"This means something" - To be human - Part 1

Why the Snyder Cut?
Because 3 words…”this means something”

Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and Batman v Superman are not just big-budget, visually spectacular, Superhero action films. They are in part those things, yes, but they are also so much more. In fact to some extent, I don’t consider them to be mere ‘Comic Book Movies’ in the classic sense. I think of them as deeply philosophical and dramatic humanist character studies, featuring the world’s most famous Comic Book characters – where the heroes and villains function as mirrors and prisms through which we deconstruct, observe, reflect, scrutinize, and celebrate our own humanity.

These films unapologetically break through the standard conceptual and narrative barriers that constrain most of the Superhero genre to boldly explore existential questions about the human condition. And what better lens to hold up and through which to peer into and reflect upon the complex contradictions and virtues of humanity, than through the eyes, the mind, the very life and soul of the ultimate ‘outsider’ looking in – that of Kal-El, Clark, The Superman. A non-human god-like alien, who is endowed with the absolute power, and freedom of will, to construct his own image and forge his own path towards what it means to be a man – to be human.

At a superficial level the human condition may be defined as “the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality”. These opaque human characteristics are clearly evident on the surface and in the outline encapsulating Zack’s Superman story to date (that is, to the end of Dawn of Justice). But what I find more compelling, and the primary driving force for my interest and advocacy for the Snyder Cut of Justice League, are the more philosophical sub-themes that are present beneath the surface, running throughout Man of Steel and Batman v Superman that get to the core of the humanity of the characters.

Abstract concepts such as: free will & destiny; agency & consequence; hope & faith; morality & obligation; perception & truth, redemption & rebirth.
These recurring themes have run deep within the veins of the DCEU so far, including the other Snyder-produced films (Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman), but most notably in the Superman focused films; Man of Steel & Dawn of Justice.
Unfortunately, save for a few minor hints at something greater and more meaningful in the trailers, deleted scenes (and remnants within the Theatrical Cut), these key themes are suddenly and notably absent in WB’s Justice League (2017).

This is the basis upon which I advocate “Why the Snyder Cut?”
Zack Snyder’s Superman saga was meant to mean something. It was meant to be an epic-scale allegory for the human condition with Kal-El – the first human, essentially, of Krypton at its core. Being, in a sense, the ‘first human’ of his kind makes him the perfect template mould, the ideal blank canvas upon which to project ourselves and have reflected back on us what it means to be human. For me, the expectation was that Justice League would finally fulfil the dream of The Superman – bringing him full circle from Man of Steel – and that the ‘Beautiful Truth‘ of his existence – as symbol of hope and optimism and a force for good for all of humanity – be finally realized.

Alas, that was not to be the case. Superman did return, but his return felt somewhat pedestrian and utilitarian, harkening back to the past more in service to a certain segment of the audience rather than looking forward towards the Man of Tomorrow, to being in service of the character, the story, and to the grand overall allegorical arc – which offered a promise of Hope for the people of Earth as prophesized in Man of Steel. The people of Earth, for the first time, felt like they were not really a character or consideration in a DCEU film.

I find it hard to believe that all of the world building, storytelling and philosophical groundwork laid out in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman were not going to be followed up with equal care, attention, and epic vigour in Justice League (whether that was to be delivered as a single film or two part release).
For now we can only speculate about what was to be, and advocate passionately for Zack’s vision to be fully released and realized at some point in the future.

In Part 2 of this article, I will dive deeper into each of the abstract themes referred to above and comment on their place, purpose, and intent – as I interpret them – in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. I will also point towards where I believe these themes were likely to be further developed and realized in Zack Snyder and Chris Terrio’s uncompromised treatment of Justice League, and by virtue of this continue to advocate for the release of the Snyder Cut.
If it so happens to be announced, or released, in the meantime – then I may need to rewrite.

I hope you will join me in the sun for Part 2…