What has happened to the superhero? I started thinking about this after finally getting around to watching The Dark Night, the latest incarnation of Batman. I don't propose to say much about it, other than that I found it long, gloomy and brutal. The superhero has entered a decadent phase.
Have you ever wondered why there are no European superheroes? I'm not aware of any Italian supermen, or Spanish ones. And it's certainly difficult to imagine a Frenchman in the tight little outfit, not to mention the restrictive moral code. Sure, the Brits have Bond and Sherlock Holmes, but you won't catch them flying around in capes.
No, superheroes are an American phenomenon. And this, perhaps, explains why Batman and his ilk have entered their dark period.
Superman, arguably the first of the breed, arrived on the scene via Action Comics in 1938. Batman followed a year later. Political storm clouds were gathering on the horizon. And America, being a super power, needed superheroes. Superheroes have waxed and Bruce Wayned since then, but they've always reflected their era.
The current cycle of supers began in 2002, with Tobey Maguire's interpretation of Spider-Man. The movie was a romp: high-class popcorn for kids with some well-drawn characters and enjoyably nasty villains. By his third outing, though, Spider-Man had become tormented and confused. Meanwhile, Hollywood being Hollywood, it had followed the success of Spider-Man with heaps of successively grim superhero movies.
With America now lolling in depression, so are its avatars. The Hulk is on the run from his own demons. Iron Man is a deeply flawed character who starts the story as an egotistical alcoholic. And the current Batman is barely more likeable than the villains he pursues. The superhero factory has turned against itself. Its machines are seizing up, soon to grind to a halt. Until the next resurrection, of course.
By the way, for my money the best superhero film of the decade is Brad Bird's The Incredibles, a joyous celebration of loyalty and family values. I leave you in the capable hands of the team's wry outfitter, Edna Mode.
Actually there are many that would argue that America is entering a golden-age of superhero...one in particular likes to wear clingy lycra, has a unique build and impressive resume. I am of course talking about Michael Phelps.
You could also argue the case for Barack Obama, although I'm not sure what his policies are on lyrcra.
But to respond to your post, America has the celluloid superheroes it deserves right now. After eight years of Bush, the darker sides to Batman, Spider-man and Iron Man are perfect metaphors for a country that has been brought to it's knees by a questionable war and economic decline.
And why? Because, as you say, on a social level movies are required to reflect what is going on around them; that's what keeps them relevant. I think the fact that our superheroes are more flawed than ever, makes them deeply attractive to the masses, empathetic even. The country is in pain, and so the superheroes are in pain too.
I vote Javiar Bardem's chilling portrayal of Anton Chigurh, in No Country for Old Men, as the ultimate superhero performance of the new millenium (thus far).
He may not wear big red pants, take his coffee black and carry a high pressure air gun but his rage serves to speak for a generation.
Which leads me back to Barack. What superheroes might he inspire should he get into the White House, or will the movies have to find other wells to mine - after all, who could top such a potentially historic achievement?
I suggest we cast aside the darkness and look towards a simpler, less complicated superhero.
Step forward Mr Benn. He has a stable home at 52 Festive Road, a reliable dresser and personal assistant in 'the shopkeeper' and isn't afraid to jump into the unknown. And as far as I know he hasn't got a drink problem.
Maybe he and Edna Mode can join forces? At the very least, he'll be well dressed and the pudding basin haircut will live on ;-)
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Marks | August 27, 2008 at 05:24 AM
Excellent comment Ms Marks, bravo. Let's hope America takes SuperBam to its bosom instead of voting for the older, balding guy who is not Lex Luthor. By the way, the Branded Female has reminded me that I forgot to mention Hancock (as in the new Will Smith vehicle, not the much-loved 1960s British comedian). Hancock is not so much a superhero as a flying tramp; perhaps the ultimate expression of the decline of his kind.
Posted by: Mark | August 28, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Who is the most liked Indian Super Hero
"Shaktimaan"
"Krish"
"Drona"
"Aryaman"
Posted by: Captian Vyom | October 07, 2008 at 08:56 AM