The Movies: 300 (2007), Watchmen (2009), Man Of Steel (2013) You have to hand it to Zack Snyder: he may not be the greatest director in the world, but he has definitely developed his own unique style, and - when he manages to rein in the carnage and explosives for a second - has proven himself to be a competent handler of comic book material. So 300, which is still probably his best comic book film (his best film, ironically, isn't a comic book adaptation at all, but the remake of Dawn of the Dead), showcased the director as a talent with great technical capabilities; what's more, it was a total blast. And you've gotta admire anyone who attempts to adapt a comic book as infamous and gargantuan and influential as Watchmen. For all its flaws, it was a respectful take on Alan Moore's seminal graphic novel (too faithful, perhaps). Man Of Steel was overblown and overwritten, sure, but there were shades of greatness in and amongst everything that didn't quite work. Which is to say, Zack Snyder has proven himself time and time again as a bold, especial director; even if you don't like his films, you have to admire the gusto with which they're made.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
