Martin Deer rounds up all the latest talking points from Man of Steel as we count down to the return of Superman this summer….
In this countdown I’ve been looking at the latest news to emerge from the production of Man of Steel, however, these past few weeks I’ve been keeping a low profile as I stumble around the internet in my over sized jacket and outrageously nerdy specs hoping not to be noticed. So all that there is to talk about really is the final trailer which arrived yesterday, but first a few thoughts as we come to the close of what has been a highly enjoyable run-in.
As a huge fan of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, as well as Christopher Nolan in general, when it was announced back in 2010 that Nolan and David S. Goyer would be producing a new Superman movie, there was an intense rush of excitement. Here was my favourite director, who had brought Batman to life in a way no one ever had, helping to bring Superman back from the depths of despair. Superman had not had a decent film since 1980, and as the world’s most iconic superhero, that is just unacceptable. So for Nolan and company to be handling a reboot, things were most definitely on the up. Since then for fans of the character there has been much to be excited about, and with each new trailer and piece of information that has been released, that excitement has increased exponentially. What has been most joyous about this journey is seeing the general public and the film community warm to the Man of Steel once again. There are of course still many doubters (despite each of the trailers alone having more depth than any of the big blockbusters this year) that Chris Nolan and his meddling realism and Zack Snyder’s super-slow mo could pull it off. But with the release of the last couple of trailers opinion has turned, and those who were uninterested or doubtful are now talking the film up and eager for its release.
This major shift in opinion, to me, occurred with the sublime third trailer, when we were finally introduced to Hans Zimmer’s score, and we we really got a feel for the story and the action. It’s an incredibly moving trailer, and that depth I previously mentioned is core deep, as only Superman himself could physically reach. As a fan of the character, and one that is still bitter about his treatment in Superman Returns, it’s wonderful to see not only such great things from these trailers, which already capture so much more of Superman’s essence than the previous film did in its entirety, and to see everyone talking about Superman in such a positive light, in the year of his 75th anniversary no less, is quote extraordinary. It’s time for Superman’s moment in the sun, and I truly believe he’ll soar higher than ever before.
So let’s get to that new Nokia trailer shall we: how many times have we used the word ‘epic’ to describe a new trailer for this film? It’s staggering just how good these trailers have been – the dialogue, the imagery, the feeling they evoke. This latest trailer has sent everyone in to a bit of a spin it seems, in that a week before release it showcases a lot of new footage. True, it does, but it simply expands on scenes we have already seen or things we’ve heard about. We’ve really been spoiled very little by these trailers. The action continues to look breath taking, and the imagery is startling – Clark’s ship arriving on Earth and Superman melting a steel girder as Zod swings it at him are stand outs. This trailer was yet another example of the epic final product I’m sure we’re about to bare witness to. A special mention before we conclude to Hans Zimmer’s score, which having listened to it repeatedly, stands out as one of the finest pieces I’ve ever heard. Truly incredible stuff, you can hear each instrument at work as it builds and builds to the powerful release of the drums, which send the blood rushing to every far reach of your body. With John Williams theme you could hear Superman’s name in the percussion, with Zimmer’s, you can feel the powerful beat of his heart.
All that’s left to say is thank you for reading this countdown over the past few weeks, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading as much as I’ve enjoyed writing. Enjoy the final six days and prepare… I get the feeling Superman is about to blow us all away.
Martin Deer
Originally published June 7, 2013. Updated December 13, 2019.
