By Comic Relief
If you saw “Man of Steel” last weekend and propelled the movie to the largest June opening gross in film history ($20.3 million)[1] you participated in some fairly significant history. Polarizing as many (but not all found it), it seems you can only believe one or two things about the quality of the movie. This article will discuss a growing trend in DC/Warner Brothers development that I’m hoping will not be continued in future films.
A friend of mine, (who also saw the film) recently asked me why so many story points were passed over and I had to ask myself what’s going on with the writing for DC’s non-Nolan helmed movies? This is the problem as I see it; I would call it: “writing for receipts”. I think there is a tendency to believe that blockbuster movies can be achieved on hype and an enormous fanboy following alone; without the benefit of powerful directing and or a mind-blowing screenplay. Since Marvel has been successful selling movies that are both emotionally satisfying for audiences and profitable box office wise I can’t count them in as being perpetuators of this trend. I think this is the second time I have seen DC do this. They act as though huge parts of the Man of Steel mythos are unnecessary or passe’ in favor of packaging the Superman audiences appear to want to get the franchise fast tracked. Mind you nothing is wrong with hoping your film does well yet is it a good idea to simplify a mythos because you want to get on with your expectations for a rebooted franchise?
Why do I think DC is willing to take this chance? Because the business wing, suits, or marketing men universally love huge sales; they are fairly addicted to the profitable blockbuster spectacle. Suggest that they may have a chart busting, best-seller or smash hit and they think all is fine. The only problem with this mindset is these professionals sometimes get ahead of themselves and start predicting sales land slides long before they are actually accomplished artistically or confirmed critically. In my opinion both of DC’s most recent solo hero ventures or movies “Green Lantern” and “Man of Steel” under performed in this regard.
Why do I feel that way? Those two movies did not know how to tell a simple memorable story. Here are some simple synopses of how a number of successful movies were defined. Notice the descriptions will not stretch beyond one sentence because I think a description should be succinct if a kernel of a decent movie is actually present.
BATMAN BEGINS: What can happen when a wealthy boy and his butler are left to reconstitute themselves after the tragic murder of the boy’s parents in a city that lost its moral compass? [2]
IRONMAN: What can come of a brilliant arms developer after he’s stripped of his securities and placed in a scenario where his wits and creativity are the only things that might separate him from survival and certain death? [3]
CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger: What wonders can a man achieve after transforming from wimp to super soldier and would this same individual be able to cope if the environment of his success significantly changed? [4]
THOR: Without humility, grace, or kindness how far can a prince get when circumstances can’t be predicted and when some conventions and cherished relationships can’t be relied upon? [5]
Even audience members can define what was at stake for those characters. Though aspects of “Green Lantern” and “Man of Steel” were memorable these stories were not nearly as refined. Ultimately they are a collection of plot details that don’t coalesce into any memorable themes.
GREEN LANTERN:
- Lost during his youth, a fatherless test pilot is chosen for a mission by a dying alien
- He overcomes challenges by denying fear’s power to overcome his strong will
- A kind of space cop, who owes an alien battalion for the powerful ring they gave him
- Starting out as his mentor, he couldn’t impress an influential peer in the corps
- He fought a space demon, that would take over the bodies of whomever it desired
- Fear was one of the demons major immobilizing weapons [6]
You might be able to tell, that audiences had too much to process regarding an unfamiliar hero most people in the general public did not already know. Contrary to that most of us thought we already knew Superman but the story structures are very similar.
MAN OF STEEL:
- Parents send their son to earth from a dying world
- Many inhabitants from that world were bioengineered to be who they were
- Conceived naturally, Kal-El would have the right to choose his own destiny
- After arriving on earth, Kal-El was adopted and raised by a mid-western couple
- Overcoming difficulty breathing was one of his biggest problems adapting
- Drifting for a period of time, helping strangers becomes a life obsession
- Upon becoming an adult he uses his other worldly abilities to become a super hero
- Kryptonian technology allowed Kal-El to maintain a relationship with his father
- Pursued by his father’s rival and murderer, Kal-El must fight for his life [7]
Though I appreciated the contemporary feel of the story, I think an earlier film was far better told.
