Background information
Superhero movies have become a staple of the big screen, but in spite of the scale, budget, and special effects, they are not just action films. Superhero movies are in fact a genre of magical realism. Magical realism is a genre of literature, art, and films that combine elements of fantasy and everyday life. It has been strongly associated with Latin American authors, but the work of one of its key originators – Gabriel Garcia Marquez – actually belongs to a much larger, global magical realism movement. In the superhero movie genre, traditional magical realism elements are used, such as extraordinary characters and objects, mundane settings, everyday situations, and a belief in the fantastical.
Characteristics
Magical realism focuses on the ordinary, everyday elements of life, replacing them with bits of the extraordinary. Superhero films create worlds that are strangely familiar but are populated with characters and objects that feel surreal. Theme and tone are also commonly used in magical realism to create a world of contrasts, often filled with tragedy and irony. Superhero films share this approach, as the larger-than-life figures are inextricably linked to the complexity of the everyday. It is through this magical lens that the two worlds can come together, creating a unique cinematic experience.
Popular Examples
Some of the most successful superhero films in recent years have embraced magical realism to great effect. The “Dark Knight Trilogy” by Christopher Nolan, which won four Oscars and redefined the superhero genre, is a great example of this. Other acclaimed films such as “Black Panther” blend everyday life with Marvel’s unique magical touch, while “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is an animated vision of magical realism. The highly acclaimed “The Incredibles” puts an emphasis on everyday life, filled with the superheroes’ typical magic.
Realism
One of the common elements of magical realism is a realistic focus that allows for the extraordinary to creep through. Superhero films focus on the real characters, the relationships and the motives. This helps to ground the narrative, providing a bridge between the mundane and the fantastic. The audience can relate to the characters, feelings and environment, even as events become increasingly extraordinary. The themes of ordinary life are enacted in the narrative, with characters overcoming the daily struggles of life and finding strength.
Connection to the Ordinary
Superhero movies use magical realism to emphasize the connection between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Characters are ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. The resolution of these stories involves the characters coming to terms with the surreal events, rather than simply relying on superhuman strength. This allows the audience to relate to the characters, and the unusual situations become familiar.
Audience’s Perception
The blending of fantasy and realism in superhero movies allows the audience to suspend disbelief and accept these figures as real. Superheroes represent both the ordinary and the extraordinary, and this captures the imagination of the audience. Magical realism allows viewers to accept the fantastic elements and invest in the characters without questioning the plausibility of the situations.
The Power of Magical Realism
The use of magical realism in superhero movies has helped to redefine the genre and bring these fantastic characters and battles to life. The blend of realism and fantasy allows the audience to suspend disbelief and accept the situations, while still being able to connect to the characters and the themes. Magical realism is one of the key elements that makes superhero movies so successful, transcending the genres of science fiction and fantasy.
Motivations
The motivations of characters in superhero films are often a product of their own beliefs and desires, rather than external forces. This is true to the themes of magical realism, where characters have to draw on their own inner strength and fears in order to overcome obstacles. In superhero films, this is particularly evident as characters must face their inner demons as well as the physical villains threatening them.
Culture and Politics
Superhero movies often incorporate cultural and political issues, reflecting the changing times and values. Magical realism is the perfect vehicle for this, as the fantastical elements can be used to comment on contemporary life. Superhero films can bring attention to social inequalities, injustices and issues of power, while still remaining entertaining.
Conclusion
Magical realism is a key component of the superhero movie genre, allowing the characters to transcend the mundane and conquer their inner demons. Through the combination of everyday life and the extraordinary, superhero movies can explore themes of power, culture and politics. Magical realism enables the audience to connect to the characters and their struggles, providing a unique and powerful cinematic experience.
