High-res
I’ve enjoyed hearing all the arguments about Man of Steel. And though I usually don’t think film or art criticism really serves any purpose when it comes to smaller, original works, it’s interesting to read when it concerns a property with which its fans already have a sense of ownership. This article in particular hit the nail on the head in that respect.
I’m a huge fan of darker, more emotionally-focused dramas, so I was actually really excited about the idea of that version of Superman, even if he really is better served in a more colorful, more hopeful tone. It’s completely Zack Snyder’s vision, and not mine, so it doesn’t matter what I think, but Man of Steel ultimately came across like half-Transformers and half-Tree of Life. It had some really interesting parts and some grounded acting, but the video-game-like action scenes (almost half the movie) totally undo all the emotional work of Goyer’s story. Maybe Superman should be all about flying and action and all the things fans want to see, but if your goal is to tell a darker, more emotional struggle of a reality-based Superman, get a Terrence Malick or a Derek Cianfrance (Place Beyond the Pines) to work with a tiny budget and get rid of all the distracting CG. Don’t even show him fly. I’d be first in line for that movie.


