Superheroes have been a part of our culture since the dawn of civilization. From the ancient Greek gods to the more recent Marvel and DC creations, it’s clear that these larger than life characters captivate us. But how do superhero movies today compare to the ancient myths and legends of times past?
It has been argued that contemporary superhero movies often have more complex storylines than ancient mythology. This is because the artists and directors behind these films have the freedom to explore many different plot points and themes, giving the audience a more dynamic experience. Take for example, the recent movie ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, which blends Norse mythology with modern day superhero elements such as space travel and artificial intelligence. In contrast, traditional myths and legends rely on a more linear, straightforward story.
It’s also fair to say that contemporary superhero films often cater to a larger, more sophisticated audience. Modern movies rely on computer-generated graphics, special effects and epic action sequences to be successful. This kind of spectacle is something that ancient mythology often lacked, due to a lack of technological advancement at the time.
Despite these differences, contemporary superhero films often pay homage to the myths and legends of the past. Many of the most successful film franchises, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, borrow heavily from the themes and characters of these ancient tales. This could be a form of cultural homage, as filmmakers may seek to use these myths as inspiration for their own stories.
As well as cultural respect, modern superhero films also bring a sense of modern relevance. These films are often seen as reflecting the struggles and issues faced by audiences today, whether they involve the fight against oppression or a battle between two sides of an ideological conflict. By exploring these real-world themes, the films offer a more contemporary, meaningful insight into our lives.
Tropes and Clichés
Another noticeable difference between ancient mythology and contemporary superhero films is the use of tropes and clichés. Ancient myths often featured characters with one-dimensional archetypes, whereas superhero films often feature protagonists with more depth and development. This is likely influenced by modern storytelling conventions, where the hero must face several inner struggles in order to triumph.
In the same vein, modern superhero films also have more complex villains. Ancient mythology was often filled with iconic, albeit one-dimensional, characters such as the hydra or the minotaur. In modern films, villains have become increasingly complex, as filmmakers explore the psychological motivations behind their characters. We see this in films such as Spider-Man or The Dark Knight, where the villains are not just portrayed as evil but often presented as having relatable backgrounds and motivations.
Finally, modern superhero films have a wider range of locations and settings than those found in ancient mythology. For example, Thor’s quest to save Asgard in ‘Ragnarok’ takes him to many different planets and realms. This level of versatility and creativity is something that was rarely seen in myths, due to the lack of technological advancement at the time.
Themes and Messages
The themes and messages explored in modern superhero movies often differ from those found in ancient mythology. The former will often feature a more diverse range of characters and explore ideas such as justice and equality. This illustrates the way that society and culture have evolved in the intervening centuries, and these films are often seen as reflections of our times.
Modern superhero films also tend to be more action-oriented and violent than those from antiquity. This is unsurprising, given the technology and techniques available to filmmakers today. From epic fight scenes to special effects, these movies often feature more spectacle than their forebears.
Consequently, modern superhero films rarely contain a strong moral message, such as the ones found in ancient myths. This is because the makers of these films often rely on the spectacle and spectacle-driven narratives, rather than any kind of social commentary or deeper meaning.
Finally, modern superhero films often gloss over the more spiritual elements of their stories. For example, Thor’s quest to save Asgard in ‘Ragnarok’ is essentially a physical journey, while in ancient mythology, many of the greatest adventures were spiritual ones, with a strong focus on the afterlife.
Audience Engagement
In terms of audience engagement, modern superhero films are often more successful than their ancient counterparts. Films today have budgets in the millions and savvy marketing strategies, both of which increase the reach of their content. In addition, modern movies often feature star-studded casts and are released on multiple platforms, allowing for greater engagement with viewers.
Moreover, the way that contemporary superhero films explore themes and characters often resonates with the audience. For example, ‘Wonder Woman’ struck a chord with viewers due to its powerful female lead and themes of justice and truth. In contrast, ancient mythology often lacked a strong message of female empowerment or any kind of progressive moral.
Finally, modern superhero films often have a greater thematic or allegorical depth. For example, ‘The Dark Knight’ can be seen as an exploration of the conflict between order and chaos, while ‘Avengers: Endgame’ serves as a metaphor for grief and loss.
In conclusion, modern superhero films are unsurprisingly very different from their ancient counterparts. While characters and stories may borrow from the past, contemporary films feature a much more diverse range of themes, locations and messages, allowing them to better engage with audiences of all ages.
Action Sequences
Action sequences are also often featured in contemporary superhero films, something that was rare in ancient mythology. This can be attributed to the advancements in technology, which give filmmakers the freedom to create visually stunning fight scenes. These sequences often feature more stunts and special effects than their predecessors and tap into the adrenaline-fuelled excitement of the audience.
More critically, these sequences often act as a metaphor for the overall narrative. From Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit to Batman’s fight against the Joker, these sequences often serve to illustrate a deeper meaning or message hidden beneath the spectacle. It is this thematic depth, combined with the excitement and drama of the action, that has made these scenes so popular with viewers.
Adaptability and Popularity
It is also notable that modern superhero films are more adaptable and flexible than their ancient counterparts. Many contemporary film franchises have become international blockbusters, thanks to a combination of special effects, action sequences and star-studded casts. And these adaptations have often seen the original mythology reinterpreted and reimagined, allowing them to reach new audiences and explore different themes.
In comparison, ancient mythology was often restricted to its original form, due to a lack of technology and marketing capacity. This often meant that these stories suffered from a lack of imaginative potential and failed to captivate wider audiences.
Finally, modern superhero films are often more popular than those of antiquity. These movies have huge budgets and extensive marketing campaigns, which allow them to reach millions of viewers across multiple nations. In contrast, ancient mythology was often limited to regional and local audiences, due to its lack of wide-reaching appeal and mass-market potential.
Social Impact
Another difference between modern superhero films and ancient mythology is their social impact. Modern films often have strong messages about justice and equality, something that was rarely seen in the stories of antiquity. This has allowed viewers of all backgrounds to see themselves represented in a positive light, inspiring discussion and provoking thought.
In addition, these films often depict characters with diverse backgrounds as heroes and villains, thus challenging social norms and conventions. Audiences are exposed to different cultures, beliefs and ways of life, which can lead to greater understanding and acceptance of different communities.
It is also clear that modern superhero films are more socially representative than those of antiquity. Films such as ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Black Panther’ feature strong female protagonists and ethnically diverse casts, something that was rare in ancient mythology.
Finally, modern superhero films often have a positive influence on society. Many people see these films as inspiring sources of hope, especially during times of crisis. They can be seen as a source of comfort and strength, helping people to emerge from difficult situations and to pursue a better future.
