Review 203: Man of Steel
Man of Steel is an astonishing superhero movie and a great way to update Superman for the 21st century.
Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) is a young man in his twenties who was adopted as a child by Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Costner and Diane Lane) after he was transported to Earth from the dying planet of Krypton. Raised with the values of his adoptive parents, he feels alienated because of his unique super abilities and struggles to find his own place in the world. When the world is attacked, he becomes the hero named Superman to protect the Earth and its people.
The plot is fantastically fascinating. When you get down to the human side of story is about a man, not just a man but an exiled alien who's trying to find out where he belongs in our world, - the crux of this film is a journey of self-discovery for the the character of Clark Kent those parts of that story are best told through the flashbacks of his childhood and that coupled with gripping violence made me feel an unusual emtional tug to the film: I really related to the character of Clark Kent and his struggles. He really is a conflicted, lonely and lost person. That struggle to find that balance of being human and above human is really fascinating.
This is the Batman Begins of the Superman franchise, showing us where he came from, how that symbol of Hope we all know love came from and that makes Man of Steel more realistic and serious than the earlier films and really gives you the feeling that even though it's a superhero movie, something like this could be happening right now or maybe even tomorrow. It's also a story about the potential for every person to be a force for good. But it doesn't hit you over the head with the message in a cheesy way it, the lines are very blurred, there are no obvious choices to be made, there's no right or wrong answer. Every choice that Clark makes on his journey has its pros and cons or multiple thereofs.
According to writer David S. Goyer a primary theme in Man of Steel is First Contact: Man of Steel is very much set in a post 9/11 world, the films emphasis on how Superman is not a God-like being who is above us, he's an alien from another world who's condition is affected by our Sun, the film's flashbacks beautifully illustrates how Supes is different from us even at a young age and how difficult and overwhelming it is to manage his powers.
That struggle is not to dissimilar to the passion of Christ (whose story has been compared to Superman numerous times throughout the years): Clark is more than willing to sacrifice himself to save the people of Earth. Originally reluctant to reveal his identity and powers to the world, Superman decides to turn himself over to Zod (Michael Shannon) to save humanity from annihilation.
The film has also been compared to the Trinity: After sending his son to Earth and dying on Krypton, Jor-El (Russell Crowe) returns to Clark as spirit/A.I., guiding his budding superhero son on his journey to salvation. Before Jor-El sends his son off to Earth baby-Moses style he tells his wife Lara (Ayelet Zurer) that, like Jesus, "He'll be a god to them".
Another theme in Man of Steel is choice: Krypton has become a society that stripped choice away from individuals. Everyone is genetically bred to fill a particular role in society, Clark is the first natural-born Kryptonian in centuries. Jor-El believes that choice is important and thus he wants his son to be the first Kryptonian in a millennia to lead his own path.
Zod's genocidal plan is created by the absence of choice. He was genetically programmed to protect Krypton and ensure its survival.
After two deliberately paced, character driven, non-linear style acts, Snyder automatically shifts gears in the third act for a very action heavy and great to watch but becomes overlong and just gets repetitive and tiring to watch. They really needed to trim the fat from this film and it left me feeling both over and underwhelmed. The end result is that Man of Steel feels 70% Christopher Nolan and 30% Zack Snyder.
Director Zack Snyder’s direction is unobtrusive and stylish, the special effects are amazing, the cinematography is majestic (crafting a look that’s dry dark and gritty but at the same time fantastical and vibrant). The score by Hans Zimmer is monumental, the production design is fantastic (in the first half of the film you get to see some of Krypton), the action scenes are fast paced, pulse pounding, blood pumping and a treat for eye. The costumes are beautiful, the scenery is breathaking, the make up is rich, the sound effects are superb, the stunts are incredible, the tension is killing and the ending was superb.
Overall, everyone is well cast, Henry Cavill shows us he is brilliant for playing Clark Kent/Superman for a modern audience. He effectively brings a lot of depth and vulnerability and an overall harder edge to a seemingly perfect hero and he so gives Christopher Reeve a run for his money.
