The Keating Files: Superman

For about 20 years, Ray Keating wrote a weekly column - a short time with the New York City Tribune, more than 11 years with Newsday, another seven years with Long Island Business News, plus another year-and-a-half with RealClearMarkets.com. As an economist, Keating also pens an assortment of analyses each week. With the Keating Files, he decided to expand his efforts with regular commentary touching on a broad range of issues, written by himself and an assortment of talented contributors and columnists. So, here goes...

Showing posts with label Superman. Show all posts

Monday, September 21, 2020

Zack Snyder’s Messy Super-Jesus

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?”

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Amazon’s “The Boys” - Does Christianity Have a Culture Problem?

by David Keating

The Keating Files – September 15, 2020

My wife and I recently finished a re-watch of Amazon’s series The Boys in preparation for the release of the second season of the television show. The Boys is an extremely graphic (so, a word of caution is offered here for potential viewers) take on the superhero genre. The “heroes” in this television show aren’t so much paragons of moral courage and heroism as they are morally depraved totems of corporate America. Each superhero in the show is far more concerned with their brand identity and with public perception than they are in standing up for the little guy and defeating evildoers.

The main superheroes that the series follows are all close analogues for many of DC Comics characters. A Superman parallel goes by the name of Homelander (this version of Superman is draped in a literal American flag, instead of just saying he stands for truth, justice, and the American way); a Flash stand-in that goes by the name of A-Train; and a Stargirl look alike, who is named Starlight, serves as one of the point-of-view characters. It’s Starlight that is, by far, the most redeemable of the characters in The Boys’ version of the Justice League, as she still believes she can act like a hero traditionally should or would in a superhero movie.

One of the arcs that Starlight’s character goes through in the first season is her struggle with her belief in God and her Christianity. The version of Christianity that is presented in this series is almost as morally repugnant as the warped heroes themselves. It’s clear that the Christianity that Starlight grew up with is a pseudo-evangelicalism that’s complete with rock concert worship, t-shirt stands featuring kitschy Christian slogans, and an inspirational megachurch speaker named Ezekiel. Indeed, The Boys’ Christianity is less there to facilitate an encounter with Christ, as it is to undergird faith in a perverse version of the American dream.

Starlight’s struggle with her faith stems from a sexual trauma that she endured at the hands of another one of the corporate heroes. She attempts to speak about her experience and is quickly told that if she wants to maintain her position in “The Seven” – that is, this show’s name for its Justice League – then she should keep her mouth shut.

Similarly, Starlight attempts to discuss what happened to her in the context of a Christian festival that she attends and is asked to speak at, and is similarly discouraged from trying to sort through the experience in a faith-based context.

The troubling thing, for both my wife and me, was that this was the only version of Christianity presented. There were no characters earnest in their faith who could have been there to lend a helping hand or at least a listening ear. The question that jumped to my mind was: Is this an intentional statement from the creators or have we gotten to the point that this is just our culture’s perception of what Christianity is and has to offer? No doubt, Hollywood has long been filled with edgy atheist types who are constantly looking to take a swipe at the Church. However, if this is simply culture’s perception of the Church more broadly, then Christianity has a much bigger issue.

The Church simply cannot be an experience-driven rally. Christianity is about far more than youth rallies and engaging speakers. It’s about more than just something that unites us culturally as Americans as well. Christianity is first and foremost about a relationship with Jesus and that relationship transcends divisions of culture and country.

Part of what the Church is there to do is to listen to and empathize with the real-life versions of what characters like Starlight experienced. Christianity is, at least in part, about listening to often-times uncomfortable experiences of the people around us. These experiences can stem from people who have been hurt and have been sinned against in real, traumatic ways.

We listen because Jesus encourages us to be a voice for the downtrodden and the oppressed. And when we do listen to those hurts that we all share, then we point them to the answer. Jesus reminds us to, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” It is Jesus who offers a real source of healing. After all, He is the one who has born our sin upon himself and has reconciled us to God. It is in Christ Jesus where we are able to cast off our burdens and receive the healing that can only stem from His life, death, and resurrection.

So, part of what we can do in response to cultural depictions of the faith is to prove them wrong. When a friend or a neighbor carries a weighty burden causing grief, we can listen. When our communities are in crisis, we can be there to help. And when people are looking for some real, classic heroism, the Church can be there to lend a hand. We do this not for our own sake or our own branding, but instead we do it because it glorifies our Father who is in Heaven. If we want to solve Christianity’s cultural perception problem, then there is one thing that we clearly can do: care for the least among us.

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The Reverend David Keating is pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Curtis, Nebraska.

Previously by Pastor Keating…

“Reflecting on 9/11: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?”

Friday, March 25, 2016

Big Thumbs Up for “Batman v. Superman”

by Ray Keating

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice: 4.5 stars out of 5

Marvel Studios and Warner Brothers produce very different superhero movies, and fans of the genre should appreciate this fact. Quite frankly, there’s more to enjoy.

If you’re looking for another “Avengers” movie (and I love those films) when heading in to see “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” then you will be disappointed. But if one is open to an arguably more serious superhero film, then “Batman v. Superman” ranks as a gem.

