5 – What is the single biggest moment that you think connected/disconnected the audience with the film?
Stephan:
The biggest disconnect was probably the dark and serious tone. Many think Superman shouldn’t be dark and that Batman was too “I’m the goddamn Batman” dark. I liked that the film addressed the body count at the end of Man Of Steel, but I don’t think people bought Superman as a hero. I disagree with all this, but it’s a big common complaint.
The biggest connection for most people (not for me) will be the action. BVS is a gorgeous film with a lot of money shots. The action sequences Zack Snyder and team create are not “been there, done that” type sequences. The final hour is breathtaking.
Doug:
This was a movie that featured both Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman on screen together. For people who wanted to like it, that’s all they needed to connect with the film. Because, to be honest, I can’t think of one particular moment that an audience member would have been like ‘hell yeah, this is great!’.
As for the disconnect part, well that’s even harder to narrow down. The Marthabat dream? The third monologue about god less than 40 minutes in? The hilariously obvious plot points? The senate meetings? The bizarre news piece that passed for plot? The time travel? The inability to give Superman defined powers? The over the top Luthor? The fact that Bats and Supes didn’t fight? Batman going on a killing spree?
Again, that’s just a few that came off the top of my head for the list is looooooooooong. Take your pick, I suppose.
6 – Overall, what do you think is making it so divisive and how will that affect the DC film brand?
Stephan:
The Transformers franchise has taught us that as long as something makes money, the director can keep doing what they’re doing, regardless of fan bitching. I’m glad that we will get to see Zack Snyder’s vision of the Justice League. I hope the series continues on this unique and thoughtful path.
I think it’s divisive (and I’m not just saying this to be mean or cheeky) because audiences are used to plotless superhero films that rely on charm and comedy. I want more Watchmen and less Iron Man. The world seems to disagree right now.
Doug:
Regardless of personal bias, the reason why this film is so divisive is due to what the audience wanted from it. If you’re going to give me a gritty, violent, mystery that unravels in a slow burn, then there’s a few things you need. You have to keep the silly to a minimum, you have to be cohesive and you have to give some misdirects to make me question what’s happening. This film did none of this. There certainly are reasons to like this movie but you have to overlook a whole boatload of issues and that’s where the division lies. Some people are okay with problems as long as they get Superman and Batman. Others can’t see past the issues and that becomes the focus.
As for how this effects the DC brand, the answers are going to be clear by Saturday. If BvS can hold on to a big chunk of its audience without any direct competition, DC will be fine down the line. If it can’t, well, they’re in trouble.
Though, Snyder directing JL with Goyer still on penning duties will keep me away from a movie I have desperately wanted to happen since I was a child.
Final Thoughts
Stephan:
I really loved this film, and I’m truly shocked at how many people dislike it. Watch it and give it some thought. And if you’re interested in more “pro-BVS” thoughts, check out my editorial “You’re All Wrong: The State Of Modern Superhero Films”.
Doug:
I was insulted as a comic book fan by the shoehorned in references that actually hindered the film. If you can’t make them work organically, don’t put them in. Drawing on the source material is good enough for fans.
I was also insulted as a film goer. Usually, logic fails in a superhero movie are easily ignored because there aren’t really Krypotonians either. But when they stack up so egregiously along with MASSIVE plot holes that begin to feed off of each other to make up the entire film I’m watching, you’re insulting my intelligence. You can’t simply wow me with some explosions and hope I don’t notice everything else you’ve done wrong in a movie. DC shouldn’t be taking the Transformers approach to their heroes.