He's a lonely sole, he's the last one of his kind, he doesn't fit into the world of humans, he's an alien from another world, but he's been raised as a human his entire life. He's spent his whole life without one person empathising with him; His two adoptive parents sympathise but they don't have all the answers and they have no idea how he feels. Yet inspite of his tough upbringing, Clark still has a good heart and an iniate desire to help people and can't just sit by and watch them suffer.
Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) is a young man in his twenties who was adopted as a child by Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Costner and Diane Lane) after he was transported to Earth from the dying planet of Krypton. Raised with the values of his adoptive parents, he feels alienated because of his unique super abilities and struggles to find his own place in the world. When the world is attacked, he becomes the hero named Superman to protect the Earth and its people.
The plot is fantastically fascinating. When you get down to the human side of story is about a man, not just a man but an exiled alien who's trying to find out where he belongs in our world, - the crux of this film is a journey of self-discovery for the the character of Clark Kent those parts of that story are best told through the flashbacks of his childhood and that coupled with gripping violence made me feel an unusual emtional tug to the film: I really related to the character of Clark Kent and his struggles. He really is a conflicted, lonely and lost person. That struggle to find that balance of being human and above human is really fascinating.
This is the Batman Begins of the Superman franchise, showing us where he came from, how that symbol of Hope we all know love came from and that makes Man of Steel more realistic and serious than the earlier films and really gives you the feeling that even though it's a superhero movie, something like this could be happening right now or maybe even tomorrow. It's also a story about the potential for every person to be a force for good. But it doesn't hit you over the head with the message in a cheesy way it, the lines are very blurred, there are no obvious choices to be made, there's no right or wrong answer. Every choice that Clark makes on his journey has its pros and cons or multiple thereofs.
According to writer David S. Goyer a primary theme in Man of Steel is First Contact: Man of Steel is very much set in a post 9/11 world, the films emphasis on how Superman is not a God-like being who is above us, he's an alien from another world who's condition is affected by our Sun, the film's flashbacks beautifully illustrates how Supes is different from us even at a young age and how difficult and overwhelming it is to manage his powers.
That struggle is not to dissimilar to the passion of Christ (whose story has been compared to Superman numerous times throughout the years): Clark is more than willing to sacrifice himself to save the people of Earth. Originally reluctant to reveal his identity and powers to the world, Superman decides to turn himself over to Zod (Michael Shannon) to save humanity from annihilation.
The film has also been compared to the Trinity: After sending his son to Earth and dying on Krypton, Jor-El (Russell Crowe) returns to Clark as spirit/A.I., guiding his budding superhero son on his journey to salvation. Before Jor-El sends his son off to Earth baby-Moses style he tells his wife Lara (Ayelet Zurer) that, like Jesus, "He'll be a god to them".
Another theme in Man of Steel is choice: Krypton has become a society that stripped choice away from individuals. Everyone is genetically bred to fill a particular role in society, Clark is the first natural-born Kryptonian in centuries. Jor-El believes that choice is important and thus he wants his son to be the first Kryptonian in a millennia to lead his own path.
Zod's genocidal plan is created by the absence of choice. He was genetically programmed to protect Krypton and ensure its survival.
After two deliberately paced, character driven, non-linear style acts, Snyder automatically shifts gears in the third act for a very action heavy and great to watch but becomes overlong and just gets repetitive and tiring to watch. They really needed to trim the fat from this film and it left me feeling both over and underwhelmed. The end result is that Man of Steel feels 70% Christopher Nolan and 30% Zack Snyder.
Director Zack Snyder’s direction is unobtrusive and stylish, the special effects are amazing, the cinematography is majestic (crafting a look that’s dry dark and gritty but at the same time fantastical and vibrant). The score by Hans Zimmer is monumental, the production design is fantastic (in the first half of the film you get to see some of Krypton), the action scenes are fast paced, pulse pounding, blood pumping and a treat for eye. The costumes are beautiful, the scenery is breathaking, the make up is rich, the sound effects are superb, the stunts are incredible, the tension is killing and the ending was superb.
Overall, everyone is well cast, Henry Cavill shows us he is brilliant for playing Clark Kent/Superman for a modern audience. He effectively brings a lot of depth and vulnerability and an overall harder edge to a seemingly perfect hero and he so gives Christopher Reeve a run for his money.
