Man Of Steel: Changes That Could Have Made It Better

Man of Steel, Zack Snyder's 2013 Superman reboot, remains a divisive film among comic book fans. While some praise its darker, more realistic tone and stunning visuals, others criticize its departures from the classic Superman character and its controversial climax. The film certainly took bold swings, attempting to ground the mythical hero in a more relatable, albeit grim, reality. But what if some key elements had been tweaked? What changes could have elevated Man of Steel from a good superhero film to a truly great one? Let's dive into some potential improvements, exploring areas from character development and plot structure to action sequences and overall tone.

1. More Superman, Less Angst: Embracing the Hope

The core of Superman is hope. He's the shining beacon, the symbol of optimism in a world that often feels bleak. Man of Steel, while visually impressive, often feels bogged down by a pervasive sense of angst and brooding. Clark Kent spends much of the film grappling with his identity, his powers, and his place in the world. While this internal conflict is understandable for an alien refugee, the film leans a little too heavily into the dark and conflicted aspects of his character. To improve this, the film could have shown more instances of Clark using his powers to help people, even before fully embracing the Superman mantle. Imagine scenes of him secretly rescuing people from disasters, intervening in crimes, or simply offering a helping hand – all while maintaining his anonymity. These acts of quiet heroism would have established his inherent goodness and compassion, making his eventual transformation into Superman feel more earned and less like a reluctant acceptance of duty. Furthermore, the interactions with Jonathan and Martha Kent could have focused more on the positive values they instilled in him, rather than solely emphasizing the fear of discovery. We needed to see more of the Kents' nurturing influence, fostering his innate desire to do good. More light, less shadow, guys! Showcasing Superman's inherent goodness would have resonated more deeply with audiences and honored the spirit of the character.

2. A More Nuanced Zod: Beyond the One-Dimensional Villain

General Zod, portrayed by Michael Shannon, is undoubtedly a powerful and intimidating antagonist in Man of Steel. Shannon's performance is intense and memorable, but Zod's motivations, while understandable on a surface level, lack the depth and nuance that could have made him a truly compelling villain. Zod's sole focus is the restoration of Krypton, even at the expense of Earth and its inhabitants. While his dedication to his people is admirable in a twisted way, the film could have explored the complexities of his character further. Perhaps showing Zod's internal conflict, his regret over the choices he's forced to make, or even glimpses of his past relationships and experiences on Krypton, would have added layers to his persona. Imagine scenes depicting Zod's loyalty to his soldiers, his tactical brilliance, or even his private moments of grief over Krypton's destruction. By humanizing Zod, the film could have created a more morally ambiguous and tragic figure, making his conflict with Superman even more impactful. The final battle, while visually spectacular, could have carried more emotional weight if the audience had a greater understanding of Zod's perspective and the sacrifices he was willing to make. A more complex Zod would have not only strengthened the narrative but also provided a richer thematic counterpoint to Superman's ideals.

3. The Metropolis Mayhem: Reconsidering the Climax

The climax of Man of Steel, the destructive battle between Superman and Zod in Metropolis, remains one of the film's most controversial aspects. The sheer scale of the destruction, with buildings collapsing and countless lives potentially lost, felt out of sync with the traditional Superman ethos of protecting the innocent. While the filmmakers aimed for a realistic depiction of a battle between super-powered beings, the collateral damage was a major point of contention for many viewers. There are several ways this could have been improved. One option would have been to relocate the final battle away from a densely populated area. Perhaps the fight could have started in Metropolis but then moved to the outskirts of the city or even to a more remote location. This would have reduced the potential for civilian casualties and allowed the film to maintain its sense of realism without sacrificing Superman's core values. Another approach would have been to show Superman actively trying to mitigate the damage during the fight. Imagine scenes of him diverting falling debris, rescuing civilians from collapsing buildings, or strategically maneuvering Zod away from populated areas. These actions would have reinforced his commitment to protecting humanity and made the destruction feel less gratuitous. The controversial neck-snapping scene also needs to be addressed. While the film attempts to justify it as a last resort to save innocent lives, it remains a drastic departure from Superman's traditional no-killing rule. This moment could have been avoided by finding an alternative solution to stop Zod, perhaps trapping him in a Phantom Zone projector or using Kryptonite. A less destructive climax, with Superman actively working to minimize harm, would have been more in line with the character's heroic image.

