World Best Clark Kent

[KaptainKrypton]

Reeve was the best Clark. The dorky Clark is the only plausible portrayal that logically works if he was actually trying to hide his identity. Cain just portrayed Clark talking in a wiener tone and wincing a lot, not convincing in the least (especially since his Superman was so forced). Welling is basically Dawson with super-powers, and I've never bought it. Routh channeled Reeve's style pretty much, so he's definitely my second.

 

[mathhater]

^ I can see that. Reeve's portrayal does work better if you're looking at in a strictly physical sense. But I've always liked thinking that the disquise works because it's mostly psychological in nature...how the whole perception of Clark Kent/Superman works due to the distinction between the man (Clark) vs. a god (Superman.) In that light, the act that Reeve's Kent puts forth is overboard...and as I said, only ensures that he'll never have a normal life. So I still think that Cain's portrayal in more in tune with the way that Kal-El actually wants to live.

But let's face facts...we are just dealing with a pair of glasses. There's only so much you have to work with here, and that's really my only gripe with the Superman character at all.

 

[captain_jimbo]

Reeve was the best Clark. The dorky Clark is the only plausible portrayal that logically works if he was actually trying to hide his identity. Cain just portrayed Clark talking in a wiener tone and wincing a lot, not convincing in the least (especially since his Superman was so forced). Welling is basically Dawson with super-powers, and I've never bought it. Routh channeled Reeve's style pretty much, so he's definitely my second.

Well put, I totally agree. I quite like Welling, but I've always felt that Smallville is a bit too much like Dawson's Creek, or The O.C.

 

[Cats]

Though Dean Cain seems to be losing this fight, I've always liked his interpretation of Clark best. Aside from Superman, his Clark is the only one who Perry White would've logically hired.

It's hard to believe someone really get such a high profile job while stammering over every sentence, tripping over every chair and being all self-conscious all the time. I can tell you right here, that great show of clumsiness might've got him fired, let's not even talk about getting hired. I'm sure the Daily Planet has some kind of professional image to uphold. Call it prejudice or whatever, the corporate world is just like that.

 

[KaptainKrypton]

^ I can see that. Reeve's portrayal does work better if you're looking at in a strictly physical sense. But I've always liked thinking that the disquise works because it's mostly psychological in nature...how the whole perception of Clark Kent/Superman works due to the distinction between the man (Clark) vs. a god (Superman.) In that light, the act that Reeve's Kent puts forth is overboard...and as I said, only ensures that he'll never have a normal life. So I still think that Cain's portrayal in more in tune with the way that Kal-El actually wants to live.

But let's face facts...we are just dealing with a pair of glasses. There's only so much you have to work with here, and that's really my only gripe with the Superman character at all.

It's funny because I never really gave the difference in the portrayals much thought until a read an interview with Reeve where he said something along the lines of Lois either being really stupid, or Clark being a damn good actor. Sometimes, in the first film, you don't notice the difference in the performances he gives, until the apartment scene. You see him stand up straight, drop his voice back down and all of a sudden...bam. You really understand the difference of how he hides it. I do think Dean Cain is a decent actor, it's just that I've never been too high on his Superman or Kent (unless you're talking about the real Clark at home with the folks, because that I liked). I love Mystery Men when Mr. Furious keeps telling everyone that Captain Amazing is the same as the Clark Kent-lookalike and The Shoveler keeps explaining that "Captain Amazing doesn't wear glasses."

 

[captain_jimbo]

Though Dean Cain seems to be losing this fight, I've always liked his interpretation of Clark best. Aside from Superman, his Clark is the only one who Perry White would've logically hired.

It's hard to believe someone really get such a high profile job while stammering over every sentence, tripping over every chair and being all self-conscious all the time. I can tell you right here, that great show of clumsiness might've got him fired, let's not even talk about getting hired. I'm sure the Daily Planet has some kind of professional image to uphold. Call it prejudice or whatever, the corporate world is just like that.

But he wasn't bumbling or stammering over every sentence or tripping over every chair. In fact, when does he ever trip over a chair?