He's a lonely sole, he's the last one of his kind, he doesn't fit into the world of humans, he's an alien from another world, but he's been raised as a human his entire life. He's spent his whole life without one person empathising with him; His two adoptive parents sympathise but they don't have all the answers and they have no idea how he feels. Yet inspite of his tough upbringing, Clark still has a good heart and an iniate desire to help people and can't just sit by and watch them suffer.
What I liked about this film is that he has all these amazing powers and doesn't know how to handle them - he hasn't be trained. He's grown up not feeling like he belongs in our world.
He's someone who is conflicted - trapped between to worlds and ultimately has to chose between his biological and homeworlds and struggling with what it means to be human and what it means to be above human. Over the course of the film, he realises that just because he's alien, he's very much imperfect and won't have the answer for every challenge that he faces. He becomes the stronger hero by accepting what he can't solve in our world, whilist at the same time seeking answers for what he can.
Amy Adams is fantastic as Lois Lane, she beautifully portrays a more independent, feisty, persistent, side to the character and has great chemistry with Cavill. She's much more of a partner than in previous adaptations, she's more his equal. She is a tough, sophisticated, professional woman.
She's a journalist, she's proactive, she's intelligent, she's smart, she's resourceful, she's benevolent, she's brave, she's courageous, she's inquisitive, she's warm and compassionate towards Supes, she's ambitious. She's in the action, she's not just a damsel in destress. She brings out the human aspect of Superman, she gives him a reason to save the human race. She's Superwoman in a sociatial sense. She's smitten by his selfless nature and troubled childhood - so smitten in fact that she drops what could have been the biggest story of the year.
She opens Clark's eyes to a whole new way of existing. He's so used to being private and keeping his powers under wraps and finally he gets to share it with someone and he can trust her and she gives him the concept of a future on the planet - a life he could spend with her.
Michael Shannon was a little hammy at times playing General Zod but also manages to inject an appropriate sense of menace and ruthlessness to the role.
A genetically engineered member of the Kryptonian race, he's fiercely loyal to his race and its ideals.
Much like Jor-El and Clark, Zod wants nothing more than to save the Kryptonian race, however his approach makes him very akin to a Kryptonian Hitler in that he feels his vision for a pure Krypton (i.e. a society like the one Hitler envisioned with his Nazi regime) is the only answer for survival.
Even his speeches about saving Krypton by rooting out "degenerate bloodlines and exterminating "inferior" species (i.e: Human beings) are eerily similar of that certain, early 20th century totalitarian ideology.
He views humans (a less powerful and advanced race) as inferior in every regard to Kryptonians
He believes that the ends justify the means and Clark can't just sit idley, do nothing and let that happen.
Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are just wonderful as Jonathan and Martha Kent, they have looked after Clark his entire life and show some genuine concern about all these extraordinary powers he has gained and know that the revelation of these powers to the world would be profound, not just for their son - but for the whole world.
They're convinced that the world is not ready to accept someone as powerful as Clark.
They know that Clark is far better off being kept away from all that until he's ready. Even though they realise that can't decide Clark's feat for him and that he'll have to make his own decisions about what he grows up to be. People hate what they don't understand they realise that which is why they take extra precautions to keep Clark safe until the time is right.
Martha, notably, is really pragmatic and she has to be given that Clark is a child from another planet and she realises all the capacities he has, even from a young age, there's a moral obligation to be the best tour guide into this new world that she can be.
Russell Crowe was rather subdued but at the same time very powerful as Jor-El, but if that was the approach Snyder was going for, it worked for this film as Jor-El comes across as a clam, knowledgeable father figure whilst also conveying a sense of authority required for the character.
Renown as one of Krypton's greatest and most prolific minds, Jor-El is extremely intelligent, wise and highly innovative despite being genetically engineered, which enables him to break the thinking boundaries programmed into his DNA. As a result of this, he recognises the Kryptons society & way of living is failing and knowing that Krypton will son be destroyed after years of harsh mining, he gains the courage to send his son, Kal-El to Earth so he can survive and be free from Krypton's society chains, recognising that he himself is a product of its outdated society.
