Spoilers Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Grading & Discussion
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Having seen both the TC and DC there was something I couldn't put my finger on about them both that left me feeling unengaged and listless, regardless of the spectacle on offer. This video has utterly nailed it and why the film ultimately fails. Thank you for posting it.
Hugo - It also crystallises why Watchmen fails as a piece of cinema too. So anchored in the "moments" of the comic, it misses so many of the point of the characters and themes
Moments over scenes - an interesting analysis. I wouldn't put it quite like that - the problem isn't the moments as such, the problem is the lack of non-moments. Snyder just hates to take his foot off the gas pedal, which means his films don't relax, which means there is a lack of contrast.
Haven't yet seen BvS, but Snyder has done "scenes". Watchmen had some successful scenes: Rorschach in prison (before the fight), introducing Dr Manhattan's lab, most of the scenes with Veidt.
Going back further, Dawn of the Dead is arguably his most successful film in these terms.
This confirms my theory that the script a big part of the issue. But no-one seems able to separate the issues. Even the Nerdwriter reviewer, supposedly having a film maker's insight, makes the fanboy error of assuming that Snyder is responsible for the script. Snyder has a couple of writing credits on his movies, but if you look into it these are largely just story ideas he contributed. Please get it through your heads: ZACK SNYDER IS NOT THE SCREENWRITER.
The stuff about locations seems like pointless nitpicking - ohnoes, they spend a lot of time on a deserted island!
Haven't yet seen BvS, but Snyder has done "scenes". Watchmen had some successful scenes: Rorschach in prison (before the fight), introducing Dr Manhattan's lab, most of the scenes with Veidt.
Going back further, Dawn of the Dead is arguably his most successful film in these terms.
This confirms my theory that the script a big part of the issue. But no-one seems able to separate the issues. Even the Nerdwriter reviewer, supposedly having a film maker's insight, makes the fanboy error of assuming that Snyder is responsible for the script. Snyder has a couple of writing credits on his movies, but if you look into it these are largely just story ideas he contributed. Please get it through your heads: ZACK SNYDER IS NOT THE SCREENWRITER.
The stuff about locations seems like pointless nitpicking - ohnoes, they spend a lot of time on a deserted island!
Batman v Superman tops home video sales. BvS places #2 this year in most discs sold in the first week, behind Star Wars TFA.
http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/batman-v-superman-shoots-to-top-of-disc-charts-1201825810/
http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/batman-v-superman-shoots-to-top-of-disc-charts-1201825810/
Nerdwriter is probably my favorite YouTuber right now so I was waiting for him to do an analysis on Batman v Superman. He did not disappoint.
Just watched the extended cut. Should have been the theatrical release. Of course, it still wouldn't satisfy all those who disliked it, but it is considerably better than the theatrical cut (reminds me of similar situation with Kingdom of Heaven). In each case, the studio blew it with the shorter cut. I already liked the first cut. This cut is one I like much more.
Yes, but Zack Snyder is responsible for developing the script. Look at Man of Steel. The film's script was written by David S. Goyer. Goyer has a mixed bag of a resume. When he's working with himself or with a sub-par director, we get Blade: Trinity or The Unborn or Man of Steel.
However, when Goyer is working with a talented director, we get Batman Begins (Christopher Nolan) or Blade II (Guillermo del Toro). I attribute a lot of what made Man of Steel mediocre to not only Goyer's script, but Snyder's direction of that script. The last act of the film is typical Snyder: too much incomprehensible action and a clear lack of cohesive balance of story or character. Underdeveloped motivations, lack of thematic follow through, etc.
So Nerdwriter, the person who narrated & edited that YouTube video, is addressing Snyder both as a filmmaker and as a director responsible for the development of said film's screenplay. A director's job isn't just to find locations or pick actors. He's also responsible for navigating a script through the development process, from the script's inception all the way to the script's completion and eventual translation to another medium.
Funny you use the word cohesive....
I watched the Ultimate Edition last night, never saw the theatrical cut. And when it was done, my first thought was, this lacks cohesion. I felt the movie was quite entertaining enough, but just past the half way point, my girlfriend and I both felt we were finally getting some plot. Quoting my girlfriend: "They made some very good scenes, they just didn't a very good movie."
The editing was just sloppy.
There was little to no emotional impact. Superman's demise, the kidnapping of Martha and Lois, none of it grabbed me. And everytime Lex had a dialogue or monologue, he just lost me. I dunno, worst Luthor ever I think.
All in all, entertaining enough, Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot were both amazing, and Jeremy Irons made me chuckle here and there. Good enough for a saturday evening with beer and chips.
Oh, also!!! THIS is how you do gay representation. Between 36 and 37 minutes in, Clark's on his way to Gotham, and behind him, at one point, you can see a gay couple kissing. Just like that, nothing big, because it's a normal thing. LOVED IT!!!
Little question..... During a dreamsequence, Bruce sees someone talking to him from what seems to be the future, and this person is surrounded by lighting. I thought it was The Flash, but it didn't look like Ezra Miller, whom we did see as The Flash on the video footage Wonder Woman recieves from Bruce later on. Was that Ezra Miller as The Flash, or someone completely different?
I took it to be the Flash, in time-travel mode. He said, "Am I too soon? I'm too soon!"
See, me too, except my girlfriend and I both thought it wasn't Ezra Miller....
It's Miller. His disguise is doing its job, eh?
It's Miller. His disguise is doing its job, eh?
Damn.....
These are script issues.
Actually, that's first of all the producer's job. When you read about directors steering script development (e.g. Ridley Scott, James Cameron), they are doing so in their capacity as producer.
Two mediocre movies overrated by fanboys because they're kewl.
We're not telling a director anything, we're squabbling among ourselves.
Which are both completely CGI, funnily enough.Pretty good job on the suit and mask then.
Wha....? For real?