Visuals in Batman v Superman: A Misstep?

The debate between Batman and Superman fans has been ongoing for decades, with each camp finding reasons to champion their designated hero. However, a recent discussion has centered on the movie Batman v Superman (BvS), where some viewers, particularly Batman fans, have criticized Superman's portrayal. One of the predominant issues has been the film's visual direction. While the visuals may appear impressive, they often fall short in supporting the narrativean element critical to the film's success.

The Critics vs. The Defenders

Many Batman fans argue that their hero is undeniably superior to Superman, sometimes erroneously citing personal biases. However, the critical reception of the film often highlights issues beyond the hero dynamicsspecifically, the movie's visual storytelling. The movie's attempt to make Superman appear as a godly figure, akin to Jesus Christ, contradicts the intention to present him as more human and relatable.

A Struggle Between Visuals and Writing

The clash between the visuals and the narrative in Batman v Superman is a significant factor in its overall impact. While the film's visual effects might appear stunning, they fail to align with the intended portrayal of the characters and their story. This misalignment often stems from a lack of cohesive storytelling, particularly in the visual department. Within the movie, Superman is depicted as an almost divine being, with scenes emphasizing his otherworldly qualities that do not align with the film's goal of grounding him as a more human character.

Righting the Ship: Logan (2017)

To understand why visual storytelling works better in some cases, one needs to look at a film that successfully integrates its visuals with its narrativeLogan (2017). In this film, the X-Men universe's post-apocalyptic atmosphere is not just a backdrop but a crucial element of the story. The visuals work to convey the destruction of the world within the Logan's perspective, creating a sense of despair and desolation that resonates with the audience.

The film achieves this by contrasting the visual portrayal with the actual state of the world, making it feel more desolate and hopeless from Logan's point of view. This contrast between the visuals and the narrative makes Logan a more compelling and cohesive film. The film's design and visual effects enhance the story, providing a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience.

Critique of Batman v Superman's Visual Approach

In contrast, Batman v Superman often presents visually striking scenes without considering their impact on the story. Scenes that aim to elevate Superman to a god-like status can seem out of place and contradictory to the narrative's effort to portray him more realistically. The film's visual choices often appear to prioritize eye candy over story, focusing more on creating awe-inspiring shots rather than enriching the narrative. This imbalance can leave viewers feeling that the filmmakers were more interested in visually impressive scenes than in telling a cohesive story.

The result is a disjointed viewing experience, where the visuals and the narrative do not complement each other. The superhero's strength and otherworldly qualities are often emphasized through visuals, but these visual choices do not serve the writing or the story's intended portrayal, leading to confusion and disconnection for the audience.

Conclusion and Takeaways

The discussion about the visuals in Batman v Superman reveals a broader issue in filmmaking, where visual effects and storytelling must work in harmony. The movie's attempt at elevating Superman to a Christ-like figure falls flat when it contradicts the narrative's goal of portraying him as more grounded and relatable. This misalignment can detract from the film's overall impact.

For filmmakers, this highlights the importance of ensuring that every visual choice supports the story, rather than prioritizing eye-catching moments at the expense of narrative coherence. A well-integrated visual and narrative approach enhances the film's overall effectiveness, making the audience more invested in the story and its characters.

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