Director Zack Snyder serves up a rich mix of human strengths and weaknesses, mystery, detective work, action, faith, love, family, sin, redemption, sacrifice, along with a bit of humor. That’s quite an accomplishment for a superhero flick. “Batman v. Superman” certainly offers the wondrous special effects, for example, one expects from superhero films, but they are coupled with a certain emotional and moral gravity.

“Batman v. Superman” also is a film that requires an attention span and some thought on the part of the moviegoer, which were clearly lacking among some in the theater I attended.

As for Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, the choice arguably was the biggest question mark heading into this movie. But Affleck’s performance ranks as the best on-screen Dark Knight yet. Forget Christian Bale, Ben Affleck is now Batman. And to say that he is a no-nonsense Batman grossly understates the matter. This Batman has fought crime for many years, wonders what has been accomplished, and now sees an even more daunting threat. It is Jeremy Irons as Alfred who does a wonderful job acting as Bruce Wayne’s conscience, while mixing in some irony and wit.

Batman’s questions and doubts about Superman (Henry Cavill) center the film. Bruce Wayne and others lost friends, family and colleagues when Superman fought General Zod in “Man of Steel” in the Battle of Metropolis. As a result, Batman sees Superman as a threat, not a hero, and certainly not as a god, as some do. But others start asking the same questions as Batman, including a U.S. senator.

While questions and the debate rage over his actions, Superman goes on saving people.

And it naturally is Lex Luthor, played in over-the-top fashion by Jesse Eisenberg, who relishes manipulating heroes and events.

The resulting conflict between Batman and Superman, along with its resolution, packs a real emotional wallop. The two heroes come to understand that they have a kind of brotherhood, and that they share a common humanity and a duty to protect their world.

For good measure, the appearance of Wonder Woman and other hints of what’s to come in future Justice League movies merely whet the moviegoer’s appetite.

“Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” stands out as a noteworthy, powerful addition to the superhero movie catalogue, and serves as a firm foundation upon which to further build the DC Cinematic Universe.

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Mr. Keating is an economist and novelist who writes on a wide range of topics. His Pastor Stephen Grant novels have received considerable acclaim, including The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel being a finalist for KFUO radio’s Book of the Year 2014, and Murderer’s Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel winning Book of the Year 2015.

The Pastor Stephen Grant Novels are available at Amazon…

Murderer’s Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

Review, or Reminder, on “Man of Steel”

by Ray Keating

(Warning: Includes what some might consider “spoilers.”)

Man of Steel: 5 stars out of 5

If you’re going to the new “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” movie, you should have seen “Man of Steel” (2013). If not, grab the Blue-Ray, DVD or digital version, and give it a whirl. You won’t be sorry. In fact, even if you saw “Man of Steel,” another viewing is in order.

While “Man of Steel” has received some real flak on the Internet (I know, go figure, cranky people complaining on the Internet), it quite simply ranks among the top superhero movies of all time. And director Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill in the lead role created the best Superman on film. It’s not even close.

From the opening on the dying planet of Krypton to the concluding brawl between Superman and General Zod (Michael Shannon) in, above and around Metropolis, “Man of Steel” is visually fascinating and stunning.

But thankfully, there’s much more to the film than off-the-charts special effects. In nearly two-and-a-half hours, the moviegoer gets to know key points about who the characters are, in particular, Clark Kent/Superman/Kal-El, his Earth parents Jonathan (Kevin Costner) and Martha (Diane Lane) Kent, and his Kryptonian father, Jor-El (Russell Crowe).

Jor-El sends Kal-El to Earth to both save his son from the dying Krypton, but also as a way to save both humans and Kryptonians.

Meanwhile, Jonathan understands that Clark is bound to change the world with his incredible powers, but also knows that he will face opposition. Jonathan is concerned about properly forming his son’s character, so that he is prepared for the inevitable, formidable challenges, and ready to do the right thing. In doing so, Jonathan makes some questionable decisions himself, but we see that it’s all done for his son.

It turns out that as Superman, Clark does work to help others in truly selfless ways. The parallels to Jesus are present, and sometimes less than subtle.

In one powerful moment, after Zod arrives seeking Kal-El and taking on Earth, Clark still has not been revealed to the world. He stops in at a church, looking for insight and guidance. As Clark wrestles with his decision, in the background is a stained glass portrait of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Clark tells the priest or pastor that Zod cannot be trusted, but he is not sure about the people of Earth either. As Clark goes to leave, the priest/pastor advises: “Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith first. The trust part comes later.”

Clark takes that leap of faith, surrenders to mankind, and then, on behalf of humanity, he must go to war with General Zod and his soldiers.

By the way, in the midst of the subsequent super-powered conflict, Snyder presents a rather stirring portrait of those serving in the U.S. military, who despite being obviously outgunned, if you will, they stand firm, and bravely fight.

Like any war, the fight is brutal, with damage unfortunately falling even on to noncombatants. And in the end, yes, Superman is forced to take a life. This act has led to much of the criticism of “Man of Steel.” But the compelling, powerful point is that Superman had no choice. He does not want to kill, but given that innocent lives are at stake, he makes the only choice possible with great reluctance. And after doing so, he weeps.

Yes, “Man of Steel” serves up great special effects and plenty of excitement, but in the end, its power lies in exploring the character of the person who is Kal-El, Clark Kent and Superman.