2. The Tornado Scene
Our protagonist's three identities almost split the film into three separate parts; with Kal-El (set on Krypton), Clark Kent (set in Smallville) and Superman (set in Metropolis) each pulling the film in a different direction. And it is Clark's childhood that proves the stronger story, for it is here that he learns a valuable life lesson. A young Peter Parker had the words 'power' and 'responsibility' hammered home a hundred times, and, as a boy, Bruce Wayne discovered the importance of falling. Every superhero needs a tragic backstory- and Superman is no different. After the spacecraft carrying the newborn Kal-El crashed into a Kansas field, the boy was taken in by Martha and Jonathan Kent (played by Diane Lane and Kevin Costner), given the name Clark and raised as their own. This much we know. But after a few years trying to adjust to his superhuman strength, (or rather, the resulting isolation) Clark started to ask questions about his biological father. And, after hearing the truth, Clark was quick to remind Jonathan that ''you're not my real father''- a guaranteed sore spot to a loving, childless couple. A flashback zips us back to the aftermath of such an argument. Clark and his parents are stuck in traffic when a tornado suddenly tears itself away from the sky. They panic, abandon the car and take shelter. Jonathan realises that the family dog is trapped in the back seat and so returns to the vehicle. By now the tornado is tossing cars across his path like skittles. Clark, his parents and his audience all know that Superman could save the day - yet Jonathan raises a hand to hold him in his place. Without saying a word, the hero's dilemma is brought painfully close to home. If Clark intervened and tried to save his father's life, then his secret would be out. For Jonathan, this is a risk not worth taking - and so, facing his family for the final time, he simply allows the gathering dust clouds to swallow him up. This scene is reminiscent of another Jonathan's demise; that of Jon Osterman in Zack Snyder's Watchmen. And, just as Snyder had spun the latter tragedy into one of the film's most memorable and poignant moments, so too is this a standout scene. It captures the two sides of Clark- of every superhero- perfectly: at what price do you compromise not just your own safety but that of those you hold dear? In Watchmen, Osterman is transformed into Dr.Manhattan, a man who is simultaneously granted both godlike powers and near total clairvoyance. Yet despite knowing what events lie ahead, he cannot change them. Suddenly, and at such a devastating cost, Clark Kent finds himself cursed with the same fate.