A Divine Interpretation of Batman v Superman
Published on Apr 24, 2016
In the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Henry Cavill's Superman is very reminiscent of Jesus Christ.
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Batman v Superman
A divine interpretation
by Jacob Englert
From a critic standpoint, the film was good, but not great
This is a great movie to go see when hanging out with friends, or just to watch at home.
However, it will not be pulling in many film awards, if any.
However, it will not be pulling in many film awards, if any.
Pros
- "Batfleck"
- Special Effects
- Intense Action
Ben Affleck put in a phenomenal performance, proving he was an adequate replacement for Christian Bale.
The special effects made for a very visually aesthetic picture throughout all scenes.
Intense fight sequences keep the viewer entertained throughout the 153 min film.
The special effects made for a very visually aesthetic picture throughout all scenes.
Intense fight sequences keep the viewer entertained throughout the 153 min film.
Cons
- Poor Casting Choices
- Bad Reviews
- Gaping Plot Holes
Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor was trying to be like Health Ledger's Joker too much.
Many critics gave the film poor reviews, which led to it having a record-setting drop in revenue from opening day to the end of opening weekend.
There were a few huge plot holes as well.
Many critics gave the film poor reviews, which led to it having a record-setting drop in revenue from opening day to the end of opening weekend.
There were a few huge plot holes as well.
I enjoyed the film, but one thing I examined in greater depth was the prevalent commentary on Christianity
The film definitely has a religious commentary. It includes godly themes like omnipotence, love, and resurrection.
Photo by Pict-your
The primary conflict was that of
Man v God
The main conflict in the film was Man v God. Superman has become a God since his arrival on Earth two years prior, but many people, including Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) and Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), are out to put a stop to it.
Obviously Superman isn't Jesus...
But how are they alike?
The idea of Superman is very religious itself, and director Zack Snyder intended for his Superman to be a religious figure of sorts.
1. Neither are from Earth
Neither Jesus nor Superman are from Earth. Jesus is the Son of God, and Superman is the Son of Krypton.
"When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him" (Matthew 3:16)
When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan river by John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove, and God audibly proclaimed, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Untitled Slide
Superman is clearly not of Earth because of his supernatural abilities. His home planet of Krypton has a much stronger gravitational force than Earth, and this is what creates the illusion of super strength and the ability to fly.
2. They both were put on trial by man
Both Jesus and Superman were hated by many, and even forced to follow mankind's justice system.
Photo by SalFalko
The Trial of Jesus
Jesus stood trial before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, where he was found guilty of blasphemy and sentenced to death.
This image is from the Passion of the Christ.
This image is from the Passion of the Christ.
Superman on Trial
In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Superman went on trial before the United States Senate. No ruling was reached, but people were afraid he was abusing his power.
Kentucky Senator Finch (Holly Hunter) says, "The world has been so caught up with what Superman can do that no one has asked what he should do."
Kentucky Senator Finch (Holly Hunter) says, "The world has been so caught up with what Superman can do that no one has asked what he should do."
3. Both surrender and allow themselves to be tortured
Despite clearly having the ability to resist any punishment man has to offer, both Jesus and Superman choose to surrender.
Photo by jenny downing
Untitled Slide
After being betrayed by Judas Iscariot and found guilty of Blasphemy, Jesus was brutally tortured and humiliated. Before dying, he was forced to wear a crown of thorns, lashed 39 times, and made to carry his own cross.
Untitled Slide
This scene actually comes from Man of Steel, but it is the same Superman in BvS. Superman could easily break off these handcuffs, but he knows that it gives humans peace to know they are in control, so he chooses to allow it.
4. Each one sacrifices himself to save mankind anyway
Even though Jesus and Superman were both ridiculed by man, they deeply cared for the Earth, even to the point of sacrificing themselves to save it.
Photo by Achara42
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
This passage in Romans, written after Jesus' death, describes the love behind His sacrifice on the cross.
Photo by Ángeles - The End - Good Bye
The Crucifixion
The crucifixion was much more gory and brutal than this image depicts, as it was the worst way to be put to death. Christ did it all to save mankind from its sins and iniquities.
"Be their hero, Clark. Be their angel, be their monument, be anything they need you to be...
When Superman is faced with the decision to protect all of mankind, he goes to his earthly mother Martha Kent for advice, because he is still just a mama's boy.
Photo by fireboat895
...or be none of it. You don't owe this world a thing. You never did" - Martha Kent (BvS DoJ)
She tells him to do what is right, but also that he doesn't owe the world anything. God did not have to come to Earth and die for us, just like Superman did not have to die for us, but they both did out of love.
Photo by fireboat895
Superman sacrifices himself to take down Doomsday
Superman fights Doomsday at the end of BvS and manages to kill him and save Gotham (and probably all of Earth) with a Kryptonite spear. Superman, however, is stabbed through the chest and killed as well.
5. It's not the end for either
It was no accident that the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice coincided with Easter weekend. The film ends with a shot of the dirt on top of Superman's coffin floating up from the ground, insinuating that he will return from the dead.
This happened before sometime, but who was it? Oh right, it was Jesus Christ! Jesus rose from the grave on the third day, and BvS just so happened to come out the one weekend out of the year that is celebrated most.
This happened before sometime, but who was it? Oh right, it was Jesus Christ! Jesus rose from the grave on the third day, and BvS just so happened to come out the one weekend out of the year that is celebrated most.
Photo by drubuntu