SUPERMAN THE MOVIE: If you were the physically the most powerful person in the world, what laws of nature would you break to get back the one person that made your life worth living? [8]
For those who thought MOS was better than Green Lantern I think there’s an easy reason why. Already a household name, the character Clark Kent/Superman makes for a more familiar protagonist. Essentially audiences were naturally more invested in the film.
If I’m right about this simplifying screen writing trend I believe this short sighted filmmaking will hurt the writing of imaginative fantasy as we know it and rob us of better stories in the future.
Essential references:
——————————————————-
[2] http://www2.warnerbros.com/batmanbegins/index.html
[3] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_America:_The_First_Avenger
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor_(film)
[6] http://greenlanternmovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/
[7]http://manofsteel.warnerbros.com/index.html#index.html?home&_suid=1371426662078030712054250761867
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Hi Everyone!
Please note the Author of this article is Comic Relief. We are having some technical difficulties and had to post his article under my AVATAR until we get everything sorted out. So please direct all your questions to Comic Relief.
Thanks!
Thanks OB.
I totally ruined the film for some fanboys by telling them a friend of mine went to see it and didn’t like it. Unfortunately, I don’t think they are going to go see it.
Paris,
I can’t imagine what motivated your reveal, but I think the movie might have produced the same mind numbing reaction for them that I experienced (had they seen it). I’m not the only Fanboy (with a DC preference) who’s complaining.
I don’t want to displease you but you know the obsessive fanboy & girl legion; if they have an inch they’re probably going to scratch it (eventually).
Obviously I wanted to see this film, but my fears regarding the rest of the DC universe have me feeling pretty anxious right now. Your “friends” may find themselves in the same sad predicament.
Assuming you saw it, I found some of the acting department choices puzzling If you do not mind here’s (or later on the page) some quandary diminishing questions for you. In the past you seemed to have a “take it or leave” attitude toward the Super hero genre yet I’m still curious about what you think?
In the past, Perry was presented as a White male? In fact Jackie Cooper played him in “Superman the Movie”.
Old school Perry and dialogue:
Perry is now being presented by an African–American actor Lawrence Fishburn to be exact. I don’t even know who the last Perry was in singer’s movie. What do you think DC/Warner will achieve with this casting change?
I don’t mind at all that Perry’s ethnicity changed. I love LF but feel sad he didn’t get much time to shine.
You ask a really good question about this later. I cant wait to answer.
CR! Would u see this film again? Actually anyone can answer this question.
On DVD, not at the theatre again. Most of what I got from the film would not impact me in another repeat viewing again.
Paris!
Shame on u! Hahaha! Well I’m going to plead the 5th.
No seriously! I’m not that vain to think Paris was talking about me. So I’m going to let it be known why I disliked the film.
I agree the realism was a great start but I just did not care about Superman. Cavill was very one-dimensional and acting opposite Amy Adams and R. Crowe he got slaughtered. I really love the scene with Amy Adams and R.Crowe the film really came alive at that point. Its a shame Nolan did not have his brother to collaborate with him on this screenplay. My point is this director is way too literal to direct a nonlinear story. Sure his style works for creating realistic environments but this screenplay really required someone who could bring to life visually complex literary situations without spelling everything out for the audience and still maintain a plot.
HA HA! I was talking about you. I went to see The Internship. It was funny. lots of good laughs and a jab at Twilight.
I’m very flattered to be called your friend.
“The Internship” see now I’ll have to go check it out. I was afraid all the good jokes were in the trailer.
Have u seen MOS or do u intend to go see it?
Well you are my friend. 🙂 Would you have preferred the “sharer of my brain”? Which I need back, btw. Thanks in advance. LOL! I don’t know if I will go see it. I’ll probably end up waiting for it to come out on VOD.
Hmm! I like “sharer of your brain” but that might be difficult to explain without sounding crazy. So friend will do.
CR
Thank you for this article. Very well written and thought through. I agree entirely with your points. I saw MOS and I liked it. Didn’t love it like the Batman trilogy or Marvel films, but I liked it My first thought once credits rolled was, “It had so much potential.”
I thought the overall story concept was great. I liked the realism it tried to portray, but there were too many weird transitions and crappy dialogue/not enough substantial dialogue that bummed me out as a Superman fan.
