Released in theatres last Friday, the latest Superman has the audience gripped, with many flocking into cinemas to enjoy the movie.
Starring David Corensweet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the film depicted an acting masterclass. The reboot was praised for striking the ideal balance between the vibrancy of comic books and the grim realities of life.
However, James Gunn’s latest blockbuster hit has drawn aroused controversy for hinting at deeper sociopolitical sentiments.
Critics Felt that the Superman Movie Was Anti-Israel
To understand the controversy surrounding James Gunn’s latest Superman movie, we need to dissect and decipher the film’s plot.
Boravia, a high-tech and heavily militarised state, is shown inflicting severe damage to a much weaker neighbouring state in Jarhanpur, which is no match for Boravia’s might.
The relentless bombing of civilians in Jarhanpur, including children, has drawn an uncanny resemblance to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, which has seen Jerusalem inflict unspeakable horrors.
Pro-Israel commentators have criticised the movie for fueling biased, anti-semitic sentiments under the cover of fiction and film.
On the contrary, activists have praised the movie for mirroring unfortunate global realities and drawing attention to the atrocities being committed by superpowers.
Director James Gunn has denied any association between his film and ongoing political narratives, stating that the movie revolves around basic human values.
Gunn stated:
“Yes, it’s about politics,” he said. “But on another level, it’s about morality. Do you never kill, no matter what, which is what Superman believes, or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart.”
Emphasising that the plot had moral principles at its core, Gunn intended to portray the Superman movie as a universal tale of kindness, empathy, and love.
The Divergence of Opinion Shows Subjectivity and Power of Art
Gunn, the creator, sees Superman as a morality tale. Political commentators and activists believe that the movie was touching upon ongoing political activities.
The divergence of opinion highlights the subjectivity and power of art. Each viewer watches the movie with a specific lens, which then allows them to compare the plot with their worldview.
That is precisely why art appeals to everyone. The audience has the power to make sense of the movie, which sometimes has the byproduct of generating debate.
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