The Little Gospel of Superhero Films
by Dr. Marc T. Newman
July 15, 2005
(AgapePress) - Summer is in full swing and the cinemas are packed with people watching snippets of the Gospel story without even knowing it. No, theaters are not showing Passion of the Christ marathons; instead they are showing superhero films. Movies are not theology lessons, but buried within them are hallmarks of the Christian story. With just a little mining we can help people see why elements in these films are so gripping -- the kinds of problems heroes encounter, the hero's need for empowerment, and the good ending -- because they speak to our own condition.Problems
It may seem surprising to read it, but most superheroes tackle simple problems. It is always life or death with them -- you never see a superhero save a citizen by helping them negotiate complicated tax codes or work their way through problems that are sinking their marriages. Film has limitations. The director only gets 90-120 minutes, on average, to get the point across. Life or death is immediate and uncomplicated, and it has the added bonus of being exciting -- people are very attached to their lives.
Real life is always more complicated than the movies, but it does not follow that superhero films cop out by only dealing in life and death. Behind that fight usually lurks the battle between good and evil, and it is the extent to which heroes engage that determines the degree of resonance they will have with an audience. One of the reasons Fantastic Four is falling a little flat is that the movie feels like infighting. The bad guy, Dr. Doom, is not seeking world conquest (at least, not yet). Instead, he is just trying to get back at Reed Richards for ruining his company and stealing his girl. If he has to wreak a little havoc to achieve his goals, so be it.
Compare Fantastic Four to the Spider-man movies and Batman Begins and you can see why the first film will fall from theaters quickly while the other two stuck around. Unlike the vendetta plotline of Fantastic Four, both Spider-man and Batman face enemies bent on world domination and wide-spread destruction. Both heroes are motivated by ideals rather than circumstances. Peter Parker is taught that "with great power comes great responsibility," while Batman is told that if he will commit himself to an ideal he can become more than a man, he can become a legend. In Lord of the Rings, Frodo, probably the most heroic screen figure in recent memory, must choose to carry a great burden in order to save all of Middle Earth from transcendent evil, despite having no superpowers, wealth, or privilege. People want to believe themselves heroic. When film characters do the right thing is the face of impending evil, we cheer because we want to think we would do likewise.
Powers
While the Fantastic Four gain their powers from dumb luck, Batman has to choose to save Gotham, and a major plotline in Spider-man 2 is Peter Parker's struggle over whether to continue as Spider-man or give it up so that he can lead a "normal life." People recognize the need to be empowered because they see lack of power and control in their own lives. Instinctively, however, people prefer choosing to be empowered rather than having power blindly conferred upon them. Ben Grimm, as The Thing, is the most compelling character in the Fantastic Four because he is the only one who gets to realistically choose the kind of person he is going to be. He hates what he has become, but willingly sacrifices himself for the sake of his friend -- if only that plot line had been better developed.
Everyone wants power, but what would we do with it if we had it? Even though Johnny Storm comes across as the most exciting of the Fantastic Four, he seems determined to use his power in pursuit of women and wealth. Reed Richards and Sue Storm are appropriately altruistic, but again it is Ben Grimm that rises to the top. Unlike the other members of the team, Ben's transformation into the hideous Thing costs him his marriage. But when he gets an opportunity to become human again, he rejects it -- choosing usefulness and loyalty to his friends over what might best personally benefit him. People know that a heroic life is often a tragic life. Choosing to do right is not always immediately rewarded. That is why superheroes who struggle make the greatest impact on viewers -- because in it they hear the distant ring of truth.
Success
The outcomes of superhero films are predictable. Even though the tension is high as the hero fights for good, the end is never truly in doubt. You would think that knowing this would lessen the excitement of the film, but it does not. As Tolkien notes, people greatly desire the good end. Heroes may falter along the way, losing some battles, but by the last reel they win.
What made the "hero" character of Ray Ferrier, in the latest version of War of the Worlds so disappointing is that the ending comes with a thud. Like the Fantastic Four getting their powers by accident, no human involvement is required in order for the aliens to be defeated. Sure, Ray has a heroic moment with one of the machines, but it feels tacked on -- and was not the ultimate answer to the dilemma the world faced in the alien invasion.
The Fantastic Four have to put aside their petty squabbles in order to win. Batman has to overcome his fear, Spider-man his desire for the easy life. Frodo must persevere against inconceivable odds. Winning comes through setbacks, victory through trials. But everyone knows the film hero will triumph, and they want to believe that, if they are willing to sacrifice, they can as well.
The Truth in Superhero Films
Superhero films are simple -- they have to be. Still, they possess value. Stories that are direct, easy to understand, can form the worldview basis for real-world decisions later. Jesus told short, but powerful parables. The story was the vehicle for the message.
Superheroes rarely are able to act on their own -- they need outside empowerment. Whether it is radioactive spider bites, the good fortune to have been born on the planet Krypton, or even the very natural, human need for training, all of the superheroes required something beyond themselves to enable them to take up their calling. This, also, is not foreign to the Scriptures. Christians operating in their own strength may persevere for a season, but to see the battle through to the end requires something outside the self. Christians need empowering.
Finally, everyone is looking for the good end -- and there is no better end than the one promised in the Bible. Jesus is the ultimate superhero. Born as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, raised an ordinary carpenter, He faced the ultimate enemy and through great sacrifice was victorious. He will one day return to vanquish evil entirely and take all those who trust in Him home. Tolkien said that there is no other story that people so wished was true. And C.S. Lewis calls it "myth become fact." When we cheer at a superhero movie, we are applauding a storyline that is a small version of a Greater Story. What we find compelling in the film we can experience in life. All we need do is let the Hero save us, and then empower us to help others, thereby unleashing the heroic in all of us.
Marc T. Newman, PhD (marc@movieministry.com) is the president of MovieMinistry.com -- an organization that provides sermon and teaching illustrations from popular film, and helps the Church use movies to reach out to others and connect with people.
NOTE: Publication of this analysis does not constitute endorsement of the films mentioned.