I did love the cast, but felt most everyone was underutilized. What, Dianne Lane had four lines? Where was the character development? I get that there was much story to be told and you can’t spend twenty minutes with each character, getting to know them and emotionally attach to them, but there was nothing with these characters…except one, which I will get too. I didn’t have any connection to the characters, even SUPERMAN! I blame the writing…dun, dun, DUUUUUN! However, Michael Shannon’s Zod was fantastic and I actually felt he was the only character who gave us substance. I knew his purpose, where he mentally came from, and where he wanted to go. The rest seemed to be all over the place or no place at all.
Ok, now for a boat load of questions that you can feel free to answer or not. haha! I just had to share them because they were coming to me like wild fire and I’m sure there are readers who had the same question.
Thank you. Ya know I had not thought about it but Shannon really did put in a standout performance. This is what he said about it.
In the past films Ma and Pa Kent were presented as elderly.
What do you think about the current seemingly far younger (and as many fanboys have stated) far sexier Kents?
This is a great clip too.
See this is bad to admit but I found myself rooting for Shannon and not Superman during the big fight scene.
(I know right?)
OB,
I know you have a very strong dedication to particular actors so that (for me) makes it easier to understand your statements. Clearly you definitely were not impressed with Cavill’s acting.
You say these things yet Zod is not the kind of individual that could be negotiated with in real life. By comparison he was violent and selfish and fairly obsessive and possibly crazy.
We’ve returned to this topic on the site all the time, but do female fans approach, respond or listen to male leads differently than male fans?
Well I can only speak for myself. But it helps if an actor has depth and can make me believe they care and feel something. Regardless if they are portraying the biggest tool on the planet. It matters if an actor adds a bit of their essence and philosophy to a character My point is I go by performance and believability before looks. I hope that made sense?
I agree with OB.
I love you too!
Ah! Dito!
1. Where was the dialogue?
2. Where was the character developmen?
3. Why did we not have more back history of Clark (longer scenes)? Did he ever get over being some brooding, angsty teen? Did he really spend his 20s being a total loner and not talking to anyone?
4. Why didn’t we see Clark and his parents interacting more in the flashbacks?
5. Why did Clark seem SO unaffected when he went into that space ship/capsule/whatever the hell it’s called?
6. Why did he seem SO unaffected when he met his Father for the first time?
7. Why couldn’t we see his training to fly?
8. Why didn’t we see young Clark testing out his new powers with his parents or at least discussing them?
9. How the hell did Lois get on that ice mountain and why the hell did she NOT fall off?
10. What happened to her wound? Is it still there? What was the purpose in that other than to show his super powerful lazer eyes? She would have been dead from that throw against the wall to begin with.
11. How and when did Clark decide that working as a reporter was the job for him, and why the Daily Planet? Did he talk to Lois about this?
12. Why kiss this soon in the story? I mean seriously, when the heck did Lois and Superman really have a chance to get to know each other than him healing her and catching her twice? I mean come on, wouldn’t you still be trying to wrap your mind around everything that was happening because this isn’t NORMAL????
13. Where is the snarky banter between the two? Is that going to come in a sequel?
14. Will Lois always know who Superman really is?
15. Why were these talented actors so underutilized?
16. Why the heck is Perry and his posse sticking around long enough when Metropolis is being destroyed?
17. Is Lois jaded and cynical because she was about as affected by the space ship and Jor-El as Clark.
18. Who is paying to build the cities of Metropolis and Smallville? How is Superman going to help?
19. Why didn’t we get to see Jonathan and Martha discover Clark?
and lastly
20. Was there not one person who ever responded to a man in a flying unitard, invading space crafts, and other alien life form destroying Metropolis and Smallville with a WHAT THE F*@# IS GOING ON????? I swear everyone was like, “doo-da-doo” like this was NORMAL. Yes, I know it’s a superhero film, but if you are going with the realism factor, please insert realistic responses.
LB,
I love you. That is all. 🙂
Paris,
Hahaha! I love you too! Where have you been hiding???
I don’t know whether you picked this up but you are the friend I was referring to.
“A friend of mine, (who also saw the film) recently asked me why so many story points were passed over and I had to ask myself what’s going on with the writing for DC’s non-Nolan helmed movies?”
LB this is a lot of questions yet I will give this a shot.
LB: 1. Where was the dialogue? Why did we hardly get any from Clark?
