Superman 3: A Deep Dive into the Man of Steel's Not-So-Finest Hour
Ah, Superman III. The film asks: What if Superman was a jerk? When thinking of Superman films, "Superman III" probably isn’t the top choice. We're not here to bury it but to dissect it and offer insight. This is your guide to "Superman III," ready to explore questions you never knew you had.
General Movie Musings: Is Superman 3 Actually Good?
Let’s get straight to it. Is "Superman III" good? Not quite like "The Godfather" or "Superman: The Movie." It doesn’t say it’s bad, but the existence of such questions suggests a poor reception. Consider it akin to that extra slice of pizza—fine now but perhaps too much later. It’s... something.
Plot Twists and Turns: Unpacking the Superman 3 Narrative
The Dark Side of the Cape: What Turned Superman "Bad"?
Why does Superman suddenly misbehave? The answer lies in synthetic Kryptonite. This is not typical Kryptonite; it's engineered by Gus Gorman and carries its own quirks.
This synthetic Kryptonite hurts Superman and transforms him into a cosmic Scrooge. He loathes almost everything. As he deals with Kryptonite, he questions his self-worth, feels depressed, and acts destructively. It's superhero vandalism at its worst. Think disgruntled teen with superpowers.
Synthetic Kryptonite's Sinister Influence
This isn’t real Kryptonite. It’s lab-grown and packs its own issues. It acts like red Kryptonite and twists Superman’s personality. The results are drastic. It leads to moral disregard and petty troubles. It’s like Kryptonite went to clown college rather than villain school.
Inner Turmoil: Superman vs. Himself
It’s not just outside forces; Superman battles internally too. The film shows this struggle—a clash of his heroic self and Kryptonite's negative influence. It's a public therapy session, chaotic yet poignant, unique to an ‘80s film.
The Infamous Bar Scene: Superman's Drunken Debacle
And who forgets that bar scene? Superman walks in and orders everything. In "Superman III," he’s intoxicated, showcasing a mean streak. A drunk Superman is strange yet captivating. Imagine a charming grandfather suddenly becoming disorderly.
This scene captures his altered nature; it’s not saving kittens but using strength for arm wrestling and ignoring tips. Truly classy.
The Grand Finale: How Does Superman 3 Wrap Up?
After the carnage, how does "Superman III" end? Quite simply. Superman flies into the sunrise and returns to Metropolis. It’s classic Superman, as if nothing happened, except for a few leaning monuments.
Damage Control: Superman, the Super Repairman
Before leaving, Superman manages some repair work too. Even the malevolent Superman retains some responsibility. He mends Clark Kent's wrongdoings. Yes, Clark’s *immoral persona* bears some blame. Superman uses his powers to fix damage, patching an oil tanker with heat vision. He also sets the Leaning Tower back to its iconic angle. Some things matter, even for an evil Superman.
Gus Gorman's Fate: From Villain to... Programmer?
What happens to Gus Gorman, the synthetic Kryptonite creator? No jail time or reprimands. Instead, Superman drops him at a West Virginia coal mine, advising him to pursue programming. Unexpected, right? Superman suggests a career change rather than punishment. Oddly wholesome in a bizarre way.
Superman's Departure: Off to New Adventures
Finally, with some issues tied up, Superman flies into the sunrise for new adventures. Being Superman never stops. Flying, saving the day, and re-straightening towers are all a regular part of his routine.
Character Capers: Where's Lois? And What About Lex?
Lois Lane's Vanishing Act: Why the Minimal Screen Time?
One notable absence in "Superman III" is Lois Lane. "Why is she barely here?" is a pressing question. The filmmakers seemed to ignore a key ingredient. The explanation lies in Margot Kidder's outspoken opinions on the franchise.
Margot Kidder's Donner Drama: Speaking Out and Paying the Price
Kidder was vocal regarding Richard Donner's firing. He directed "Superman: The Movie." His removal upset her, and she expressed this vocally. Hollywood can have its way with outspoken women.
Reduced Role: 12 Lines and Less Than Five Minutes
The result? "Lois was reduced to a mere 12 lines and under five minutes of screen time." Talk about sidelining her. Lois, the keen journalist, becomes a minor plot device unworthy of a Post-it note. Where’s the justice for Lois?
Lex Luthor's Absence: Wherefore Art Thou, Gene Hackman?
Speaking of missing familiarity, where’s Lex Luthor? "Why didn’t Gene Hackman appear?" lingers eerily. The details are vague. Perhaps he was busy or just avoided synthetic Kryptonite. His absence is a void in this film. It's like Batman without the Joker—something feels off.
Cast and Crew Chronicles: Who's Who in Superman 3?
Evil
Superman Unmasked: Christopher Reeve's Dual Role
Christopher Reeve was Superman for a generation. He played dual roles in "Superman III." In this film, he portrayed both Clark Kent and Evil Superman. It's a superheroic Jekyll and Hyde, with added spandex. A remarkable feat!
Christopher Reeve: Behind the Scenes Heroics
The behind-the-scenes footage is surely a treasure. Reeve argued with himself in various costumes and had method moments as Evil Superman. Then, he switched back to wholesome Clark for lunch. It showcases his dedication and remarkable range in acting.
Richard Pryor's Payday: $5 Million and Beyond
Richard Pryor played Gus Gorman. He did not come cheap. Pryor earned a $5 million salary. That's impressive for 1983. Following the film's release, he signed a five-year contract with Columbia Pictures valued at $40 million. Playing a bumbling villain proved lucrative.
Reception Rundown: Why Was Superman 4... So Not Good?
