Summary
- Superman II
shifted the superhero genre by exploring Superman’s struggle for a normal life with Lois Lane. - Christopher Reeve’s performance in
Superman II
solidified him as the definitive Superman. - Superman II
remains the peak of the franchise, with subsequent films failing to capture its emotional depth.
As a child of the 80’s, I can vividly recall the days when Superman soared through our hearts and television screens, courtesy of the unforgettable Christopher Reeve. Having grown up with the original Superman movies, I can confidently say that Reeve was, without a doubt, the definitive Superman of my generation.
As a movie enthusiast, I find myself drawn back to the year 1978, when the cinematic landscape was forever altered by the debut of “Superman.” This groundbreaking film, starring the charismatic Christopher Reeve, marked the birth of the modern superhero genre. With its release, it became evident that these films could be financially successful and paved the way for future origin stories to follow suit.
Compared to the original movie, Superman II, demonstrates a greater trust in Superman’s character, particularly Reeve, who elevated his comedic and physical prowess from the first film to new heights of sophistication and humor. The sequel boasts more spectacular special effects and focuses primarily on exploring Clark Kent’s life when he’s not engaged in saving mankind, delving deeper into Superman’s personal existence.
In the movie “Superman II”, Superman encounters numerous threatening adversaries, but his most significant challenge lies in reconciling his superhero responsibilities with his yearning for an ordinary life, particularly concerning his relationship with Lois Lane. Superman is prepared to relinquish everything for her. The film “Superman II” has been subject to debate since its initial screening, primarily due to Richard Donner’s unexpected dismissal during the sequel’s production and the subsequent replacement by Richard Lester. However, “Superman II” has left a lasting impact on the development of superhero films, notably influencing the creation of subsequent superhero sequels, which sought to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of their superhero characters.
Superman Wants a Normal Life with Lois
In the movie “Superman II,” the climactic moment occurs when Clark Kent, under duress from the menacing villain Lex Luthor, portrayed by Gene Hackman, along with other Kryptonian criminals Non, Ursa, and General Zod, reveals his Superman identity to Lois Lane. In this film, Lois comes to believe that Clark is actually Superman and decides to expose him by putting herself in harm’s way, which would compel Clark to transform into Superman to save her. During a journalistic assignment at Niagara Falls, Lois intentionally puts herself in danger by jumping into the rapids. However, it’s Clark who rescues her, not Superman.
Upon Clark’s disclosure of his secret identity to Lois, there is immense joy, as this moment allows Clark to share time with Lois genuinely, having returned time in the Superman storyline to save her life. Post this revelation, he expresses his affection for Lois and transports her to the Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic, where they spend their initial night together. This act underscores Clark’s devotion to Lois, as he relinquishes his powers to be by her side.
In the movie “Superman II,” my admiration for Superman deepens as I witness his selfless choice to surrender his powers to be with Lois. This decision, however, unleashes a wave of destruction and underscores the unyielding nature of his superhero duties, even when they stand in the way of personal happiness. Being an immortal being, Superman’s bond with Lois is imbued with a poignant sweetness, as his heroic vow denies him the chance to live a life with her. Yet, it’s not just the superhero promise that keeps them apart; even more painfully, his need for secrecy forces him to wipe Lois’s memories of loving him, tainting their love story with an unshakable bitterness.
Christopher Reeve Was Born to Play Superman
Christopher Reeve will forever be synonymous with Superman, serving as the benchmark for all other portrayals of the character. Although Gene Hackman and Marlon Brando were given top billing ahead of Christopher Reeve in the initial movie, this move was likely a calculated risk by the film’s producers and Warner Bros. studio to minimize financial losses. In reality, the first two movies may not have succeeded without Reeve, whose comic delivery and impressive physique allowed him to convincingly portray both imposing and serious demeanor in confrontational scenes, yet appear shy and tender in his interactions with Lois.
In both films, Reeve’s performances are rooted in humor, a key factor behind the movies’ success. The bumbling character of Reeve’s Clark Kent serves as an intriguing part of his acting, where the contrast between Clark and Superman is most noticeable through their distinct personalities. Rather than hiding his identity with glasses, Reeve’s Superman disguises himself more through a psychological approach, with his most convincing camouflage being Clark’s remarkable timidity.
Superman II is the Peak of the Superman Franchise
Post the success of Superman II, similar to how Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man series seemed to lose steam after the critically acclaimed sequel Spider-Man 2 in 2004, the Superman film series appeared to run out of creative ideas. This is particularly noticeable in the underwhelming third installment from 1983, Superman III, which seems to disregard the emotional ties established in the earlier film, particularly in the engaging relationship between Lois Lane and Superman.
As a devoted fan of the Superman franchise, I was taken aback by the flimsy portrayal of Lois’s departure in the early scenes of “Superman III.” The nonchalant response from Clark Kent to Lois leaving felt like a slap in the face for those who had invested emotionally in their romantic journey during the second movie, as if the profound affection they shared in the sequel was rendered meaningless.
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2024-08-24 06:01