by David Keating
The Keating Files – September 21, 2020
Fans of filmmaker Zack Snyder tend to be either amazed or annoyed by the way he blends modern superhero stories with classic legends, myths, and, oftentimes, spirituality. And we certainly will have more to discuss and debate with Snyder’s now-HBO-Max-approved Justice League: The Snyder Cut on the way.
While the myths and legends worked for the Greek and Roman inspired 300, fans of the superhero genre often find themselves split on the outcome of Snyder’s films. Some praise his dynamic visual style and broody kind of storytelling, while others prefer the more optimistic tone, colorful visual palate, and humorous banter that comes with Marvel Studios’ series of films.
Given Snyder’s preference for portraying superheroes as modern myth and legend, I find myself coming back to his films frequently to dissect what he’s trying to communicate through his trilogy of Superman films.
Snyder first began his trilogy with 2013’s Man of Steel, followed by 2016’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. A troubled behind-the-scenes production for 2018’s Justice League led to Snyder stepping away from the project, leaving Joss Whedon to step in and finish the film. Without detailing the drama surrounding Justice League, it’s enough to say that the film did not accomplish what Zack Snyder originally intended for his trilogy.
Man of Steel began with a reimagining of the character of Superman. Snyder drew on the comic book origins of the character and then took Superman in a new direction. Whereas Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (who were both children of Jewish immigrants) imagined Superman as an immigrant figure or, perhaps, a new Moses as Superman escapes his alien world and finds a home in a new land, Snyder opted to take a different direction. Snyder’s Superman is much more akin to a Christ-like figure. Superman still escapes from his home world as a baby sent away by his parents and makes a home for himself in Kansas. However, in Man of Steel, Superman is now also a savior for the planet. At the climax of the film, Superman flies down to earth in a cruciform pose, while being told that he can “save them all.” Similarly, Superman finds himself in a church, discussing his impending clash with the villains of the story with a priest. Behind Clark Kent, Zack Snyder chooses to frame a stained glass portrait of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
In Batman v. Superman, Snyder continues to develop the theme. Superman was able to “save them all” in Man of Steel, however, in BvS, Superman will concern himself primarily with saving one man: Bruce Wayne. The version of Batman presented in the film was an older, jaded version of the character. This Batman’s Robin has died, his tactics have gotten more brutal, and Bruce even confesses to his butler, “We’ve always been criminals, Alfred.” Many audiences reacted negatively to this very unfamiliar, jarring version of the character. And yet, this is exactly what Snyder intended.
Toward the end of the film, Superman must sacrifice himself to end the threat of a monster named Doomsday. Superman heroically gives his life in order to save Batman, Wonder Woman, Lois Lane, and the rest of the city. As the body of Clark Kent is lowered down from the rubble where the battle takes place, the viewer can see three crosses made from debris in the background. Batman leaves the battle a changed man, vowing to find other heroes like Superman, now having been reinspired by the sacrifice of the Christ-like character.
If this all seems a little on the nose, it most certainly is. Zack Snyder is not shy about using this kind of powerful religious imagery in order to elevate his stories. The only problem that I have with his version of Super-Jesus is the way in which he uses violence. In Man of Steel, Superman does indeed save the world, but in order to do so he kills his nemesis, General Zod. In Batman v. Superman, Superman gives his life in order to save the day and (in a way) make atonement for Batman’s sins. However, he does this not out of submission to any kind of divine figure or by putting himself in the way of those for whom his is atoning, but, instead by ramming a kryptonite spear through the villain’s heart.
So, what is the problem with Snyder’s Jesus character? Zack Snyder uses religious imagery to amplify his stories and yet he doesn’t carry his analogies all the way through to their logical conclusion. If Superman is meant to be a Christ-type, then he should save in a Christ-like manner. Jesus saves, ultimately, not through stylized hyper-violence, but out of humble service to the Father and out of deep compassion for sinners. Admittedly, this isn’t the kind of exciting stuff audiences want to see in blockbusters, so, for now we will have to settle for Snyder’s Super-Jesus, kryptonite spears and all. Only time will tell if he will continue his Jesus/Superman story in the same way with a tale of resurrection in the upcoming Justice League: The Snyder Cut.
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The Reverend David Keating is pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Curtis, Nebraska.
Previously by Pastor Keating…
“Short Message: How Do, or Should, Christians Witness?”
“Amazon’s ‘The Boys’ - Does Christianity Have a Culture Problem?”
“Reflecting on 9/11: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?”
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