CR: David S. Goyer exclusively does a lot of super hero work, and frankly it’s extremely uneven to my tastes. No I did not see “Ghost rider” or all of “the Blade” trilogy but those movies failed due to problems other than the character’s minimal popularity. I assume this is only a Christopher Nolan drive by.
I agree, without dialogue we can’t really know who Clark Kent/Kal-el/Superman is. Without knowing there’s little reason to care. Other than career desperation, we have to wonder what did Cavill see in the screenplay to make the character interesting to him in any way.
If I was being generous I would say, Clark Kent/Kal-el/Superman is a corporately owned character. And it must be extremely difficult to say anything interesting/controversial/unique when the character is owned by so many people, and is frequently a source of a great deal of litigation.
Hahaha! I know I miss Paris too. Come out! Come out! Wherever u are?
Everyone,
I’m here! I’ve had alot going on in RL lately and am trying to spend as much of it as I can working and bettering myself but don’t think for a minute that I don’t think about all of you or want to sit and chat, because I do. I miss you guys so much!
Ahh! No worries. I’m just having my Paris withdrawals. Hahaha! We understand and love to hear u are doing well.
Oh and wasn’t The Daily Planet destroyed? How did we go from utter destruction to Clark showing up at work? I though Supeanigjt fly around the earth and Kill Zod beforeetropolis got destroyed. I realize getting way to logical here but I would assume with the Sup’s desire to do good we would see how he handled the aftermath. Ok, I’m getting off my soapbox. 🙂
Another great in site that I didn’t even think about. Where were they standing when Clark walked in? I intend to come back to this later
AWESOME! AWESOME! My favorite question is #20 and I could not have said it better myself.
That is by biggest criticism about Superman I did not believe or care for Superman. I thought come on what and who is Clark Kent. All that time spent on his birth. Yada! Yada! Yada! And I could care less about him.
CR & LB- Do u think it was the acting, writing and or directing that caused Superman’s character to flatten out.
hahaha!!! Could you tell it was very heart felt when I wrote it? hahahaha!!! 🙂
I will start with the flawed script. If it was written better, I think then maybe we would have felt more for CK/S. I think direction and acting would be followed next. An actor has to be able to deliver what the director wants.
Yes! It was a very passionate and observant question.Do u think Superman was too much for H. Cavill? Do u think surrounding a less experienced actor with seasoned actors only works if the inexperienced actor has the aptitude and good discernment?
I dont know if it was too much because his character was really given so little. I would like to have seen more of his CK persona. Christopher Reeve did such a brilliant job of masking his true identity with such a bumbling human CK. I missed seeing the distinction. I dont think Henry has to do the same, but I hope in a sequel we get more CK. And yes to your second question. 🙂
LB: 2. Where was the character development for Lois, Perry, and Clark?
CR: I agree there was none. To know any of these characters you have to know their backstory. In the comics Lois is a daughter of a military general, Perry is an adoptive parent, and Clark (depending on who writing him) is fairly inconsistent of late.
Truthfully I think Lois is a much more powerful character than she is ever really allowed to be presented as. She had her own comic in the 60’s and 70’s yet most of her time was spent pining over Superman and fighting with her arch-enemy Lana Lang (Superman’s boyhood girlfriend). The prize was who would marry the “Man of Steel.” In the real world, Lois’ relationship with this alien would be a constant source of tabloid speculation and she still has to compete as a professional at the planet. Her own celebrity would likely diminish her effectiveness. Perry would likely promote her to editor to diminish her visibility.
To be a big city editor, Perry would also be a celebrity of sorts. Every decision he made would promote a major amount of political and sociological speculation. Real editor are political leaders in their respective cities. The movie did a fair job of detailing the weight on Perry, though we don’t know what’s at stake for him or the paper.
LB: 3. Why did we not have more back history of Clark? Did he ever get over being some brooding, angsty teen? Did he really spend his 20s being a total loner and not talking to anyone? In all that time he couldn’t figure things out and get on with his life?
CR: I completely agree, that was poorly done. As bad as the field has sunk, competition for journalistic jobs is intense. He would not be considered without at least getting a bachelor’s degree before showing up at the Daily Planet.
Also are we to understand, that the atmoshere was so what; compared to Krypton. The movie suggested he spent a significant amount of time learning how to breathe. That was a nice touch but again it did not go far enough.
