One flaw with
superhero movies is that they seem to follow the same pattern or formula. Their
conventions are the same, and the only things that differ are the inventions,
e.g. powers, criminal acts, locations. A
formula, as described by Ray Browne “is like a cooking recipe, which outlines
the ingredients to be used in the cooking” (Schaffer,
2005)
Just like a cooking recipe a formula outlines the plots of a movie or book.
Conventions are those things that do no change in a story. In superhero movies
the conventions are that there is always a hero, who has or gains powers, he or
she has to face evil, and save the life of a group of people. The things that
change (inventions) are the crimes or acts the evil person (villain) does.
To illustrate this
let us look at several different hero movies from the past couple of years, Thor, Captain America, and Iron Man. In the film Thor, the evil trickster known as Loki
takes causes a war between the Frost Giants and the Asguardians. Loki
overthrows the king Odin and causes Thor’s banishment to earth. Thor must find
his way back to Asgard, defeat Loki, and save the planet from war. The formula
goes as follows, Hero has powers, fights evil, and saves world. The film Thor follows this plot/formula
precisely.
Let us apply that
same formula to Captain America. In
this film Captain America is a small weak man who undergoes a scientific
procedure known as Super Soldier project. From this experiment he gains super
strength and agility. This film takes place during WWII and a power known as
Hydra seeks to take control of the world. Captain America and his allies must
battle Hydra to save the world. Captain
America follows the same formula as Thor.
Finally
we take a look at Iron man 2. In this
film Tony Stark has previously developed a super suit made up of
ultra-high-tech material. This suit enables him to fly, take damage, and use
advance weaponry. Whiplash the villain in the story tries to use advance
robotics to take over the planet. Iron man must use his powers to stop him. As
with the other two films, Iron Man 2 follows
the same formula.
This
formula can be applied to almost all of the superhero films, including Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, X-men, and
so on. Although these films follow the same formula, they manage to be huge
successes. This furthers me to believe if there is nothing wrong with the
formula, do not try to change it. These stories were created a long time ago,
and should not be changed because some director does not want to be accused of
following the same old pattern. If it is not broke do not try to fix it.
References
Browne, R. (2005). Profiles of Popular Culture.
Madison: The University of Wisconsin Press.
I typically do not watch much television or movies, however my Son does and he absolutely love the superhero movies. He is 22 years old. He analizes the movies down to who said what and who did what. Me? I just simply like to watch how the movie makers have used the technology to make the films seem so real. I really don't think anyone is going to try and fix any superhero movie formula right now if what works makes them millions of dollars. A story is a story in my opinion, it is the awesome effects and who plays the characters that makes each movie unique.
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