Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, directed by Zack Snyder, aims to kick off the DC Extended Universe in a big way. The story picks up after the destruction from Man of Steel and explores how people feel about Superman as a supposed savior. The movie’s visuals stand out, and Wonder Woman’s introduction is especially memorable.
Background of Release and Expectations for the DC Universe
Released in 2016, this film is DC Comics’ long-awaited countermeasure to the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While it is a direct sequel to Man of Steel (2013), it also serves as a prelude to the formation of the Justice League.
Director Zack Snyder clearly draws inspiration from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, particularly in his portrayal of an older Batman and his use of a mythic storytelling style. Ben Affleck’s Batman differs from earlier versions and stands out in comparison to Henry Cavill’s Superman.
Although the movie is lengthy, it doesn’t offer any genuine surprises or exciting twists beyond what you’d expect. The big fight between Superman and Batman is a letdown, missing the excitement and drama that fans hoped for. The story feels heavy, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Additionally, the reasons behind Batman and Superman’s fight, as well as their reconciliation, don’t feel believable. The key moment when they stop fighting just because their mothers are both named ‘Martha’ doesn’t make sense and doesn’t give a satisfying explanation for why they team up.
The Light and Shadow of DC Hero Characterization
Ben Affleck’s Batman has a strong, heavy-duty look inspired by Frank Miller. His muscular build lends credibility to the idea that he could take on Superman. Still, the extra muscle around his neck makes him look less agile than usual. The Bat-suit is also heavier and bulkier than the sleeker suits from earlier movies.
Henry Cavill’s Superman remains charismatic, but it’s disappointing that, like in the last movie, he doesn’t get many opportunities to showcase pure heroism. The rescue scene in the middle of the film is one of the few instances where we truly see Superman act like a true hero.
The Fundamental Difference Between Marvel and DC
Marvel Comics and DC Comics. These two giants of the American comic book world have now clearly taken divergent paths in the film industry, a reality that serves as a crucial premise when discussing this film.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is renowned for its fun, lighthearted stories and relatable characters. In contrast, DC movies focus more on deep, mythic themes and the inner struggles of their heroes.
This movie showcases DC’s goal to explore significant, mythic themes, particularly the concept of ‘god versus man.’ However, trying to replicate Marvel’s popular style didn’t quite work. The movie feels heavy and serious, which makes it less engaging for the audience, highlighting the struggle between telling a complex story and maintaining entertainment.
Avengers vs. Justice League: The Essential Difference Between the Two “Teams”
Differences in the Formation Process
The biggest difference between The Avengers and Justice League lies in the process of forming the team. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which began with Iron Man (2008), unified all its works within a single shared universe and realized a grand vision of bringing them together in the Avengers series.
On the other hand, DC rushed to bring its heroes together in this film without first giving each one their own solo movie. The end of Christopher Nolan’s Batman series in 2012 also played a big role. These differences significantly impact how the teams collaborate on screen.
Fundamental Differences in Tone
Marvel keeps things light and fun, even when the story becomes serious, while DC adopts a more mythic style. In this movie, Superman must contend with government hearings and public criticism, which raises significant questions about power and society.
Differences in Character Relationships
The members of the Avengers are fundamentally portrayed as “comrades,” and even when there are conflicts, they ultimately build a relationship of cooperation. On the other hand, the members of the Justice League, as shown in this film, have a relationship closer to “dry relationships where they only show up when necessary.”
The relationship between Batman and Superman goes beyond the ideological differences seen between Iron Man and Captain America, harboring a more fundamental ontological conflict. This is because, while both pursue “justice,” their methods and philosophies are diametrically opposed.
Methodology of Worldview Construction
DC’s current policy shift, which has been successful in taking an independent approach with each work, such as Aquaman (2018) and Joker (2019), was made possible precisely because of the trial and error of this film.
Marvel focuses on keeping all its movies connected in one big story, while DC now values letting each film have its own unique style. This movie marks an important moment in that shift.
Summary: An ambitious work oscillating between myth and reality
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is visually impressive and plays a crucial role in establishing the future of the DC Universe. Wonder Woman’s debut and the comic book-style battle scenes are highlights that will be remembered.
The film’s strong focus on mythic narrative results in a story core that lacks persuasive power. While satisfying for comic book fans, the film’s heavy emphasis on myth over entertainment makes it challenging for a broader audience, illustrating the danger of prioritizing gravitas over accessibility.
This movie played a significant role in shaping the direction of the DC Extended Universe. It raises an important question for viewers: how should superhero movies strike a balance between myth and entertainment? That might be the film’s biggest takeaway.
