Why Do DCEU Films Have a Permanent Cloud on Their Fight Scenes?

The constant use of fog in fight scenes in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is not an accident, but rather a deliberate choice made by filmmakers to address past criticisms. This practice can be traced back to the critically contentious third act of Man of Steel, and the emotionally charged, yet visually destructive fight between Superman and Zod. This article delves into why this trend has persisted and how it has affected the viewer experience.

The Background: Man of Steel and Its Aftermath

Man of Steel marked a significant departure from traditional superhero films in its portrayal of a war-like third act, where the destruction of the city was heavily criticized. The depiction of collateral damage and the brutal imagery of the fight between Superman and Zod left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.

The Fog Effect and Its Origins

Following the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (BvS), which kicked off this trend with massive battle scenes, filmmakers knew they had to address the issues of viewer fatigue and criticism regarding the film's impact. Instead of scaling down these grand fight sequences, the choice was to introduce a veil of fog during the climactic battles. This strategic move aimed to provide a sense of distance and remove the viewer from the direct impact of the destruction.

The Psychological Impact of Fog in Cinema

The use of fog as a visual effect in fight scenes serves several psychological and narrative purposes. First, it creates a sense of detachment, allowing the audience to observe the conflict from a safer emotional distance. This approach helps to mitigate the negative emotional impact of excessive destruction, which was a primary concern with Man of Steel.

Furthermore, the fog can enhance the mystic drama, making the action seem more dramatic and ethereal. This enhancement of the overall aesthetics and mood of the fight scenes can elevate the viewing experience, making the battles feel more awe-inspiring and less like a mere exercise in destruction porn.

The Legacy of Fog in DCEU Films

The fog effect has become a defining characteristic of the DCEU, appearing in subsequent films like Wonder Woman, Justice League, and Shazam!. Each iteration tweaks the technique, but the core intention remains the same: to soften the impact of action while preserving the grandeur of the battle.

This strategy has helped mitigate the criticism of the DCEU, but it has also led to a specific aesthetic that some critics argue is becoming too formulaic. While the fog effectively distances the audience, it may not always justify the endless CGI battles, leaving some viewers feeling unsatisfied.

Conclusion

The persistent use of fog in DCEU fight scenes is a deliberate choice designed to address past criticisms while maintaining the grandeur of the action sequences. While it has successfully created a sense of distance and mystique, the effectiveness of this strategy is now subject to scrutiny.
Let us explore further how this trend has evolved, and what it might mean for the future of DCEU films and their visual storytelling.

Continue the discussion in the comments below, and share your thoughts on the impact of fog in DCEU films.

Keywords: DCEU, fight scenes, Superman vs Zod, fog, criticism