4. Coming Of Age
The cinematic films of Superman's past have largely dealt with with Clark Kent as opposed to Kal-El, with just several splashes of Superman action added to the mix. Even in the iconic Superman II from Richard Donner, Clark retreats into the Fortress of Solitude and gives up his Kryptonian power in order to start a life with Lois Lane. And while all 4 Christopher Reeve Superman films had their fair share of Super-action, all of their stories revolved primarily around Clark's life inside Metropolis as well as his time spent in his hometown of Smallville, with little examination of how he transitioned from Clark to Superman. Man Of Steel looks to change that dynamic in a big way. With Man Of Steel, Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer have crafted a new story about Clark Kent and the path he ultimately takes to become Superman. Much of the footage that has been released thus far shows or describes Clark traveling the world, whether on a fishing vessel, oil rig platform, or moving across the globe, as he is tracked by investigative reporter Lois Lane, who is pursuing numerous miraculous stories of someone performing heroic deeds all over the world. The Man Of Steel trailers also show a Clark Kent that's in conflict with himself: on one hand, he desires to help those in need; on the other, he struggles to heed the words of his adoptive father who begs him to steer clear from the watchful eyes of a world that isn't ready for everything Clark's alien side represents. This development in the cinematic world of Superman, being on the whole previously unexplored, is exciting and fresh, and I can't wait to see how Nolan and his team approach the topic. They are taking the origin story and source material to a new depth of realism, examining Clark as he struggles to decide what his future holds and if he can, or should, step up and make a difference. And they are also changing the long-standing dynamic of Jonathan Kent: a man who for decades has encouraged Clark to embrace who he really is, now cautions him to tread carefully as he steps out into the world. And once that choice is on the precipice of being made, a call to action will force Clark's hand...