The Man of Steel finally returns–but this time he feels human. On July 11, “Superman”, directed by James Gunn, was released in theatres, sparking controversy over its exaggerated comic feel and light atmosphere. Compared to the “Man of Steel”, directed by Zack Snyder, the 2013 adaptation had a much darker and grittier tone which did not capture the original comics look. 

Many critics argue that Gunn’s Superman was too “cringey” or did not stick with the same tone as Snyder’s Superman. But, that is the point. Gunn used this new adaptation of Superman to remind society what it means to be hopeful, human and kind. In comparison, both adaptations explored difficult and heavy themes but in different visual mediums.

David Corenswet as Superman

As I watched “Superman” in theaters I fell in love with the message, the way that message was shared and how well the actors executed their performance. David Corenswet–who played Superman–delivered an incredible yet relatable performance. Corenswet’s ability as an actor allowed him to distinguish the differences between Clark Kent and Superman. Corenswet was able to transform into Clark Kent, adopting distinct speech, behavior and mannerisms that set Clark apart from Superman despite them being the same person. Overall, Corenswet captured Superman as a hero and human.

When analyzing Gunn’s Superman, many things became clear, Superman is a symbol of hope and kindness. Within the movie, Superman saves every human being he can as well as every animal–including but not limited to a squirrel–which captures the idea of who Superman truly is. 

Gunn has triggered a cultural shift within our society, where being kind should be the expectation because in the end we are all just human–whether or not we were born on Krypton. Throughout the movie, Lex Luthor–played by Nicholas Hoult–has a severe hate towards Superman and his main goal is to destroy the idea of Superman and Superman himself. Luthor provokes a war–which Superman is trying to prevent–to ruin the image of Superman and essentially rule the world. Luthor represents the idea of power, wealth, and fear; which is why he tries to get rid of hope. 

Superman faces multiple obstacles: Luthor taking his dog (Krypton), being exposed to Kryptonite, witnessing destruction and death, losing people’s trust and being dehumanized by Luthor. Even when exposed to these mental and physical challenges, Superman remains hopeful and dutiful to human survival throughout it all. As well, Gunn exposes that even Superman can be physically injured because everyone has a limit and weakness. The audience sees Superman at one of his lowest points when he is affected by the kryptonite and cannot even stand up. Gunn executes Superman’s main weakness in a way to tell every viewer everyone has a kryptonite. 

Use of Civilians

Another situation in the movie critiquing human hate is seen within the context of a war brewing. Gunn creates two fictional countries, Boravia–a powerful U.S. backed up nation–invading Jarhanpur–a weak and poor nation. Many fans have argued this is a commentary on the Israel-Gaza conflict because of the parallels presented. One of the most impactful and prominent scenes is when the Boravian army is on the edge of the country’s border, ready to invade Jarhanpur. The audience sees a contrast within the country’s resources and materials when the camera scans over Jarhanpur women, men and children–holding sticks, axes, and knives–on the other end of the border, preparing to defend their country. 

The young kids in this scene are trying to hold up a Superman flag, expressing how when humans are filled with fear they still remain hopeful in scary situations. Gunn truly captures the human emotion of hope through these children, because the audience witnesses how even when combatted with guns and trained soldiers, the kids hang on to the idea of Superman. As the scene progresses, the children shout “Superman, Superman, Superman.” The Boravian army has already crossed the border as civilians flee.

One crucial detail, that many viewers may have missed, was while many people were fleeing, one child stayed to hold the flag. As the camera zooms in, the audience sees a soldier, gun raised, approaching the child. The moment the bullet is fired toward the kid, rescue comes and protects him. This is such a devastating realization that occurs in our world, where innocent people, children, and creatures are categorized as collateral damage during times of violence or war. Although, viewers witness an intentional kill towards an innocent boy, highlighting the idea that much collateral damage is intentional. Through the context of war, Gunn reminds humans that we do not have a Superman to save us from our own destruction. 

A major difference between Gunn and Snyder is the use of civilian lives. In Snyder’s film, thousands of people are inferred to have died due to the destruction of the city and the images of people getting hurt. Gunn only shows one civilian death throughout the film. Mali, a food vendor who helped Superman in a fight, was used as leverage during one of Superman’s and Luthor’s confrontations. Luthor was forcing Superman to answer questions that would put other people in harm’s way. 

During this, Mali–who was beaten and hurt–urged Superman not to say anything, repeatedly saying “Do not tell him anything Superman. I have no family.” This type of dialogue is intentional because Mali believes in Superman and thinks that if Mali had no other connections than it would be easier for Superman to say nothing. In the end, Luthor kills Mali with a gunshot to the head. The sudden death shocked Superman and the viewers watching. Gunn uses a civilian death intentionally to represent the idea every single person who dies has a story and importance. The reason for no other civilian deaths within this film is because the city was evacuated and Superman always saved humans and animals during his fights. 

