SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE
WHAT IS A SUPERHERO?
Super villains
Batman: Joker, Riddler etc. Guest villain approach
Costume
Even weaponry in many instances is odd for the level of technological development. The people of Mongo have wonderful technology but the Hawk men walk around with spears, and the soldiers carry swards and knives.
In films like Star Wars laser swords substitute for metal swords, whereas Indian Jones has enough sense to shoot the swordsman with a "very adbvanced" revolver
Double Identities
What does it mean? For Superman, the identity is peculiar in that his real identity is the superhero, whereas for batman etc. their real identity is not the superform
In the strip Clark likes Lois, who likes Superman but the affection is not reciprocal, except by proxy. Clark likes Lois who likes Superman who is Clark!
Kind of split personality, but without psychopathlogy.
Superheroes have been equated with America in the sense that by leaving Europe the people fleeing persecution “made some thing of themselves” from hard work etc. Superheroes (and some of the extreme action adventure characters like Dick Tracy) deal out justice because the courts hands are tied.
In the acting aspects of the film one of the complexities is to get the superhero to have two distinct personalities which are somehow linked.
AFTER THE FILM
Early version of comic is at variance with film version in his relationship with Lois.
SUPERMAN possibly first alien that is pro-human. Next maybe Klaatu, then Starman and (God help us - E.T.)
Film has many “flaws” (logical inconsistencies etc.) which generally the authors try to explain in later issues of the cartoon. In the film this is harder.
The film, like science fiction films tries to lock to reality by making some things that are familiar obvious. The Statue of Liberty appears as does the Daily News Building (doubling for the Daily Planet) and the architecture for Luthor’s apartment is that of Grand Central Station.
DOUBLES
Superman and Clark Kent are one in the same, although with very different personalities which are associated with their costume.
Superman and Luthor
Both sport bright color on their clothing. Superman is basically in blue and red, whereas Luthor has a bright yellow shirt, flower and lamps that are yellow. These three are the primary colors.
Lines
Both Superman and Luthor are given to one liners. Superman’s are generally didactic or encouraging. Luthor’s are usually put downs. Both are taken as humorous.
Superman:
Luthor:
Vanity
There are several statements about vanity that are made. One is from Jor-el who says that his son should punish himself for feeling vain – everyone feels it, he need to learn to control it. Jonathan Kent admonishes him for it. Ultimately Superman learns to control it, while Luthor flaunts his abilities. Both are well above the “rest of the crowd”
Performances
Christopher Reeve’s Superman seems well done although his Clark seems to be a bit too much of a Klutz.
SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
The early issues have Superman as apart from the criminal justice system beating the crooks without judicial process. Later (as in the film) he turns them over to police and wardens of prisons.
Trivia
Noel Neill who plays young Lois' mother on the train is the actress who played Lois in the George Reeves T.V. series
Kirk Alyn who plays young Lois' father on the train is the actor who played Superman in the original movie serial.
Do superheroes need super villains?
Superman: Lex Luther etc.
Most superheroes have a costume
Tights common (middle ages) shorts (athletic but somewhat ancient Roman Compare with Flash Gordon
In many cases the plots of the superheres would be fantasy which is often associated with ancient times (Greek and Roman mythology) or the Middle Ages (the time of Merlin etc.) so it is not so surprising that the costume reflects some of this. Capes abound along with tunic like clothing.