Why Do Recent DC Movies Feel Like Indian Action Films?

As a digital marketing specialist at Google, I reflect on the question often posed by viewers and critics alike: 'Why do recent DC movies, such as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, and Wonder Woman 1984, feel reminiscent of Indian cinema?' While I’m not an Indian film buff, my years of analyzing media and entertainment trends have helped me gain insights into this observation.

Common Cinematic Techniques

One of the key reasons for the similarities stems from the shared techniques used in visual storytelling. Indian films, regardless of genre, have a distinct flair that blends elaborate sets, grand choreography, and intricate plots to create a visually rich experience for audiences.

This is not dissimilar to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies, where the scale of action scenes, the involvement of international stunt crews, and the digital editing processes can have a similar look and feel. Digital effects that are often outsourced to film houses around the world contribute to this uniformity in visual presentation.

Global Influences in Hollywood

Hollywood, being a global media juggernaut, incorporates elements from various cultures to enhance its marketability and appeal to diverse audiences. Stories, visual aesthetics, and plot devices are adapted and recontextualized to fit the cultural sensibilities of different regions. For instance:

Horrors from Japan (J-Horror) Kaiju monsters and effects (often inspired by Godzilla and other Japanese creations) Hong Kong action movies (known for their high-octane stunts and choreography) Comic book styles and stories (cultural elements from various sources)

These influences are seamlessly woven into Hollywood’s storytelling to create a blend that resonates with audiences familiar with these international film cultures.

Russian Sci-Fi Influences in the DCEU

Personal observations from my time analyzing the DCEU movies reveal a distinct Russian sci-fi flavor. Films like Night Watch and Day Watch, both produced by the Russian film studio Studio Mosfilm, showcase a blend of intricate visual effects, sophisticated plot structures, and a darker tone that is often compared to the DCEU.

In these movies, the blend of magic, technological advancements, and traditional storytelling techniques creates a rich and atmospheric experience. Similarly, the DCEU has its roots in combining elements from various genres and international styles, resulting in a unique, but sometimes familiar, visual and narrative landscape.

Early Influences of Indian Cinema

Interestingly, the Indian cinema scene has a long history of creating visually striking films. From the grandiose sets of Mughal-e-Azam to the intricate dance sequences of item numbers, Indian cinema has always strived to create a spectacle. This aesthetic can also be seen in the later films of the DCEU, where the blend of traditional superhero narratives with modern visual effects creates a unique cinematic experience.

Moreover, the storytelling techniques in Indian films, particularly their use of elaborate action sequences, suspenseful plots, and the incorporation of traditional folklore, can be paralleled with the visual richness of DCEU movies.

Conclusion: A Blend of Global Influences

In conclusion, the similarities between recent DCEU movies and Indian cinema are a testament to the globalized nature of the film industry. Both genres draw from a rich tapestry of traditions, techniques, and storytelling methods to create visually stunning and engaging films. While I may not be a die-hard fan of Indian cinema, my analysis confirms that the interconnectedness of the film world is making the lines between different cultural film styles increasingly blurred.