I don’t know anyone who by concentrating can either see through or burn up a sheet of paper. Kal-el must have different eyes than us. But this would require far more script and story development that this team thought was necessary.
This is very sad because Superman, is one of the greatest heroes because he is a scientific possibility far more than so many other super heroes.
This question is for anyone, I haven’t seen MOS so its general but has anyone noticed that teens/ people in their 20’s are being written/ portrayed as brooding and angsty?
I haven’t seen any of Henry Cavill’s previous work to know enough about the depth of his acting ability so I can’t speak on that.
However, I will say in his defense that perhaps he was told by the director to not show any depth because honestly its a superhero film and men aren’t supposed to show emotion.
Although Christopher Reeve will always be Superman for me, hands down.
I am sad to learn that Cavill doesn’t have much depth seeing as some fans want him as Shura. OK I’m gonna get off that subject before I pop a vein.
I will be back later.
CR,
Haha! I wasn’t sure if you were referring to me or OB. I was hoping it was me. :). Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Your responses are greatly appreciated. 🙂
LB,
I’m pretty sure I was talking to you.
I intended to answer all of your questions but each blurb I wrote kept getting longer and longer and longer. I figured I might be more concise if I did it in real time.
If you chose your three most urgent I would post the answers anyway.
Oh great! Let me go cut and paste!
Hi Everyone!
Let me read and get caught up!
Hi OB and CR!
What have the majority of Fanboys thought?
Hi LB & CR!
Hi LB,
I think it’s a mixed bag.
Because there are so many fans of the genre; DC fans want DC to give Marvel a run for it’s money for the sake of the genre. With the record breaking weekend DC fans will get their wish regardless of an imperfect movie.
Stan lee always insisted that Marvel appreciation always required exclusive buying of that line. Lee was so persuasive many Marvel fans have trouble resisting him.
I think fans in general are happy with the movie’s passion despite many holes in (you name it; plot, characterization,….)
Hi OB!
CR- Why didn’t J. Nolan collaborate with C. Nolan on the Superman script and will they team up in the Man of Steel sequel?
O.B.,
I don’t know, Chris seems to have his own agendas working on another movie that he planned. For the sequel, as much I know Goyer will write independently without Nolan returning. Snyder will direct again.
Oh! Goodness! So it will be 300 meets Man of Steel?
Well thats crappy…
Yeah, that won’t mix well…
10. What happened to her wound? Is it still there? What was the purpose in that other than to show his super powerful lazer eyes? She would have been dead from that throw against the wall to begin with.
I asked this because it seemed to be important to the plot and then there was no follow up. Just like the red head with the glasses. Why did they keep showing him grown up when he didn’t add anything to the story?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
AHAH AHAHAH AHAHAHAH. I totally agree, that was really non-sensical. people really should not direct when high.
“people really should not direct when high.”
hahahahahahahahahaa!!!!
*giggle snort* 🙂
I’ve seen lots of Target ads featuring The Justice League merchandise. What is the future of TJL? Is DC really trying to make this happen and what superhero character is next?
I’m sure they are planning that. I’ve seen press releases that said it will likely happen. Two weeks ago they floated that Wonder Woman and Aquaman were next. In the past that said they would not likely follow a route similar to Marvel’s development.
Don’t forget their commitment to Batman, He probably will not be off the screen for too long.
I fear for WW. 😦
Me too, but it’s never been a more likely that she would appear in a movie. Because of Man of Steel, she is likely to premiere within the next 5 years.
I thought you might like this.
HELL TO THE YEAH!!!!! And shes wearing the correct outfit in my opinion. Now give her a solid script with some kick-A fighting and I’m sold!!!!!
12. Why kiss this soon in the story? I mean seriously, when the heck did Lois and Superman really have a chance to get to know each other than him healing her and catching her twice? I mean come on, wouldn’t you still be trying to wrap your mind around everything that was happening because this isn’t NORMAL????
I know we need romance for the ladies, but wheres the foreplay here??? It felt rushed and unnecessary.
HAHAHAHAH AHAHAH AHAHAHAHA HAHAHAH AHAHAH. I totally agree.
SERIOUSLY!!!!! No foreplay AT ALL. Come on?? He never spoke and kept disappearing after one-minute. Not a good image the director was creating saying Superman isn’t that super.
