The new 'Superman' film emphasizes the human aspect of the superhero, portraying him as flawed and relatable. Unlike previous adaptations, this version of Superman is shown making mistakes and struggling, making him more compelling. The film, directed by James Gunn, marks a reboot for the DC film franchise, aiming to correct the course set by previous films. The movie opens with Superman experiencing a defeat, highlighting his vulnerability and humanity.
22 days ago
The latest cinematic adaptation of Superman, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, marks a significant reboot for the DC cinematic universe, aiming to course-correct from previous iterations 1 2. This new film distinguishes itself by emphasizing the "man" over the "super," presenting a hero who is human, fallible, and struggles despite his immense powers 1.
Unlike Zack Snyder's previous portrayal of Superman as a god-like figure, Gunn's version shows the hero plummeting to Earth, bleeding, and wincing, highlighting his flesh-and-blood vulnerability 1. This take makes Superman compelling precisely because he struggles to do the right thing, much like ordinary people 1. The film opens in medias res, immersing the audience directly into an established universe without rehashing the familiar origin story 1 2.
The core message revolves around Superman's humanity and his unwavering persistence. His personal motto, "There's always a way," underscores his refusal to give up, even when faced with rejection, vilification, or failure 1. This iteration of Superman is characterized by pure motives and a steadfast commitment to defending the innocent, a refreshing contrast to the trend of morally ambiguous metahumans 2.
James Gunn's distinctive directorial flair, known from the "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise, is evident throughout the film 1 2. The aesthetic is an "explosion of color and light and optimism," moving away from the gritty and desaturated look of earlier DC films 1. Gunn incorporates catchy songs, witty banter, and oddball characters, embracing the inherent silliness of the superhero genre while still exploring its philosophical depths 2.
David Corenswet's performance as Superman is widely praised as the film's greatest asset, as he imbues the role with a balance of strength and vulnerability, radiating an innate goodness reminiscent of Christopher Reeve's iconic portrayal 1 2. Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor also contribute to a strong cast 1.
Despite its strengths, the film faces challenges inherent in launching a new cinematic universe 1. It is "crammed with additional characters, worldbuilding and table-setting," leading to a narrative that can feel "too busy for its own good" and distract from Superman himself 1. The introduction of characters like Krypto, the superpowered dog, while working within Gunn's tongue-in-cheek style, contributes to the crowded feel 1 2.
The film also delves into a philosophical conflict with Lex Luthor, who envies Superman's existence and believes it diminishes humanity's worth 2. Superman counters that his humanity, learned from his Kansas upbringing, is what defines him, not just his powers 2. This dialogue can be interpreted as affirming basic Christian values, suggesting that God willingly took on human weakness to save humanity, rather than advocating for a purely secular view of human nature 2.
"Superman" is described as an entertaining and competent summer blockbuster that avoids overt political leanings, aiming for universal appeal 2. While it may not achieve the same iconic status as its predecessors, it successfully affirms basic values and provides simple enjoyment in a culturally divided landscape 2. The film's primary strength lies in its focus on Superman's human struggles and his unwavering hope, making it a compelling start to a new chapter for the beloved hero 1.
How does divine and human nature interact in Christ?
The divine and human natures in Christ interact through what is known as the Hypostatic Union. This theological term expresses the revealed truth that in Christ, one person subsists in two natures: the Divine and the human . These two natures are united in the one person of God's Son, Jesus Christ, without being confused or mixed .
Key aspects of this interaction include:
The Hypostatic Union signifies that Jesus Christ is one and the same Person who is both God and man . It is not a moral or figurative union, but a physical union of two substances or natures that form one Person . The term "hypostasis" denotes a reality as distinguished from appearances, and in Christology, it refers to the single subsistence or person in whom the two natures are united . The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) definitively established this, declaring that in Christ, the two natures, each retaining its own properties, are united in one subsistence and one person .
The Church teaches that the two natures are united "without confusion, change, division or separation" . This means that the distinction between the natures is never abolished by their union; rather, the proper character of each nature is preserved as they come together in one person and one hypostasis . The Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD) condemned any attempt to introduce a single nature or substance made by a mixture of the Godhead and manhood of Christ . It affirmed that while there is a hypostatic union, there is no mutual confusion of natures, and each nature remains what it was .
It is always one and the same Person, Jesus Christ, who is said to be God and Man, or is given predicates that denote both Divine and human nature . The divine nature, being an integral whole, took human nature to itself in an ineffable union, meaning the person, hypostasis, and suppositum are accounted for by the divine nature . This infinite difference between the divine and human natures does not prevent the person of God from joining human nature to itself in the unity of the hypostasis in an ineffable way .
Because of this union, divine things are attributed to Christ as God, and human things are attributed to Him as man . For example, Christ possesses two natural wills, a divine will and a human will. His human will was elevated by the omnipotence of His divinity, and His divine will was revealed through His humanity . The propriety of each nature is kept intact, ensuring that Christ is confessed as true and perfect God and also true and perfect man .
In summary, the interaction of divine and human nature in Christ is a profound mystery of faith, understood as a hypostatic union where two distinct natures are perfectly united in one divine Person, Jesus Christ, without confusion or alteration of either nature.