Ah the great debate, or well, not debate that is the cinematic universes of DC and Marvel. Right now Marvel is the unequivocal ruler. We do not deny it. In fact, DC has basically been the court jester, without a truly excellent film since the original Batman. Now, don't get me wrong, I have my guilty pleasures in the DC universe (Batman Forever) but really, the DC offerings simply don't stack up. And I can't help but question why?
Why, when DC comics have much more compelling and complex story lines over all?
Why, when DC comics boasts the two most popular superheroes ever?
Why, why, why is the DC cinematic universe falling under the likes of Antman? (Antman was awesome)
And why is this movie centric topic showing up on my writing blog? Well, it's because I've figured it out.
On the big screen, Marvel offers more than superhero fights, action, costumes, and tropes. They offer story. In fact, the narrative they tell is so complete that it serves to mask plot holes, bad pacing, and any other mistake that the movies might make (Ironman 2. Seriously). And up until now, DC has done nothing to step into that realm of cinematic story telling. The closest we got was The Dark Knight and quite frankly, I'm not convinced that it wasn't completely the amazing work of Heath Ledger as the Joker. We'll never know though. Until now. Now, we have the possibility to have the DC movies we deserve. With a superb cast (Aquaman is FINALLY coming into the spotlight,FINALLY) including the best Batman to ever grace the screen (much as it pains me to say it, because Ben A is just not a favorite) and a Wonder Woman well worth lusting after, not to mention a brand new look for Superman ( Henry Cavil is delicious and I can't tell you how much I love that they didn't try to make him look like Reeves) and Jesse Eisneburg (enough said) there really is simply no reason for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to have done so poorly and been reviewed so negatively. Or so I thought. Until I watched the theatrical version. In which they cut out at least three scenes that made the narative actually flow. And for what? To save time? Marvel MCU doesn't worry about that, and for good reason. They have the narative part down. BvS easily matched Civil War in cinematic action, scope, and plot. But what DC has done, consitently, is focused more on the plot than the story. And that is the downfall of the DC Cinematic Universe. That lack of character development, cutting out those scenes that define the humanity of the heroes, the ones that give us the ever present Why? answers, that let us see past the masks and the weapons and the flash. DC has constently, in every movie offering, cut them out. Marvel has embraced them. Moving the characters forward with a followable and relatable narative.
This same mistake plagues the writing of so many authors trying to make it today. So, here is my advise. Plot does not trump narative. You must have both. They must both be equally compelling, and they must both be present.
You hear me DC?
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