“I mean seriously, when the heck did Lois and Superman really have a chance to get to know each other than him healing her and catching her twice?”
I know most normal people would have passed out from the shock. The most stupid part was the kiss. What the hell did that come from? I would still be passed out falling from space. Now I like rollercoaster drops but Superman would need to wait until after Lois stopped hurling before kissing her. That kiss scene was not logical at all!
and the lines following it were cheesier than velveeta…My husband groaned quite loudly and I just laughed out loud!
Yeah! ITA with u and Mr. Bells response.
LB: 14. Where is the snarky banter between the two? Is that going to come in a sequel?
CR: HAHAHAHAH AHAHAHA HAHAH AHAHAHAHA HAHAHAH. I’m also curious.
LB: 15. Will Lois always know who Superman really is?
CR: I’m very dissatisfied with that also. The romance we used to appreciate is already over, why should we believe Goyer and Snyder can write and direct a love story.
THANK YOU! Thats what I’m talking about! The sexual tension and mystery are already gone.
LB: 16. Why were these talented actors so underutilized?
CR: Limited talent in the directing and writing.
I love Fishburn and one of my favorite films is Five Fingers. He better be used more in the next film!!!
LB: 17. Why the heck is Perry and his posse sticking around long enough when Metropolis is being destroyed?
CR: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I imagine they had nothing better to do.
LB: 18. Is Lois jaded and cynical because she was about as affected by the space ship and Jor-El as Clark.
CR: Despite your other brilliant questions, I don’t understand this one statement. Maybe I’m distracted or please please rephrase.
hahaha sorry. 🙂 I just felt her communication with and response to Jor El was meh.
LB: 19. Who is paying to build the cities of Metropolis and Smallville? How is Superman going to help?
CR: Despite your other brilliant questions, I don’t understand this one statement either. Maybe I’m distracted or please please rephrase.
I guess I was just surprised to see nothing happening after Metropolis is destroyed by Zod’s machine and knock down drag outs with Superman. How was it going to be rebuilt, especially in time for Superman to decide he needs to get a job? Mr. Reeve’s Superman always put things back to order as best he could.
Hi everyone!
Sorry I’m really late, my internet went all wierd and it took a while to fix. I’m praying I haven’t got a virus!
Hi Ozzie!
I hope everything is o.k.
I second that and Hi!
Hi CR and OB! Thank you. 🙂
I’m all caught up now. Great article CR! I’m a bit sad to hear that MOS is getting so-so reviews. I was hoping this would be Henry C’s break out role.
Hi Ozzie!
LB!!! *big squishy hugs* 🙂
Yes! This role was not for H.C. Being able to read a script is everything. It really matters for actors to have good discernment and motives to build layers of a character even if the director does not. And it starts with a script IMO.
HERE, HERE!
A good script helps. I was worried he may come over as a bit wooden. He was excellent in The Tudors but he doesn’t seem to do well in films (I maybe wrong about this though because I haven’t seen alot of his films). Hopefully he’ll be better in the sequel (there is going to be a sequel, isn’t there? I’m sure I read somewhere it made enough money to green light a sequel). Also because this movie is huge, as in it’s going to be released wide worldwide, hopefully more scripts will come in and he’ll find roles more suited to him.
IMO Television really messes up peoples timing. That was the major problem I recognized between HC and Adams his responses/timing was off with hers. He just wasn’t present in those scenes with her AT ALL.
Can you explain the difference in movie/tv timing?
Sure! Most Television series allow actors to develop characters over long periods of time to stretch out for a season and actors tend to develop slower and more relaxed responses to a situation. However, in films actors reactions need to be quicker because u don’t have the same amount of time. I hope that makes sense? Paris will be better at explaining it than me.
I’ll try. Here goes. If you get confused let me know. Television series are normally 22 episodes per season with each script being about 44 pages long ( a minute of screen time per page) the 44 min is the actual episode running time WITHOUT commercials. Adding in the commercial breaks is what makes the full 60 minutes.
A film is normally 120 pages long. Now if you have a film like BD1 and BD2 that were shot at the EXACT SAME TIME that script in total was 250 pages.
