Zack Snyder’s Justice League: A Four-Hour Epic That’s Both Indulgent and Necessary
The original Justice League film was a colossal disappointment, plagued by a troubled production and studio interference that resulted in a disjointed and tonally inconsistent mess. However, thanks to a relentless fan campaign and the streaming landscape’s insatiable hunger for content, Zack Snyder, the film’s original director, was given the opportunity to finally present his vision – and the result is Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a nearly four-hour epic that’s both indulgent and, in some ways, necessary.
A Deeper Dive into the DCEU
The film’s extended runtime serves as a double-edged sword. While it provides much-needed breathing room for characters like Victor Stone/ Cyborg, allowing us to delve deeper into his struggle with his cyborg existence and his tumultuous relationship with his father Silas (Joe Morton), it also leads to pacing issues and unnecessary padding.
The Flash (Ezra Miller) also benefits from the expanded runtime, giving his character more nuance and a chance to build a relationship with his future love interest Iris West (Kiersey Clemons), a character omitted from the theatrical cut due to constraints.
However, the extended runtime also introduces weaknesses. The film “introduces” us to Arthur Curry/ Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Atlantis as if they’ve never been seen before, despite the release of a solo Aquaman film in 2018. Similarly, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) is given extended action sequences that serve primarily to showcase her abilities rather than developing her character arc.
Steppenwolf (voiced by Ciarán Hinds), the film’s main antagonist, is given a more detailed backstory and a visually revamped design, but his motivations ultimately remain shallow. His desire to collect the three Mother Boxes, powerful artifacts capable of controlling all life on Earth, feels like a MacGuffin, a plot device used to drive the narrative but lacking any inherent significance.
The Value of Time
Despite its flaws, Zack Snyder’s Justice League does offer moments of brilliance. The film is visually stunning, with Snyder’s signature style evident in every frame. The action sequences, particularly the 40-minute "Something Darker" chapter, are some of the most thrilling and well-choreographed in the superhero genre. The extended runtime allows these sequences to breathe and build suspense, a luxury rarely afforded to action sequences in quick-paced movies.
The film also benefits from a slower pace that allows for more character development. Scenes feel organic and lived-in, unlike the rushed sequences of the theatrical cut. The film’s extended length provides space for subtle moments of humor and emotion, adding layers to the characters and relationships, which were nearly absent in the original film.
The Fallout of a Lost Vision
However, the film also exposes the limitations of Snyder’s vision. His unwavering commitment to his original vision, refusing to incorporate any of Joss Whedon’s changes, highlights his inflexibility and lack of self-awareness. His dedication to the original script, even as it fails to adequately explore the complexities of Wonder Woman’s character progression, reinforces his tendency for visual spectacle over substantial character development.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a fascinating experiment, a testament to the power of fan dedication and a resounding commentary on the complexities of studio interference. It’s a film that will undoubtedly attract fervent fans of Snyder’s work, but it may also alienate those seeking something other than an epic visual spectacle.
Ultimately, Zack Snyder’s Justice League serves as a cautionary tale against the pitfalls of studio interference and the importance of artistic freedom. While it is a necessary corrective to the perceived injustice of the theatrical cut, it also reinforces Snyder’s strengths and weaknesses as a filmmaker. Whether or not it will become a classic or remain a footnote in the history of the DCEU, remains to be seen.
