Superman as Christ Figure by Kozlovic - Article Example

Viewers watching the film subconsciously absorb key religious teachings from this tradition, even if they are under the impression that the story is fictional and secular.

The author draws his evidence from a close analysis of elements of the plot, the script, the acting, and the way that the films are produced visually. Key features of the character Superman are mapped onto Biblical texts. So, for example, Superman is descended from a non-human holographic entity called “Jor-El” and destined to find a new life among strangers in a strange land (Earth) “like a diaspora Jew” (p. 5). A clear parallel is made between the extra-terrestrial Superman and “an intelligence greater than our own.” (p. 6) Depiction of the infant with outstretched arms recalls the crucifixion, and the piercing blue eyes of Christopher Reeve are “part of a long tradition of celluloid saviors having blue eyes” (p. 8) The color blue, which is the main color in Superman’s costume is also linked with heaven since the sky is blue.

Several stylistic references link Superman with Jewish culture, for example, the mock religious oath “Holy Mackerel” and the ending “man” in “Superman” which is “a suffix common to many contemporary Jewish names e.g. Silverman, Freedman, etc)” (p. 13). The author makes a rather far-fetched connection between the Hebrew word “Sopher” which means “scribe”, even though most people would assume that the word Super is from Latin meaning “above, superior.”

In the conclusion, the author underlines the importance of subtext in modern film. It is in effect “a monomyth” with no room for other perspectives in its wholesale acceptance of male supremacy. Read More