Now, in a television series, the characters have to either be beginning/in the middle of/or at the end of an emotional arc getting ready to go into another arc which will then drive the story forward. However that story has to last 22 episodes. So there is a lot more buildup time and hence a slower arc.
A movie has to take you through a complete emotional journey within perhaps 2 and a half hours give or take.
Think of it like being on a rollercoaster. T.V. series are going to have a decent climb, they can’t peak right away because they need to last.
A movie, think of it like being on a really fast rollercoaster. you get on and strap in expecting one hell of a good ride and then….its over before you knew you left the station so it didn’t really do anything for you because it was to fast.
Good films can throw you for an emotional curve ball and have you balling in the theater.
Mind you, you have to have writers and actors that understand emotional arcs or it isn’t going to work.
Hope that helps.
Paris!
This is fantastical! Love it! U are the best! Thanks for helping me out.
Unfortunately, there will be a sequel. Can’t wait!
Thanks OB, that makes sense. Didn’t think about it that way. As for a sequel, you know I will be there just to see if the script got better or not.
U are welcome but Paris does a much better job in explaining what I was trying to say.
LB: 20. Why didn’t we get to see Jonathan and Martha discover Clark?
CR: They (the suits) probably assumed that wasn’t necessary after 10 years of the “Smallville” also “Superman Returns” covered a lot of the same material.
Intertextuality: “the complex interrelationship between a text and other texts taken as basic to the creation or interpretation of the text.”
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intertextuality
“Intertextuality” is everything for suits and script careless fan boys. They know broad generalizations without doing the reading necessary to rationalize whether they think the work is logical or not. Lawyers, real actors, literary fans, and cinefiles care about a character’s motivation for what they do. They also care about how other characters influence them.
It isn’t good story telling that resolves these issues, understood “intertextuality” resolves all of these issues for the suits and deeply aware of every detail fanboys.
Bless you CR for answering all my questions. I really do appreciate it. The plot holes, inconsistencies, and rough transitions were too much for me to just get carried away in the fantasy due to the realistic nature the film was trying to convey.
So basically more research to make a much more well rounded script?
LB: 21. Was there not one person who ever responded to a man in a flying unitard, invading space crafts, and other alien life form destroying Metropolis and Smallville with a WHAT THE F*@# IS GOING ON????? I swear everyone was like, “doo-da-doo” like this was NORMAL. Yes, I know it’s a superhero film, but if you are going with the realism factor, please insert realistic responses.
CR: If directors don’t show up with a vision for the film; they need actors who will wake them up and remind them they have a job to do. I suspect Goyer, Snyder and Cavill are company men who have little or no narrative compass of their own. Other than contributing the bioengineering sub plot, I don’t think Nolan really was committed to this character. Contrary to the comics: Alfred wasn’t just a servant he was a manor house butler with deep emotional familial ties to his house legacy. He made Bruce a martial artist, weapons connoisseur and military tactician, and he made Ras Al Ghul Ghengis Khan, the Joker a anarcist and a Bane a wayward Prince. HE DID THIS BY DENYING THE COMICS. There were no significant women in Batman’s previous mythology and Chris made Rachel Dawes a serious love interest. When she was gone Nolan went with the girl the comics emphasized. Like Dawes, Nolan would have made Lois Lane into someone we should be scared of.
He probably understood this was a big animation job and left before he made himself unwelcome. Cavill has said in interviews (paraphrasing) that Nolan played little roll in the filming this movie. Unfortunately it really shows! Also when Nolan is serious and committed he usually brings his little brother and playmate Jonathan along for the ride.
Well C. Nolan’s little brother is pretty impressive on his own but the two together AWESOME.
I wholeheartedly agree.
I reaaaaally missed Nolan’s presence and would like to think had he been involved this film would have been MUCH better.
Particularly with a superhero that is the most iconic of them all!
Everyone!
I have to go. CR! FAB, FANTASTICAL article and discussion. LB! GREAT Character Analysis.
Goodnight!
Good night and thank you!
In light of all the questions and complaints I had regarding the movie, I do want to acknowledge what I DID LIKE:
1. I really loved the new superman outfit. It didn’t bother me at all that it didn’t fit the typical uniform. I thought it was very well done and I liked that they made the outfit have a purpose.
