My repertoire of weird movies has significantly grown since
I moved away from home. I’m not sure if it’s a Colorado thing or a moving away
from home thing or just the bad influence of my friends thing. We’ll go with
the latter. ;-)
One of those “weird” movies ended up being Man of Steel and
I have to say I actually enjoyed myself. (Plus, it helps that Clark Kent has to
be the best looking Superman—ever. ;-) Can I just say, if I’m going to sit
through a movie with science fiction and more explosions than what can be kept
track of, at least give the romantics a kiss? Even a hug would be nice. Man of
Steel followed through nicely—very nicely on the former. I’d watch that movie
again just for the kiss. Ahh…
Where was I going with this?
Oh right. The black moment.
If you haven’t watched the movie, you might want to bookmark
this post until you’ve had the time. And I have to say, I think it’s worth it.
There are plenty of points to draw from for writers and even some strong symbolism
for the Christian faith.
Clark Kent’s character is tormented. He’s been dropped from
outer space. His family is not really his birth family and he realizes with the
older he gets, the more he is different—special. But he doesn’t necessarily
view himself as “special”. There is a great deal of growth that has to happen
to his character for him to embrace this level of change. But I could go on
about different points of his characterization and never get to the real point
of this post.
Man of Steel’s
black moment has to be one of the finest I’ve seen in a movie because of both
the internal and the external conflict.
Quick scene synopsis: Clark is riding in the pickup with
both of his parents and he and his father are fighting. Clark’s father has been
adamant that he not show the full extent of his physical power. Clark doesn’t understand
this request, his father’s desire to protect his son. A tornado is brewing and
sweeps down on the packed highway of cars, threatening all their lives. Clark’s
father is directing everyone under the overpass, shoving a child in Clark’s
arms, yelling at him to protect his mother. But he doesn’t get out in time. Clark
stands under the overpass, ready to charge out and rescue his father. But instead
his father holds up his hand. An entire conversation happens in this moment
without a single word. He’s not to show the level of his power. Clark’s father
does not want Clark to rescue him. At the risk—the loss of his own life—he believes
he is doing what is best for his son.
Breaking down the black moment:
Internal: Clark
is warring with his father about protecting his Superman abilities. He’s filled
with a deep-seated need to protect, but he’s cocky and reckless and his father
knows this. And their last conversation is a heated argument.
External: The
tornado is bearing down on the cars. Threatening their lives. It’s a
life-threatening, very real threat and it’s going to destroy them all if they don’t
get to safety.
Internal: Clark’s
father shoves a child in Clark’s arms. Tells him to get his mom to safety and
his dad stays behind to direct people to the underpass. You can watch the
conflict across Clark’s face. He wants to be in the center of the chaos,
directing order, but the rush of the moment and the respect he does still have
for his father thrusts him toward the underpass.
External: His
father is now in the direct path of the danger, trying to rescue their dog.
Cars are being flipped, pinning Clark’s father under the wreckage.
Internal: Clark
is ready to charge. To rescue the man who has raised him, when his father gets
free.
External: Time
suspends as his father stands in the street, seconds, seconds before cars flip
like matchsticks through the air, heading straight for him.
Internal: His father
raises his hand. Palm out. The message is clear. Do. Not. Rescue. Me. Protect
how these people see you. You can do nothing supernatural—even if that means sacrificing
myself.
It is truly the ultimate black moment. We have watched this
father and son relationship grow through this entire movie. It’s been thinned,
fighting against all that Clark doesn’t understand in what his father is asking
him to do—and not do. For a superhero, he can’t not rescue and save and yet that is what his father is asking of
him.
How do we build to such a climatic black moment? We might not
have tornadoes and explosions, but we do have those elements on a minute level
in our stories.
·
Build the back
backstory. Weave what brought them to this moment.
·
Show those relationships.
·
Have INTERNAL and EXTERNAL conflicts
·
Pit the hero’s best and worst asset against each
other.
There is nothing more painful than watching that scene and
knowing that Clark’s last conversation with his father was an argument. An
argument about him saving people, about being who he was created to be. And
yet, it was pivotal to his growth.
It’s powerful. Watch it once for the moment. Watch it again
with a notepad. And this is just the black moment. The entire movie is worth
the rental fee—you’ll fill a notebook with characterization, action, setting,
dialogue, conflict, and more ideas.
Not bad for being one of those “weird” movies. ;-)
8 comments:
I've watched all of the Superman movies except this one. I watched every episode of Lois and Clark and Smallville. I have two sons, and they helped me become a fan.
You've inspired me to rent this movie this weekend. Actually, one of they guys probably owns this movie. Maybe I can borrow it.
Thanks for sharing.
It is such a good film, Jackie! A little bit too long for my taste, but the characterization is AMAZING. I'd watch it again for that alone.
Great post, Casey. I remember that moment you've described and how heart breaking it was! You've broken it down well. :)
Don't kill me, but it wasn't one of my favorite movies. I would watch it again to study the characterization though. :)
Your points on how to make a great black moment are spot on!
I haven't watched it... but I do have to say, I now want to just for the kiss alone! LOL
Jeanne, I won't hate you. ;) These type of movies are usually NOT my cup of tea, but the characterization made it so worth it! Otherwise, I think it could have had an hour shaved off the thing. ;)
YES, oh that kiss. Pepper have you seen it? Talk about smoldering!!!
Hey Casey! Great post. You broke down that amazing scene with the skill of a writer! LOL.
This was my favorite Superman movie - as you said, Henry is gorgeous and I also love Amy Adams. Great characterization in this portrayal.
Thanks for reminding me I need to watch this again!
Sue :)
After re-reading this post that's all I want to do now is read the post again. I probably could break it down better after having watched it for a second time. I think it will be my favorite black moment for a movie ever!
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