WHAT THE iconic comic figure does is more nuanced; from saving a squirrel mid-battle to safeguarding an entire nation, Superman models empathy, speaks truth to power and stands with the little guy—not as a god, but as a man trying to live by example.
Arguably the most recognizable superhero in the last decades, comic artists Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel’s creation has become a symbol of hope and justice through decades of storytelling that has withstood the test of time.
In director James Gunn’s Superman, the legendary DC Comics hero is played by David Corenswet, who appeared in the television series House of Cards and in the films Look Both Ways and Twisters
Superman premiered in the Philippines on July 11, marking the first film in the DC Universe’s (DCU) Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. As the first film in the chapter, it introduces the universe and opens the ongoing storyline of the DCU.
Superman’s identity, beginning with his appearance in the series The Adventures of Superman (1952), to his most recent venture in Gunn’s work, has illustrated an evolution of what it truly means to be a superhero. And, it seems that the newer adaptations showcase a darker, more flawed hero rather than the picture-perfect superhuman.
Superman faces unexpected consequences following his intervention in an international conflict. He must establish not only to the people of Metropolis but to the world that he is their protector after his archenemy, billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), concocts a scheme to turn public sentiment against him. Superman tries to win back public support with the help of reporters Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), and his Justice Gang colleagues.
What elevated the film from mere genre fare is its politically conscious subtext. Gunn avoided simple ideas of good and evil, and instead showed a complex view of power, the misuse of nationalism and the role of the press.
Superman resonated with the complexities of contemporary issues among Israel, Palestine and their neighboring countries. Gunn weaved real-life tensions into the narrative, highlighting themes of fear and mistrust of authority. The narrative of Superman saving Jarhanpur from the invasion of Boravia was the film’s nuanced take on the lived conflict in those areas.
What Gunn did is emphasize empathy and understanding over greed for power. The film effectively captured these realities, challenging viewers to confront their biases and recognize the shared humanity that transcends cultural divides.
Superman further enlaced action and social commentary through Luthor, who is portrayed as a cunning billionaire with a thirst for power. He fuels public distrust toward Superman by portraying him as a foreign threat whose goal is to conquer Earth. The metaphor of the “outsider” resonates with contemporary anxieties surrounding minorities. As an alien from Krypton, Superman embodies the fear and suspicion often directed toward those perceived as different. His struggle for acceptance in a society that views him with caution mirrored real-world tensions over cultural differences and immigration.
Luthor’s actions showed how the wealthy can influence public opinion and create tensions between greed and honesty. This iteration of Superman entertained with gripping narratives and spectacular visuals. Gunn provoked thoughts about heroism in a world overpowered by ambiguous, powerful figures.
This framing also allowed Superman to revisit the age-old question: What does it mean to be human? Superman’s choice to identify with humanity despite being a Kryptonian becomes a radical act of solidarity. Gunn does not shy away from this tension. He put Superman in confrontation with Luthor and the government figures attempting to control, regulate and surveil him.
The Daily Planet newsroom, a news agency in Metropolis where Superman’s alter ego Clark Kent and his reporter colleagues work, also provided another layer to the political discourse of the film. Lane, a Daily Planet reporter, seeks the truth behind Kent’s interview with Superman. His report, which features his own alter ego, stirs discussions on conflict of interest, almost as if Superman used Kent to cleanse his image before the public. Kent illustrated a clear breach of the ethical standards expected of journalists.
The struggles of Superman embodied the tension between individual rights and security as he navigates a world where privacy is compromised. Mirroring real world concerns about surveillance and its implications on democracy, the film also touched upon government overreach and how it leads to a climate of distrust and fear. Superman prompted viewers to consider the balance between freedom and safety in an era marked by invasive monitoring.
The film maintained a balance between grandeur and grit. The color palette is brighter than the grim-hued vision of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), but avoided reverting to Christopher Reeve’s 1980s Superman nostalgia. Cinematographer Henry Braham captured the alien beauty of Superman in flight while grounding him in believable, tactile environments.
Gunn used Teddy Bears and Iggy Pop’s Punkrocker and Noah and Whales’ 5 Years Time to enhance the emotional depth and thematic resonance of the film. The latter’s upbeat tune being played during a battle between Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and the mercenaries of Luthor was a terrific take on Gunn’s end. The song worked in harmony with Mister Terrific’s movements, making them seem more effortless.
With all of its jam-packed action scenes however, Superman’s 129-minute runtime undeniably forced its characters to move in an overstuffed, fast-paced plot that left little room for character development. Despite its flaws, the actors’ craft is the strongest part of the film. Led by Corenswet’s and Hoult’s convincing characterizations, the film set the stage for the upcoming films in the DCU.
Superman critiqued the messianic tendencies often associated with superheroes by portraying the protagonist as an outsider who must earn acceptance rather than simply rescue humanity. This adaptation emphasized heroism grounded in community engagement and moral courage, showcasing his efforts to connect with those who fear him.
This evolution mirrors the legacy of Superman, as his portrayals shift from an eponymous savior to a more relatable figure who confronts the realities of being an “outsider” and the public scrutiny that accompanies it. F – Ren Sophia Bughaw
Looks AI-generated. UST can do more than this.