Throughout the film, Jor-El appears as an A.I. not too dissimilar for Obi Wan Kenobi in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi guiding Clark and encouraging him to be a bridge between two worlds and inspire humanity and "help them accomplish wonders as he puts it." Which puts him at an interesting contrast with Jonathan Kent who has told Clark all his life to keep his powers a secret for the majority of his childhood.
Over the course of the film it's simply fascinating to see Clark's biological and adoptive give him different perspectives on how to approach his heritage and how it affects him and how it makes him equally as conflicted as it does determined to do what's right.
Laurence Fishburne is also terrific as Perry White, prim, stern and dedicated to his work, but also thoughtful, selfless, brave and insightful, Perry is a realist, he realises that a story about an alien survivor would trigger a negative reception from the people of Earth, understanding that the world is not ready for the revelation of such a being existing and living among us. Like Jonathan & Martha, he realises that people hate what they don't understand.
Fishburne also adds a sarcastic sense of humor which was perfect for playing a convincing, hard boiled, but also professional boss type character.
Even though her appearance is minimal, Ayelet Zurer is luminous and lovely as Lara Lor-Van, Superman's mother, though hesitant at first to send her son away to Earth due to his alien heritage, she too recognises that Kryptons society is stale, outdated and flawed. This realisation gives her the courage and strength she needs to make the tough descision to send her son away to Earth - that coupled with her being an exceptionally kind, loving as well as brave mother who will do whatever it takes to protect her son who is the first naturally born Kryptonian in centuries and her also recognising that she too is a product of Krypton's failed society.
Antje Traue is a badass as Faora, being Zod's second-in-command, she is incredibly loyal to him and fully supports his cause to ensure the survival of the Kryptonian race. Due to her being a genetically engineered member of her race this gives her (very much like Zod) a poor grasp at free will and makes her prone to some serious tunnel vision, which makes her incapable of of having a life outside the one she was born for. That also makes her one vain, sadistic and psychopathic soldier who takes enormously pleasure in killing. Fierce, malevolent, ruthless & downright bloodthirsty and virtually unstoppable, she's proves to be a formidable foe for the Man of Steel.
Richard Schiff, Christopher Meloni, Harry Lennix & Michael Kelly round the large cast all of whom deliver fine performances.
Superman's return to the big screen is mostly successful - can't wait for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 4/5
The Anonymous Critic.
He's someone who is conflicted - trapped between to worlds and ultimately has to chose between his biological and homeworlds and struggling with what it means to be human and what it means to be above human. Over the course of the film, he realises that just because he's alien, he's very much imperfect and won't have the answer for every challenge that he faces. He becomes the stronger hero by accepting what he can't solve in our world, whilist at the same time seeking answers for what he can.
Amy Adams is fantastic as Lois Lane, she beautifully portrays a more independent, feisty, persistent, side to the character and has great chemistry with Cavill. She's much more of a partner than in previous adaptations, she's more his equal. She is a tough, sophisticated, professional woman.
She's a journalist, she's proactive, she's intelligent, she's smart, she's resourceful, she's benevolent, she's brave, she's courageous, she's inquisitive, she's warm and compassionate towards Supes, she's ambitious. She's in the action, she's not just a damsel in destress. She brings out the human aspect of Superman, she gives him a reason to save the human race. She's Superwoman in a sociatial sense. She's smitten by his selfless nature and troubled childhood - so smitten in fact that she drops what could have been the biggest story of the year.
She opens Clark's eyes to a whole new way of existing. He's so used to being private and keeping his powers under wraps and finally he gets to share it with someone and he can trust her and she gives him the concept of a future on the planet - a life he could spend with her.
Michael Shannon was a little hammy at times playing General Zod but also manages to inject an appropriate sense of menace and ruthlessness to the role.
A genetically engineered member of the Kryptonian race, he's fiercely loyal to his race and its ideals.
Much like Jor-El and Clark, Zod wants nothing more than to save the Kryptonian race, however his approach makes him very akin to a Kryptonian Hitler in that he feels his vision for a pure Krypton (i.e. a society like the one Hitler envisioned with his Nazi regime) is the only answer for survival.