 

[Cats]

But he wasn't bumbling or stammering over every sentence or tripping over every chair. In fact, when does he ever trip over a chair?

I'm talking abt the movie 'Clark', not the television one - that's the point I'm making. Dean Cain's Clark looks like a competent and capable office worker. Unlike the other two who were kinda all over the place, of course for the reason that they wouldn't be suspected to be Superman - but it doesn't explain how they got hired as reporters in the first place.

 

[captain_jimbo]

I'm talking abt the movie 'Clark', not the television one - that's the point I'm making. Dean Cain's Clark looks like a competent and capable office worker. Unlike the other two who were kinda all over the place, of course for the reason that they wouldn't be suspected to be Superman - but it doesn't explain how they got hired as reporters in the first place.

I know, but when did the movie Clark trip over a chair?

...And you have seen Piers Morgan right?

 

[Mr.Crumb]

Chris Reeve was and still is the best Superman AND Clark Kent that has ever been portrayed in any version of Superman.

While he may tend to lean more towards pre-crisis Supes/Kent, it fits the character more perfectly than trying to make Clark more "powerful" and "jock-like" like they do with Smallville. I have no beef with shows or different versions out there, but if you ask for the best...its Reeve's performance of Kent that stands out the most.

I felt that while Routh played it similarily, his performance didnt stand out like the way Reeve's Clark did through Superman I-III. Of course Routh has had just one shot at it...so we'll see where he goes.

As for Welling...I still dont like the fact that Kent is so......popular. There isnt the "other side" of Superman/Kent then...which is part of the facination when watching Superman. If Welling did ever put on a suit and cape...you'd see no difference between Kent and Kal-El.

In Reeve, you do. And watching him switch back and forth, and having that "merged" character (his true self ala Kal-El) is perfect.

Nobody will top that. Nobody.

 

[aquiles]

Though Dean Cain seems to be losing this fight, I've always liked his interpretation of Clark best. Aside from Superman, his Clark is the only one who Perry White would've logically hired.

It's hard to believe someone really get such a high profile job while stammering over every sentence, tripping over every chair and being all self-conscious all the time. I can tell you right here, that great show of clumsiness might've got him fired, let's not even talk about getting hired. I'm sure the Daily Planet has some kind of professional image to uphold. Call it prejudice or whatever, the corporate world is just like that.

i get your point,a very logical one,same here.

 

[SweetTooth]

I picked Reeve.

Followed by Welling, Routh and then Cain.

 

[Lead Cenobite]

Though Dean Cain seems to be losing this fight, I've always liked his interpretation of Clark best. Aside from Superman, his Clark is the only one who Perry White would've logically hired.

It's hard to believe someone really get such a high profile job while stammering over every sentence, tripping over every chair and being all self-conscious all the time. I can tell you right here, that great show of clumsiness might've got him fired, let's not even talk about getting hired. I'm sure the Daily Planet has some kind of professional image to uphold. Call it prejudice or whatever, the corporate world is just like that.

I don't think Perry is that kindof person. He seems more old fashioned, gruff but understanding.

 

[captain_jimbo]

Chris Reeve was and still is the best Superman AND Clark Kent that has ever been portrayed in any version of Superman.

While he may tend to lean more towards pre-crisis Supes/Kent, it fits the character more perfectly than trying to make Clark more "powerful" and "jock-like" like they do with Smallville. I have no beef with shows or different versions out there, but if you ask for the best...its Reeve's performance of Kent that stands out the most.

I felt that while Routh played it similarily, his performance didnt stand out like the way Reeve's Clark did through Superman I-III. Of course Routh has had just one shot at it...so we'll see where he goes.

As for Welling...I still dont like the fact that Kent is so......popular. There isnt the "other side" of Superman/Kent then...which is part of the facination when watching Superman. If Welling did ever put on a suit and cape...you'd see no difference between Kent and Kal-El.

In Reeve, you do. And watching him switch back and forth, and having that "merged" character (his true self ala Kal-El) is perfect.

Nobody will top that. Nobody.

Well said! I couldn't have put it better myself!