“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”, came out in 2016 and is an action-adventure film featuring superheroes. Zack Snyder directed the film while Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer were the film’s writers. It also features Gal Gadot who plays Wonder Woman while featuring the rest of the Justice League in cameo appearances. Affleck plays the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman while Cavill plays the role of Superman. This movie is the first in the series that combines the two superheroes and serves as an introduction to the rest of the films that will make up the DC universe.
Batman v Superman’s major thematic question involve power, justice, and responsibility, while being a superhero spectacle at the same time. While the film was critically received with mixed opinions, it surprisingly gained a dedicated fan base. This film seeks to capture the broad appeal of comic book fans, and to the best of its attempt, does manage to bring something new to the table with its plot.
Plot Overview
The story is set within a time frame of 18 months after the severe destruction that took place in the film Man of Steel (2013) in which Superman fights General Zod, destroying a large part of the city Metropolis. While the general opinion regarding the superhero is a divided one and those who do support him, the world is divided along with the general population of the city: there are saviors, and there is a threat hiding in the potential of an alien to destroy humanity. It’s clear that the movie is set in a conflicting time.
One of the people concerned by Superman is Bruce Wayne, the billionaire vigilante famously known as Batman. Bruce saw the destruction of Wayne Tower located in the Metropolis, which made him see Superman as an omniscient threat. He starts contemplating the idea of having to face the Superman and his “godlike” powers. Bruce feels that the Man of Steel must be held accountable.
While this is going on, Batman is coming under the suspicion of Clark Kent, who is coming to the conclusion that the vigilante is crossing the lines and is operating outside the law. Their fundamental beliefs about justice clash.
As this happens, Lex Luthor, a manipulative tech mogul, is coming up with a scheme to use Superman and Batman to fight each other as he uses Batman’s paranoia and Superman’s guilt towards him. He ultimately gets to Superman’s adoptive Mother, Martha Kent so that Superman would be used to fight Batman.
Batman and Superman fight: Batman almost killing Superman, Clark begs for Martha Kent’s life and in return, Bruce Wayne’s rage. The use of the term “Martha” humanizes Batman and diverts him from his blind rage and allows him to see his mistakes.
After discovering they’ve been used as pawns, Batman and Superman join forces with Diana Prince/Wonder Woman to face an even greater challenge: Doomsday, a brutish creature that Lex Luthor brings to life using Zod’s corpse alongside Kryptonian technology. During the final fight, Superman uses a kryptonite spear to kill Doomsday, sacrificing himself in the process.
Doomsday’s defeat sets the stage for Superman’s funeral, which is somber and peaceful. Meanwhile, Bruce and Diana pledge to recruit meta-humans to protect the planet, which makes way for the Justice League to be formed in the future.
Characters and Performances
Batman / Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck)
Ben Affleck offers a grizzled, battle-hardened version of Batman, different from previous portrayals. Affleck’s Bruce Wayne is weary, cynical, and battle-worn. Afraid and guilt-driven, his journey shifts from distrust to an eventual redemption arc. This iteration has garnered mixed reception, with praise and criticism directed towards the character’s emphasis on physicality and intensity.
Superman / Clark Kent (Henry Cavill)
As returning Superman, Henry Cavill takes on the challenge of a hero in a moral, philosophical and societal conundrum. Superman is lavished with praise and, at the same time, detested by the public. Cavill reinvigorates the character with a stoic and emotionally heavy performance, showcasing the burden of being a hero.
Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg)
Lex Luthor was portrayed by Eisenberg and he gave a more frantic and disorganized version of Luthor compared to the more controlled version we see in comics and the movies. Eisenberg’s Luthor had an extreme form of “intellectual nihilism”, or a sort of empty way of thinking. Although the portrayal was different from the more familiar Luthor we all know and love, it does depict a villain that is consumed by the need to control and possess divinely powerful forces.
