Posted on 06/30/2006 8:01:53 AM PDT by Roberts
Nevermind Superman's sexual orientation. Here's another identity-related question that is likely to spark controversy as the Man of Steel soars into theaters nationwide this Fourth of July weekend in Warner Bros. Pictures' "Superman Returns": Is Superman still American?
Ever since artist Joe Shuster and writer Jerry Siegel created the granddaddy of all comic book icons in 1932, Superman has fought valiantly to preserve "truth, justice and the American way." Whether kicking Nazi ass on the radio in the '40s or wrapping himself in the Stars and Stripes on TV during the Cold War or even rescuing the White House's flag as his final feat in "Superman II," the Krypton-born, Smallville-raised Ubermensch always has been steeped in unmistakable U.S. symbolism.
But in the latest film incarnation, scribes Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris sought to downplay Superman's long-standing patriot act. With one brief line uttered by actor Frank Langella, the caped superhero's mission transformed from "truth, justice and the American way" to "truth, justice and all that stuff."
"The world has changed. The world is a different place," Pennsylvania native Harris says. "The truth is he's an alien. He was sent from another planet. He has landed on the planet Earth, and he is here for everybody. He's an international superhero."
In fact, Dougherty and Harris never even considered including "the American way" in their screenplay. After the wunderkind writing duo ("X2: X-Men United") conceived "Superman's" story with director Bryan Singer during a Hawaiian vacation, they penned their first draft together and intentionally omitted what they considered to be a loaded and antiquated expression. That decision stood throughout the 140-day shoot in Australia, where the pair remained on-set to provide revisions and tweaks.
"We were always hesitant to include the term 'American way' because the meaning of that today is somewhat uncertain," Ohio native Dougherty explains. "The ideal hasn't changed. I think when people say 'American way,' they're actually talking about what the 'American way' meant back in the '40s and '50s, which was something more noble and idealistic."
While audiences in Dubuque might bristle at Superman's newfound global agenda, patrons in Dubai likely will find the DC Comics protagonist more palatable. And with the increasing importance of the overseas boxoffice -- as evidenced by summer tentpoles like "The Da Vinci Code" -- foreign sensibilities can no longer be ignored.
"So, you play the movie in a foreign country, and you say, 'What does he stand for? -- truth, justice and the American way.' I think a lot of people's opinions of what the American way means outside of this country are different from what the line actually means (in Superman lore) because they are not the same anymore," Harris says. "And (using that line) would taint the meaning of what he is saying."
But for Superman purists looking for a nod to the big blue Boy Scout's nationalistic loyalties, he is still saving Americans, albeit many with suspiciously Aussie accents. He foils Lex Luthor's nefarious plan to send millions from the nation's heartland to a watery death. And in his most impressive scene, the hero saves the day while a plane hurtles toward a baseball stadium full of fans enjoying America's pastime. Although there is no indication that it is an American baseball game depicted, the scene was one of the few shot on U.S. soil, at Dodger Stadium.
Nevertheless, the long-standing member of the Justice League of America seems to have traded in his allegiance to the flag for an international passport.
"He's here for humanity," Dougherty says.
How nice.
Another "Must Miss."
BLECH!!!
I was going to see this UNTIL I heard that the Hollywood producers decided to delete "and The American Way..." from Superman's motto (Truth, Justice and the American Way.)
It's added to the growing list...(starting with Jane Fonda) of actors, movies etc. whom I won't spend money to see.
"truth, justice and all that stuff."
He ain't my Superman.
"truth, justice and all that stuff."
Yep, that is a very motivational and memorable one liner.
The omission of "and the American way" is the least of this movies problems. It was awful.
Global audience needed for a $200 million investment. Global motto required.
Nope. Action Comics #1 was published in 1938..
"He's an international superhero."
B A A A R R F F F
Download and watch if you must. Defund the left and the traitorcrat party.
Funny, Superman has not only been stripped of his Americanism, but he's also lost his intelligence. He speaks like he's on MTV. "Truth, justice, and all that stuff". I guess we'll have to go back and rent the Christopher Reeve version.
What drivel. There's nothing uncertain about the term "American Way" except in your head Mr. Dougherty. No, "the American way" hasn't changed and it is just as noble and idealistic as it ever was. Something tells me Mr. Dougherty's confusion is a product of a Government education in the public schools.
Gesundheit!
Pathetic. But Superman always looked like a homo anway. Batman was way cooler, albeit a psycho.
To be fair, Superman does not say that line. That is the line said by Perry, chief of the Daily Planet.
The movie is worth watching. It is entertaining, and while not as good as it could've been - it was worth the time spent in a crowded theater. The special effects are good, the actor playing Superman does an excellent job, and Superman is really a likable character.
oh well and I had free tickets to see it in IMax.. no thanks wont be going to see it now.
What a fag. "Hesitant." Can't even be certain about his squeamishness. Typical lefty. Not just unpatriotic, but ANTIpatriotic. And mostly because he's too squeamish and unsure to stand for anything.
Well, isn't that special.
/sarc
The "hate America crowd" instilling their anti-patriotism on everyone from the age of 8 to 80. I guess they would be happier if it was "the Chinese way". It's a movie that should be ignored but probably won't be.
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