Lois Lane

Apart from civilian characters, another prominent character within the film and within Superman’s life is Lois Lane–played by Rachel Brosnahan. Gunn’s take on Lois is very different from many other adaptations. Within this film. Lois is still a journalist, but is visibly more independent, strong and intelligent. As well she expresses her journalistic integrity by challenging and questioning Superman and his intentions even though she is in a relationship with him and loves him. 

Lois habitually being an intuitive journalist does put a complexity on her and Clark Kent’s/Superman’s relationship. I think this complexity is an important thing to showcase as it relates to multiple peculiar relationships seen and questioned in today’s society. 

As well, Lois is not characterized as a “damsel in distress” since she is not saved once by Superman but rather by saving him. This new perspective on Lois Lane does connect with how women are portrayed in the present day. Overall, Brosnahan’s performance captures Lois Lane in a new light that impacts the story in a positive way.

Family

Many other themes were expressed through this film like family. Superman faces a significant perspective shift when he finds out his biological parents sent him to rule over earth, not protect it. In this scene, the people exhibit xenophobia–fear or dislike for anything foreign or strange– due to their distrust in Superman. In a sense, this scene seemed unrealistic because people knew how many times Superman had saved them; if he wanted to rule the world he would have done so. Although, it does portray how quickly the public eye can turn hateful. Because of this, Superman experiences internal conflicts of who he was supposed to be and who he is. 

When visiting Jonathan and Martha Kent (Pa and Ma)–Superman’s found family–he has a heartfelt conversation with his Pa–played by Pruitt Taylor Vince. Within this conversation, Pa states to Superman that parents are not meant for telling their kids what to do, only there for them as support for when they make mistakes. Pa showcases his feelings when stating how proud he is of his son. This scene acts as a resolution for Superman because he is reminded of his purpose and identity. The idea of family throughout the movie is relevant to Superman and why he is so caring and kind. 

One of my favorite parallels throughout the movie is when Superman goes back to his fortress to heal. One of his robot assistants says he has put on the message from his parents because it soothes him. In the beginning of the movie, this message was from his biological parents, which translated to how much they loved him, but the rest of it was damaged on its transit to Earth. This was the same message that told Superman and everyone else that he was meant to rule over the Earth, but because of the damage it was not known until it was decrypted by Luthor and exposed. At the end of the movie, as Superman is lying in his chair, it is not the message from his biological parents but rather videos from Ma and Pa. This parallel was used in such an impactful way by representing how true family supports you. 

Kindness

Overall, Gunn highlights important and forgotten themes within our society. The entirety of the film revisists the idea of being human. An important conversation between Lois and Superman talks about the idea of being “punk-rock.” Lois tells Superman he is not punk-rock because he thinks everyone is beautiful and kind. Superman counters that claim by saying “maybe that is the real punk-rock.” Gunns wants to show that being human means being caring and kind; being kind means preventing hate from causing harmful events. 

The message is reinforced when Superman and Luthor have their final conversation together. Luthor highlights why he is mad, which is because everyone adores Superman even though he is an alien. The audience witnesses a visceral reaction from Superman as he tells Luther “I am as human as anyone. I love. I get scared. I wake up every morning and despite not knowing what to do I put one foot in front of the other and I try to make the best choices I can. I screw up all the time, but that is being human.” 

Corenswet delivers this speech in a greatly memorable way, leaving a question in viewers mind: If we are all human why do we express so much hate towards others? 

The message of kindness is reinforced even up until the last few minutes of the film. As the images of Ma and Pa are shown in the background, Punkrocker by the Teddybears starts playing. As the scene continues, the camera does a close-up on Superman’s face as the song repeats 

“Cause I am a punk rocker, yes I am

Well I am a punk rocker, yes I am”

This parallels Lois’s and Superman’s conversation of being “punk-rock”. This use of song is restating that being punk rock is being kind, and Superman IS punk rock. 

Rating

Overall, Gunn truly highlights multiple issues, messages and themes throughout “Superman”. Many critics say that the chaotic plot was too hard to follow, but the chaos represents what Superman is about. Superman must always deal with chaos, but despite that challenge, he endures. Many critics are angry because it is not the same as Snyder’s adaptation but rather more original to the comics. Many critics are even angry because Henry Cavill is not THE Superman anymore. 

The exact reasons critics dislike the new Superman are some of the many reasons why Gunn’s Superman is the movie of the year. Some fans may even say it is super or terrific. According to Rotten Tomatoes the movie received an overall 8/10. After watching this movie three times–and watching “Man of Steel”–the humor, acting, message and originality contributes to Gunn’s Superman being a 10/10.