Diana Prince / Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot)
Wonder Woman was played by Gadot and although she had a small part in the movie, her performance certainly captivated the audience in the movie’s final showdown. She certainly looks regal and mysterious, alluding to her more complete character in future movies. Most importantly, Wonder Woman’s entrance during the fight is unforgettable, signaling a change in the outcome of the fight and later, the universe in the movies.
Supporting Characters
Lois Lane (Amy Adams), Alfred Pennyworth (Jeremy Irons), Martha Kent (Diane Lane), and Senator Finch (Holly Hunter) play critical roles in shaping the emotions and the moral compass of the movie. Alfred in particular acts as a moral compass to Bruce while he conspires to fight Superman. He warns Bruce against the darkness that lies ahead.
Themes and Symbolism
The movie Batman v Superman is steeped in theological and philosophical symbolism. Superman is portrayed as a Christ-like figure—worshiped by some, and regarded with the utmost suspicion by others. This is the central tension of the movie, depicting the society’s reaction to divine-like powers and the burden that accompanies it.
The clash between Batman and Superman goes beyond physical conflict. Batman represents cynicism, anger, and a need for control, supremacy, and anger. On the other side, Superman embodies idealism and sacrifice. This conflict can also be described as order versus freedom, fear versus hope, and vengeance versus mercy.
The “Martha” scene tries to straddle the line between both characters. Although it has been the subject of much critique, the purpose is to remind the characters— and the world— that they’re men shaped by love and loss, just like the rest of humanity.
The creation of Doomsday and the death of Superman represents a sacrificial savior, with a promise of rebirth and unity. This is a metaphor that the film reinforces when it teases Superman’s resurrection at the end.
Visual Style and Direction
Zack Snyder, the director, is known for his stylistic visuals which include sweeping cinematography and slow-motion action. In this film, he carefully frames every shot, creating a look that has dark, muted blues and greys that fit the overall somber tone of the film.
The focus of this film is the action sequences. They are filled with intensity that is on a much larger scale than the one we are used to. The much awaited Batman warehouse fight, as well as the Trinity’s fight with Doomsday also showcase epic scale combat. The dreams and comic panel imagery further enhance the action and make it feel more grand.
The score by Hans Zimmer and Arkadiusz, aka Junkie XL. Mix electrifying action with powerful orchestral themes. The score by Hans Zimmer and Arkadiusz, aka Junkie XL. Mix electrifying action with powerful orchestral themes. Superman’s noble motif gently clashes with Batman’s gloomy theme, and Wonder Woman’s entrance, complete with electrifying guitar, is arguably one of the most iconic moments in superhero film music.
Reception and Legacy
Like most new releases, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice received a mixed bag of reviews. Many critics applauded the film’s ambition, visuals, and performances, specifically mentioning Affleck and Gadot’s roles. The film, however, did not escape criticism. It’s pacing, tonally heavy moments, and narrative structure received a fair amount of critique. Despite the criticism, the film did immensely well at the box office, earning over 870 million dollars worldwide, and remained a topic of heated debate among both fans and the general population.
The film received a lot of criticism in regards to the darker tones. Many believed this approach would significantly worsen the trajectory of the DCEU. In an attempt to fix the issue, the folks over at Warner Bros. decided to recalibrate the franchise in later films. Over time, however, the film has developed a dedicated fan base. Many fans have grown to appreciate the film’s thematic elements and style. The release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021 renewed interest in Snyder’s vision, and Batman v Superman gained status as a key however controversial part of the unfinished story arc.
Conclusion
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice pushes the boundaries of superhero movies by integrating moral and philosophical inquiries with comic book lore. Despite its shortcomings, the film is visually stunning and thematically complex. It also provides a challenge to the expectations of the genre.
As a primary piece of the superhero movie puzzle and a breakdown of heroism, BvS has sparked many a debate and conversation. It is by far one of the most discussed superhero movies released in the 21st century, which serves to show the creativity, controversy, and lasting impact the film has had onover the years.
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