Superman's actions on a political spectrum when he's not included in the conversation. That just makes him a plot device for a movie where he's supposed to be the main character. In Civil War, Captain America's constantly pushed, and he pushes back. He's not the most interesting character, but the conflict that arises from his moral fortitude is compelling because of its personal stakes.

I think Snyder went too far with the God analogy. I think a great modern Superman interpretation should be firmly anchored in his human life. This is a guy who goes from saving people from floods and fires to working at his 9-5 job and pining for Lois Lane on a daily basis. He is still, in many ways, a reflection of the common man. There's something poignant to be found in that, if not exactly interesting to many.

 

there is no grey area when it comes to rescuing people from natural disaster or plane crush.