2. I liked seeing Krypton and getting more history about the planet.
3. I loved the cast (still debating HC though because I’ve never seen his other work and I don’t think this script gave him enough). I loved Kevin Costner as his earth father.
4. The CGI and sound was fantastic. A little dizzying at times, but very well done. I particularly liked how the x-ray vision was portrayed!
5. The storyline. It was actually a great introduction to Superman, but one them needed to be picked to be the focal point. It was a rough script and hopefully future scripts will be thought through better.
(I loved the Tornado scene with Costner. The hubs was cough*crying*cough.)
“I really loved the new superman outfit. It didn’t bother me at all that it didn’t fit the typical uniform. I thought it was very well done and I liked that they made the outfit have a purpose.”
So u did not miss the red briefs either? IMO the costume was FANTASTIC! That was more believable than the film.
Now why would they leave the dog in the car in the first place? They all bailed out as soon as they saw the Tornado why not let the poor dog out then? Costner did a great job trying to make sense of that scene. But would u risk your life for a dog u could careless about the first time u bailed out of the car?
That was lame and Clark would obviously be the one to get the dog. Also, you never go under and overpass. Too dangerous.
Hahaha! So true! So true!
I wanted to say that as a mom, particularly of a brand new 3 week old, the scene with Jor-El, Lara, and baby Kal-El was heart wrenching for me. I literally cried my eyes out because I could no more say goodbye to my child than anything in the world. My heart truly goes out to all the women who bravely give up their child for adoption. I cannot believe the strength they have to make such an important decision.
That being said, I was disappointed in the actress who played Lara. I didn’t feel the immense sorrow and grief a mother would be/does experience when she has to give up that child and know they will never see them again. I know there was a lot going on in the scene, but if that had been me, I would have been sobbing (like I was) and looking at every finger, toe, ear, elbow, knee as many times as I possibly could before sending him off. And just because you have made a decision to say goodbye early on does not make it any easier when the time actually comes.
Yeah! They had too much going on in that scene. They should hire u LB as a consultant to pump some life and emotion into the next film.
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! What did you think of Russell Crowe, btw? I thought he did very well and I think he made this Jor-El his own.
OMGOSH! I wanted R.Crowe to be Superman. Who the hell cares about age? Actually, that could have been interesting to do an older Superman with issues. Anyway, he brought life and meaning to the entire thing. Every time he came on I thought o.k. now I may be able to get through this mess. But yes my favorite scene is of him and Amy Adams. Now they had chemistry and I wanted to see them hook up quite honestly. Hahaha!
…In #3 is last weekend’s top opener, Warner Bros’ and Legendary Pictures’ Man Of Steel (in the widest release, 4,207 theaters), with $17M-$19M Friday and around $50M…
http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/
Taken from Nikki Finkes review of the weekend of June 21st, 22nd , and 23rd. Fall out from last week’s box office, The character Superman’s popularity has helped “Man of Steel” stay relevant at the box office. All of this bodes will for the all of the lead actor, DC’s plans for sequels and a new Justice lead franchise.
Bad office for “Superman Returns” terminated previous cast and lead actor Brandon Routh, Director Brian Singer, and screen writers Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris and Bryan Singer. Currently, these previous brutal measures make it hard for me to believe that Warner brothers will ignore last weeks’ international and terrible Rotten Tomatoes film reviews.
Remember this is hyper-sensitive Warner Bros. fear about creative management is their middle name. I’m starting to wonder whether all of the creative leadership really has the pass they are assuming despite the break neck production planning that we are hearing about? Not proving they could hit a homerun, I think Snyder and Goyer are not as secure as everyone initially thought. Despite our poor acting reviews, Superman’s popularity and possibly Cavill’s job seems pretty secure.
Thanks everyone for participating in the discussion.
Thought this was fanatastic! It starts at 10:00.
[audio src="http://simplyfilm.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/man-of-steel.mp3" /]
LB,
Thanks for sharing.
That recorded commentary was funny, I enjoyed their critique.
Other than that I’ve relearned not to comment in the middle of the night when I still half a sleep. Sorry 🙂
Friends of mine went to see MOS last night and came back saying “Paris you were right.” (Which I love hearing, LOL) They said the only thing they felt was good about the film was the graphics.
haha! If they had just listened to you in the first place, they would have saved $30!
Well, you did try to tell them.