Alan Taylor vs. Patty Jenkins: The Dark World's Romance and Its Future

The question remains: if Alan Taylor leaned too hard on the romance subplot in Thor: The Dark World, would it have been much better with it being closer to Patty Jenkins’ vision of the film?

Patty Jenkins had left Thor 2 before filming, and her absence was felt in the film's narrative. Part of her vision included a more significant focus on the romantic aspects of the film, particularly showcasing a headstrong woman who could understand Loki's pain, rather than a man writer who might struggle to convey the depth of emotions required from a character like Loki. A female writer could have grasped the emotions of a broken God like Loki better, potentially adding a layer of compassion and depth that might have improved the film's overall emotional impact.

However, a critical analysis of the film suggests that making too significant a shift in the storyline might not have resulted in a more engaging experience. If you consider the scenes withCurv Portman, fast-forwarding through the melodramatic exchanges and focusing instead on the hard science hypothetically handled by Eric, it would only amplify the strengths of the film as it stands. The movie is a synthesis of action, comedy, and political drama, and streamlining the romance subplot might have diluted the impact of these elements.

Emphasis on Romance and Its Impact on the Plot

The final version of Thor: The Dark World did not put enough emphasis on the romance. It only occasionally explored how the relationship affected Thor and Jane, and the majority of the focus was on action sequences, comedy, and Loki's schemes. Imagine if Jenkins' vision had been realized—her plan for the film included a "Romeo-and-Juliet-esque space opera" that hinged on the separation of Thor and Jane Foster. It would have provided a deeper context for Jane's character, moving beyond the misconception of her as a disposable love interest.

Jane and Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are known for their duality and mutual growth. Both started out as selfish and opinionated, and it took mutual losses to lead them to understand each other better. Jane's friends give Thor purpose, validation, and a reason to fight, live, and die for something beyond his personal glory. This mutual influence and inspiration are at the heart of their relationship, setting it apart from others like Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, which are more about balance rather than complementing each other.

One can only speculate what Jenkins' storyline might have entailed. Her approach would have likely included Thor destroying the Bifrost in the film and forcing both Thor and Jane to weigh their relationship against the fate of the universe. This would have provided a more substantial narrative connection, adding depth and emotional complexity to the film.

Conclusion: A More Enhanced Relationship

Yes, the overall film and the romance in particular would have been better in the hands of Patty Jenkins than in Alan Taylor's. Her vision would have given Jane Foster's character more depth and the romantic subplot more impact, ultimately enriching the film's narrative. While the current version of Thor: The Dark World is undoubtedly a robust and engaging movie, a more subtle emphasis on their relationship could have strengthened the emotional core of the story, intertwining it more seamlessly with the epic action and comedy.