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Man Of Steel (2013)

Zack Snyder returns…
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By Jack Amor | June 2013

DIRECTOR: Zack Snyder
WRITER(s): David S. Goyer / Christopher Nolan (story by)

With 300 and more specifically Watchmen, Zack Snyder proved he could juggle trendy visuals with deep motifs. His latest effort, however, sees the much maligned director attempt to rebound from a self-inflicted Sucker Punch and reboot the most famous superhero of them all, the ever elusive Superman.

The set-up is standard. Man Of Steel once again reintroduces Kal-El (Henry Cavill), a super-powered alien from the planet Krypton, who after crash-landing on earth as an infant is taken in by the mild-mannered couple of Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Costner, Diane Lane), rechristened Clark Kent and swiftly suppressed into the human race with a hefty dose of good ol’ American Pie ethos. But when fellow Kryptonian, General Zod (Michael Shannon), arrives on Earth with genocidal intentions, Kal-El is finally forced to embrace his destiny.

Negating the classic theme tune and iconic red pants, Man Of Steel boldly attempts to steer away from the archetypal films of old. Dark Knight Trilogy co-writer David S. Goyer assumes script duties and takes his time to produce a rich and absorbing backstory for Krypton and its pivotal figures. While [producer] Christopher Nolan’s influence lingers in the close examination of young Clark’s challenging upbringing.

Goyer also drops the humour, instead fuelling his protagonists with a raw sense of anger and passion that allows the likes of Zod in particular to truly connect and engage. Shannon chews up the screen with a villain as brutal as he is dominating and offers a more than worthy match to Cavill’s impenetrable, wholesome counterpart.

Where previous incarnations were anchored by Clark Kent’s love for reporter, Lois Lane (Amy Adams), here Goyer allows their relationship to mature steadily, only blossoming towards the latter stages of Superman and Zod’s inevitable showdown, suggesting a more focused narrative around their relationship in the upcoming sequels.

Despite the tweaks, Man Of Steel remains very much a Superman film. From the iconic ‘S’ to the Daily Planet, Snyder utilises these inescapable trademarks alongside a tense narrative and visually enthralling set-pieces to create a just about satisfying mix of style and substance.

Action sequences unquestionably deliver, often bordering on the spectacular and none more so than the final battle. By using a striking and succinct amalgamation of alien technology, weaponry and settings with the human equivalents, Snyder manages to elevate the morally simplified battle of good vs. evil to impressive new heights.

Smartly focusing on the reactions of the humans towards the aliens, Snyder exploits basic human instinct by delving deep into the film’s prevalent theme of alienation. Combining the best of the Donner films with a modern twist, Snyder shows the Man of Steel to be an alien who, when analysed, is no different in nature to your average Joe.

Script…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Goyer’s narrative provides a grounded and gritty reintroduction to the Man of
Steel, exploring themes of isolation and alienation in an attempt to humanise
one of cinema’s most elusive characters. 4

Direction………………………………………………………………………………………..

While it can be guilty of lacking depth, Snyder’s Superman reboot remains an
engaging, often thrilling blockbuster that establishes Superman as a metaphorical
spirit and a symbol of hope with a very human touch. 4

Verdict…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Welcome Zack, Superman. 4