Even his speeches about saving Krypton by rooting out "degenerate bloodlines and exterminating "inferior" species (i.e: Human beings) are eerily similar of that certain, early 20th century totalitarian ideology.
He views humans (a less powerful and advanced race) as inferior in every regard to Kryptonians
He believes that the ends justify the means and Clark can't just sit idley, do nothing and let that happen.
Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are just wonderful as Jonathan and Martha Kent, they have looked after Clark his entire life and show some genuine concern about all these extraordinary powers he has gained and know that the revelation of these powers to the world would be profound, not just for their son - but for the whole world.
They're convinced that the world is not ready to accept someone as powerful as Clark.
They know that Clark is far better off being kept away from all that until he's ready. Even though they realise that can't decide Clark's feat for him and that he'll have to make his own decisions about what he grows up to be. People hate what they don't understand they realise that which is why they take extra precautions to keep Clark safe until the time is right.
Martha, notably, is really pragmatic and she has to be given that Clark is a child from another planet and she realises all the capacities he has, even from a young age, there's a moral obligation to be the best tour guide into this new world that she can be.
Russell Crowe was rather subdued but at the same time very powerful as Jor-El, but if that was the approach Snyder was going for, it worked for this film as Jor-El comes across as a clam, knowledgeable father figure whilst also conveying a sense of authority required for the character.
Renown as one of Krypton's greatest and most prolific minds, Jor-El is extremely intelligent, wise and highly innovative despite being genetically engineered, which enables him to break the thinking boundaries programmed into his DNA. As a result of this, he recognises the Kryptons society & way of living is failing and knowing that Krypton will son be destroyed after years of harsh mining, he gains the courage to send his son, Kal-El to Earth so he can survive and be free from Krypton's society chains, recognising that he himself is a product of its outdated society.
Throughout the film, Jor-El appears as an A.I. not too dissimilar for Obi Wan Kenobi in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi guiding Clark and encouraging him to be a bridge between two worlds and inspire humanity and "help them accomplish wonders as he puts it." Which puts him at an interesting contrast with Jonathan Kent who has told Clark all his life to keep his powers a secret for the majority of his childhood.
Over the course of the film it's simply fascinating to see Clark's biological and adoptive give him different perspectives on how to approach his heritage and how it affects him and how it makes him equally as conflicted as it does determined to do what's right.
Laurence Fishburne is also terrific as Perry White, prim, stern and dedicated to his work, but also thoughtful, selfless, brave and insightful, Perry is a realist, he realises that a story about an alien survivor would trigger a negative reception from the people of Earth, understanding that the world is not ready for the revelation of such a being existing and living among us. Like Jonathan & Martha, he realises that people hate what they don't understand.
Fishburne also adds a sarcastic sense of humor which was perfect for playing a convincing, hard boiled, but also professional boss type character.
Even though her appearance is minimal, Ayelet Zurer is luminous and lovely as Lara Lor-Van, Superman's mother, though hesitant at first to send her son away to Earth due to his alien heritage, she too recognises that Kryptons society is stale, outdated and flawed. This realisation gives her the courage and strength she needs to make the tough descision to send her son away to Earth - that coupled with her being an exceptionally kind, loving as well as brave mother who will do whatever it takes to protect her son who is the first naturally born Kryptonian in centuries and her also recognising that she too is a product of Krypton's failed society.
Antje Traue is a badass as Faora, being Zod's second-in-command, she is incredibly loyal to him and fully supports his cause to ensure the survival of the Kryptonian race. Due to her being a genetically engineered member of her race this gives her (very much like Zod) a poor grasp at free will and makes her prone to some serious tunnel vision, which makes her incapable of of having a life outside the one she was born for. That also makes her one vain, sadistic and psychopathic soldier who takes enormously pleasure in killing. Fierce, malevolent, ruthless & downright bloodthirsty and virtually unstoppable, she's proves to be a formidable foe for the Man of Steel.
Richard Schiff, Christopher Meloni, Harry Lennix & Michael Kelly round the large cast all of whom deliver fine performances.
Superman's return to the big screen is mostly successful - can't wait for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 4/5
The Anonymous Critic.
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