Friday, 14 June 2013

Man of Steel

"In my world it is not an "S". It is a symbol of hope" – Kal El (Henry Cavill) to Lois Lane (Amy Adams). And from this day on, it will stay as hope for everyone. But the timeless symbol will never cease to mean what it has meant to billions across the world for 74 years to date. It will always remain the symbol for - SUPERMAN. Zack Snyder has only added more reason to the symbol and I doff my hat to him.



Snyder takes his time to build on the sequence of events that led to the existance Superman in a current day scenario i.e. the 21st Century. The efforts of Jor El (Russel Crowe) and Lara Lor Van (Avelet Zurer) to ensure that Kryptonians get what they should rightfully have - the power of choice. An effort that is stalled but not stopped by the efforts of General Zod (Michael Shannon) who doesn't believe in it.
Kal El is transported just in time to a planet far far away but one that is much less harsh in living conditions - EARTH. Here, he is bought up by a Kansas Couple of Johnathan (Kevin Costner) and Martha (Diane Lane) Kent. They not only take care of him but also teach him the value of keeping his strengths to himself - because the world as we know it, is far from ready for a power like him. But with General Zor attacking earth, there is little that Clark - as he is known now - can do to keep his identity a secret.
I love the way Snyder has treated the story. The narration follows chronological order only for about 15 minutes when the Krypton story is being told. After that, it shuttles between Clarke Kent and Kal El continuously. As a question pops into your head, the answer pops up on screen with a back story. The puzzle falls into place bit by bit. As if he is playing with the audience by first frustrating them with a slow build up and just at u reach a point of being bored, he injects you with an adrenaline shot from the past.
A technique that has been mastered by a certain Christopher Nolan. And at this point, I am forced to ask a question of Zack Snyder - was it just you who was involved in making this piece of work or was there at least a 50% (if not more) involvement of the great man cited a few lines back. An alternative theory suggests that Nolan has opened a school for directors and you were his favourite student. Advance apologies for doubting your skills but there is just so much of Nolan in the movie that I could not help it.
I love the way modern day film makers are getting comic book heroes from mere animation on paper into live form that can nearly be touched. I also love the liberties they are taking with the story line. But most of all, I loved the treatment given to the costume.  The Bright Blue associated with the Man of Steel makes way for a granular deep navy blue shade that looks supremely powerful – apt for our hero.
Is there anything at all wrong with the movie.  Of course.  There are some shots where the use of green screen is obvious.  The fight between General Zod and Kal El causes so much destruction that you would think Snyder hasn’t moved on from Sucker Punch (one of his previous flicks).  And one wonders whether the romantic angle between Lane and Kent was absolutely necessary here.
Having said that, you will love the move for sure because the pros far outweigh the cons.  Watch it with or without your kids it is upto you.  But either ways,  do not miss this one because Superman has finally been given his due after several botched attempts. I can easily say this is an 8 on 10.  I hope you agree with me.  Have a great weekend.

1 comment:

  1. An alternative theory suggests that Nolan has opened a school for directors and you were his favourite student. Advance keitonengineering.co.uk apologies for doubting your skills but there is just so much of Nolan in the movie that I could not help it.

    ReplyDelete