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HOW TO MAKE SUPERMAN
by Andrew Kosarko

How to make Superman

SUPERHERO NEWS PODCAST with Andrew Kosarko May 17 2009! - How to make the best Superman movie!

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SUPERHERO NEWS
Week of
May 16 2009
by Andrew Kosarko

How to make the next Superman!

So as many of you may know, there has been some heavy limbo concerning Superman’s next push to the big screen. Make no mistake, it will happen eventually, but props to Warner Bros for trying to utilize the DC Comics properties with quality instead of quantity that lacks any substance *cough*Marvel*cough*.

However, the rumor mill that surrounds the next film is a mixed bag of good and bad. Being the comic book elitist that I am, I figured I’d let you all know, and hopefully anyone from Warners that may be checking this out…how I would do it.

First off, let’s get some plot essentials out of the way. #1, cut the bullshit with the “Lois doesn’t know Clark is Superman.” I can see the argument for re-establishing it in Superman Returns, but we need to move on from this note. The real drama, the real story, is when she does. And now that she has a child with him (can you say “d-oh!”) it’s ok. And while we’re talking about the kid, let’s face it, he’s unneeded, not part of Superman’s necessary mythology and really unwanted by more than just the fanboys. Kill him off. Now granted, he was but a small boy in Superman Returns and offing a kid that age in a PG-13 Superman movie is uncalled for. However, this next film gives you the ability to have some time passed. Use it. Killing off a middle aged teenager, if done correctly, can have some emotional weight to it and not cause parents to protest the film. While I’m not keen on his inclusion in the first place, he is indeed a plot device wild card. He has no responsibility to the mythology and can be used in anyway necessary. Which, in my opinion, is to add some much needed tragedy to Superman. If we’ve learned anything from these films, it’s that the darkest times call for the hero to shine the light on optimism. Superman needs to have a dark hour for him to shine the brightest and I feel this is the best way to do it. As far as villains are concerned, I’m very much inclined to see both Brainiac and Metallo involved in the film. Two beings who’s physical state is indeed made of metal and steel. Yet, Superman, “the man of steel”, is named this because of his iron resolve in his undaunted spirit to prevail in the name of all that is good. Furthermore, while I know many have faltered on the notion of including Lex Luthor, I still believe his involvement in the film is essential. He needs to be there making bad situations worse for Superman. You need the arch villain to exploit the weaknesses of your hero, and no, I don’t mean making mountains of kryptonite that are supposed to make tidal waves that take out the eastern seaboard (yet never end up happening or are addressed later on….)

Secondly, Superman needs to kick some ass. No more whining, no more super-stalking, no more battles against giant kryptonite islands. He needs to be tested. His emotions, will power, and courage need to be put up against his own physical limitations beyond what anyone could ever imagine enduring. They don’t call him the man of steel for nothing. I want to see spectacular battles of insurmountable odds. Explosions, heat vision, busting wind, a blizzard gust, and the whoosh of a red cape. And while it may be an uphill struggle Superman does come out on top. And it’s just when you know in your mind that he can not, he does.Superman, is the epitome of what I like to refer to as “The Yes Man”. He is the being that despite everything you know, comes through. He represents hope. Faith. Confidence in the idea that good will always prevail. And while many of you reading this have rolled your eyes at least several times already, he’ll make a believer out of you.

And lastly, on a more philosophical note, while wanting to get the film right because a potential franchise lingers on it -- right now is the best time for Superman’s message to captivate audiences. Superman was created in the late 1930’s, a time of bleak outlook and depression. He is in fact a fictional character yes, but the artistic notions surrounding his character and stories are an inspiration to the human spirit. At this moment in time, we’ve hit our darkest days. The world is in a recession and it seems as though morality has fallen through the cracks. Everyone is out for themselves (unless you’re Bono) and it’s hard to find people to depend on. Well, Superman is supposed to be that person. The film should capture a certain outlook of despair from humanity, and through no intention other than to save them from physical detriment and turmoil, Superman selflessly swoops in and inspires people to be better. He is in fact an icon because he is unshakable in his path. While, as of late, artists have seen fit to provide him with life questioning problems and forcing him to become an emo-representation of his former self, now is the opportune time for him to return to his roots. All heroes are to be original in some way. While many are tortured by complications, decisions, tragedy and betrayal, Superman never wavers in his quest. A man who stands for truth, justice and the “American way”. And this “American way” my friends, is not the bastardization of capitalism that we live with, but the strive to do better for ourselves, and more importantly, those around us. This is the most important aspect of what Superman is, and should be, when illuminated on a 50 foot screen. There is no compromise on this. He is a beacon of courage and emotional strength. Is that cheesy? To an extent, one may think so. But if you yourself can “buy into it”, it can happen. Those who mock pure optimism due so out of jealousy and lack of their own courage, it’s that black and white to me.

So in closing Warners, Superman is not Batman. The film should not be The Dark Knight, but quite the opposite of that. I know what the corporate heads must be saying “are you insane? The Dark Knight is what people want!” Incorrect. It’s what we wanted in the summer of 2008. And in case you haven’t noticed since then, times have changed. People want the promise of hope, and I have the results of a 2008 November election as evidence. I’ve stood claim that Spider-man’s original film success was because of the dark times the world saw after 9/11. Well, these times, while different, are equally troubling and you have the opportunity to create a piece of work to help us through it. Don’t sit on it.

CLICK HERE and read May 10th Superhero News!

CLICK HERE and read May 3rd Superhero News - Top Unproduced DC Properties!

CLICK HERE and read April 26th Superhero News!

CLICK HERE and read Andrew's TOP 10 Favorite Comic Movies of all-time

CLICK HERE and read April 19th Superhero News!

CLICK HERE and read April 5th Superhero News!

CLICK HERE and read March 22nd Superhero News!

CLICK HERE and read March 15th Superhero News!

CLICK HERE and read March 8th Superhero News!

CLICK HERE and read March 1st Superhero News!

CLICK HERE and read February 22nd Superhero News!

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