4. Strengthening Lois Lane: More Than Just a Damsel (and Love Interest)

Lois Lane, portrayed by Amy Adams, is a talented and resourceful journalist in Man of Steel, but her character often feels relegated to the role of damsel in distress or romantic interest. While Adams delivers a strong performance, the film doesn't fully utilize Lois's potential as an intelligent and independent character. To improve this, the film could have given Lois a more active role in the story, particularly in the fight against Zod. Imagine scenes of her using her investigative skills to uncover Zod's plans, providing crucial information to Superman, or even directly confronting the Kryptonian invaders. By making Lois a more integral part of the narrative, the film could have showcased her strength and intelligence, making her more than just a love interest. Her relationship with Clark Kent could also have been developed more organically. Instead of relying on the insta-love trope, the film could have shown their connection growing gradually, based on mutual respect and shared values. Their interactions could have focused more on their intellectual connection and their shared commitment to truth and justice. A stronger, more proactive Lois Lane would have not only enhanced the film's narrative but also provided a more compelling female role model.

5. Pacing and Plot: A More Streamlined Narrative

Man of Steel's plot structure is somewhat fragmented, with frequent flashbacks that disrupt the flow of the narrative. While the flashbacks are intended to provide context for Clark's upbringing and his relationship with his parents, they sometimes feel awkwardly placed and detract from the momentum of the main story. A more streamlined narrative, with fewer and shorter flashbacks, could have improved the film's pacing and kept the audience more engaged. The film also introduces a number of complex plot elements, such as the Kryptonian codex and the terraforming device, which can feel overwhelming at times. Simplifying these elements and focusing on the core conflict between Superman and Zod could have made the story more accessible and impactful. Furthermore, the film's opening act on Krypton, while visually impressive, could have been trimmed down to allow more time for character development and world-building on Earth. By streamlining the plot and improving the pacing, Man of Steel could have been a more cohesive and engaging cinematic experience. A more focused narrative would have allowed the characters and themes to resonate more deeply with the audience.

6. The Tone: Finding the Right Balance

Man of Steel's dark and gritty tone was a deliberate choice by the filmmakers, aiming to differentiate the film from previous Superman adaptations. While this approach had its merits, the film sometimes veers too far into darkness, sacrificing the sense of hope and optimism that is so essential to the Superman character. Finding a better balance between realism and hope would have been crucial. The film could have retained its serious tone while still showcasing Superman's inherent goodness and his ability to inspire others. Imagine scenes of people being uplifted by Superman's actions, finding strength in his example, or even just smiling at the sight of him soaring through the sky. These moments of light would have provided a counterpoint to the film's darker elements, making the overall experience more balanced and emotionally resonant. The visuals also contributed to the film's tone. While the desaturated color palette and the gritty aesthetic were effective in creating a sense of realism, they also contributed to the film's overall darkness. A slightly brighter and more vibrant visual style, while still maintaining a sense of realism, could have helped to inject more hope and optimism into the film.

In conclusion, Man of Steel had the potential to be a truly exceptional Superman film, but several key areas could have been improved. By embracing Superman's inherent hope, developing a more nuanced villain, reconsidering the destructive climax, strengthening Lois Lane's character, streamlining the narrative, and finding a better tonal balance, the film could have reached its full potential and become a more beloved entry in the superhero genre. While Man of Steel remains a visually stunning and ambitious film, these changes could have elevated it to a truly iconic status. Ultimately, it's a testament to the enduring power of Superman that even with its flaws, Man of Steel continues to spark debate and discussion among fans.