Why 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' Strayed from the Source Material

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" took a considerable deviation from the source material, particularly in the portrayal of its titular characters. Critics and fans alike have noted that the characters were significantly altered from their comic book origins, with many pointing to the influence of director Zack Snyder and his approach to 'grim and gritty' filmmaking. The essence of Superman, traditionally a beacon of hope and an embodiment of Midwestern integrity, was instead depicted as a grim and vengeful figure. This deviation from the character's core attributes left fans and critics alike questioning the authenticity of the film.

A Critique of Superman's Characterization

The film's portrayal of Superman is widely considered to be the most glaring departure from the source material. From the start, in the first film of the DCEU, "Man of Steel,", Superman took on a darker, more Bat-like persona. This characterization was further emphasized in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," rendering him a more pessimistic figure than what the majority of the world knows and loves. In the film, his optimistic and hopeful demeanor that aligned with the character's traditional traits was largely absent. Instead, he appears uncertain if he should intervene, contrasting starkly with the heroic ideals he represents in the comics.

The moments of Superman's true nature that did make an appearance, such as in "Justice League," where he becomes more like the actual Superman, serve only to heighten the inconsistency. However, these moments are insufficient to outweigh the overall portrayal of an unfaithful Superman. This deviation from the source material ultimately makes the film feel uneven and unrepresentative of the beloved character that many fans adore.

The Battle of Equals

Another significant aspect of the film that drew criticism was the depiction of Batman's victory over Superman. In the storyline, there is a scene where Batman is seen defeating Superman in a 'fair fight,' which is far from what fans of the original source material expected. This outcome was seen as a departure from the balanced power dynamics of the heroes, as the strength and capabilities of Superman are iconic elements of his character. The notion of Batman being able to best Superman in a straightforward confrontation was considered sacrilegious, given the overwhelming difference in power and durability between the two heroes.

For a more faithful portrayal of Superman, fans often advocate for the cinematic interpretation of Christopher Reeve, particularly in the film "Superman: The Movie." Reeve's Superman is a testament to the character's capabilities and strength, and his portrayal is widely respected by both critics and fans alike. Additionally, characters like Wonder Woman and Captain America in their respective first solo films also offer a more fitting depiction of Superman's heroic traits, as they embody traditional virtues of heroism and integrity.

Personal Reflection

The author of this article finds themselves appreciating Batman movies and Bruce Wayne's enigmatic persona. However, the film's portrayal of Superman, especially the moment where he was 'helpless' in the face of Batman's precocity, was a major letdown. While it is acknowledged that Bruce Wayne is an extraordinary character, Superman's role cannot be diminished by simply being rendered 'helpless,' especially by another human. While Superman can be shown to be temporarily down, he cannot be defeated.

"Superman barely escaped with his life by taking the name of Martha,“ and this particular moment is seen by the author as the final blow to what could have been a great film. This scene is indicative of the film's failure to properly capture the essence of Superman and align with the source material. Despite these shortcomings, the author admits to enjoying Batman and Batman movies, recognizing the significant character of Bruce Wayne in the broader scope of superhero cinema.