Why Zack Snyder's Impact on DCEU Films Was Disappointing

Zack Snyder's contributions to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) have been controversial, with many viewers expressing dissatisfaction with the changes he made to the films. This article delves into the reasons behind this criticism, focusing on the compromises Snyder made and their impact on the overall storytelling and character development.

The Snyder DCEU: A Mix of Compromises

One of the main criticisms of Snyder's contribution to the DCEU is that his films are riddled with compromises. Several instances highlight how these decisions can undermine the intended narrative and character consistency.

Man of Steel: A Case of Compromised World-Building

The initial version of Man of Steel set the tone for subsequent DCEU films by introducing a Clark Kent who left school and embarked on a laborer's journey before becoming a reporter. This decision induced an interesting twist into the character's story, aligning with the Elseworld concept. However, as the story evolved, this initial setup became inconsistent.

Clark Kent is portrayed as a high school dropout hired to write for a big city newspaper, an element that lacks the depth and authenticity of the classic Clark from the comics. This disconnect between the character's story and the established comic book lore is what frustrates fans the most. Snyder's compromise in changing Clark's background ignored the ripple effects that could have altered other aspects of the narrative, such as his interactions with Perry White and Jenny.

Questionable Story Arcs and Timeline Disruptions

The introduction of Wonder Woman and its implication that she was out of sight for the better part of the 20th century is an example of a decision that was later repurposed and ignored. This inconsistency highlights Snyder's tendency to make changes without considering their long-term impact on the DCEU's continuity.

Further, the introduction of a pre-Knightfall version of Robin, with Dick Grayson perishing in the universe, contradicts the subsequent release of the Nightwing film, which conflicts with Snyder's Elseworld narrative. This inconsistency indicates a lack of planning and foresight in Snyder's approach, leading to further confusion among audiences.

The Influence of Production Decisions

These compromises extend to the overall production, including editing decisions. The Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (BvS) extended cut, while criticized for its flaws, is generally considered a better version than the theatrical release. The theatrical cut's editing choices omitted many of the pre-production elements, resulting in a worse viewing experience for most fans.

The scene where Batman and Superman witness each other's sacrifices to protect civilians was handled poorly, with a dialogue-heavy approach that detracted from the emotional impact. A visual tell, on the other hand, could have been more effective and streamlined the plot, highlighting the significance of their actions without relying on dialogue.

The Unintended Consequences of Snyder's Decisions

The decision to cut Justice League into a one-part film instead of a two-part series also illustrates Snyder's influence on the DCEU. The initial plan for a two-part movie was better received by fans and allowed for a more substantial story arc. The final version, which was hastily cut, resulted in a potentially better story being truncated, leading to a less satisfying viewing experience.

These challenges in storytelling and world-building have left a lingering sense of disappointment among fans, who long for a more cohesive and faithful portrayal of their favorite characters and stories. While Snyder's contributions have sparked fan-based movements and alternative cuts, such as the Snyder Cut, the inconsistencies in his work have had a lasting impact on the DCEU's perception among fans.