Superman 4: The Last Nail in the Coffin?
Plot Hole Pandemonium: A Story That Makes Little Sense
One main issue for "Superman IV" is its plot. Or rather, the absence of a coherent one. The original 134-minute version was cut. It left many plot holes that made no sense at all. Cutting 45 minutes from a movie rarely leads to clarity. It’s akin to baking a cake without half the ingredients.
Special Effects Spectacle... or Spectacle of Cheapness?
The special effects are another concern. Even with the additional 45 minutes, the visuals remained cheap and ridiculous. "Cheap and ridiculous" – not words for a superhero movie. Even an extended runtime couldn't fix visual flaws. The budget seemed to favor Pryor's salary.
Christopher Reeve Reflections: Beyond the Cape
Reeve's Remuneration: How Much for Superman Duty?
Back to Christopher Reeve. How much did he earn for his superhero roles? For reference, he started at $250k for Superman: The Movie. He received $500k for Superman II. By Superman IV, he earned $1m each for films III and IV. Quite a notable increase as he donned tights.
The Tragic End: Cause of Christopher Reeve's Death
Christopher Reeve faced tragedy in life. He died from heart failure on October 10, 2004. He was 52 years old and in a hospital in Westchester County, New York. His death was a heartbreaking loss, considering his vibrant life before his accident.
Life After Paralysis: Nine Years of Resilience
Reeve became paralyzed from a horseback riding accident in 1995. He lived nine years after that incident, advocating for many causes. Reeve died from cardiac arrest in 2004 at age 52. A true inspiration, he showed immense courage and resilience beyond Superman's role.
Reeve's Legacy: A Family Tribute
Reeve left a lasting legacy with his family. His three children spoke of him on "Good Morning America." They see his work not just as films, but as a testament to his character and values. Their film honors their father's legacy. A heartfelt tribute from loving children.
Towering Heights: Christopher Reeve's Physical Stature
Reeve stood tall at 6 ft 4 in (193 cm), with a slim physique. He endured an intense two-month training regimen supervised by David Prowse, a former British weightlifting champion. This preparation helped him become a believable superhero. It showed in his performance.
What Could Have Been: Actors Who Almost Soared as Superman
Travolta's Tryout: Grease Lightning vs. Super Speed
John Travolta auditioned for Superman once. At the time, he was unknown. The Salkinds turned him down for Clark Kent/Superman. It's amusing to imagine a disco-era Superman, though. Travolta later starred in "Grease," a significant success in 1978, even without the cape.
Welling's "Smallville" Stance: No Suit, No Superman
Tom Welling starred as Clark Kent on "Smallville." He avoided wearing the suit throughout ten seasons. The show focused on Clark's journey as a teenager and his identity development. This choice defined "Smallville" as unique in exploring Clark's origins.
Brando's Demands: Why He Missed Superman II
Marlon Brando, Jor-El in "Superman: The Movie," was set for "Superman II." Producers cut his completed scenes to avoid his demands for 11.75% of box-office gross. Money dictated creative decisions, impacting the film significantly. Brando's absence left a noticeable void.
Eastwood's Rejection: Namor Over Krypton
Clint Eastwood was also considered for Superman's role. He turned it down, preferring Namor, the Sub-Mariner instead. Eastwood had a soft spot for the Marvel hero over the iconic Kryptonian. A surprising choice reflecting his unique interests.
Reeve and Brando: Not Exactly BFFs
Working with Brando was significant for Reeve, but not pleasant. In an interview, he expressed his discomfort with Brando as a co-star. Even working with legends can lead to less than legendary experiences in film-making.
Lois Lane Lore: Love, Memory, and Bermuda Vacations
Memory Manipulation: Why Lois Forgot Clark's Secret
In Superman's world, memory manipulation exists. Clark kissed Lois, erasing her memory of him as Superman. This kiss reset her memory to an earlier version of herself, instilling confidence again. It's intriguing yet ethically questionable to alter memories in such a way.
Superman.
Lois's Superman 3 Status: Bermuda and Beyond
Lois appears absent in "Superman III." Her role is small, with only 12 lines. She is in Bermuda on vacation for the entire film. This vacation positions her at a front-page story. Lois still finds trouble while relaxing. Investigating a super-powered scam sounds fitting.
Clark vs. Superman: Who Captured Lois's Heart?
The age-old question remains: Did Lois prefer Clark or Superman? Evidence reveals it is personality over powers. The new confident Clark Kent intrigues Lois Lane. Attitude drew her to Superman. They dated, fell in love, and he proposed. Not heat vision or strength, but confidence won Lois over.
Villainous Ventures: From Cyborg Transformations to Nuclear Threats
Vera's Fate: From Human to... Computer Cyborg?
Nuclear Man: Superman 4's Radioactive Rival
Next, we encounter Nuclear Man in "Superman IV." Mark Pillow portrays him, bringing a new villain to life. Nuclear Man's powers come from nuclear energy. Pillow accepted the challenge passionately. A standout moment? Maybe, depending on the film's reception.
Lex's Luthor's Loathing: Why the Superman Hate?
Lex Luthor's disdain for Superman is essential. The reasons include psychological and personal factors. He views Superman’s powers as a threat. Lex believes humanity should solve problems without aid. His resentment grows from a perception of vulnerability in humanity.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow? Lex Luthor's "Lois and Clark" Locks
In "Lois and Clark," why isn't Lex bald? Shea, as a series regular, keeps his hair for romantic appeal. Lex needed to seem attractive. Criminal masterminds require this convention. Hair was prioritized over baldness for a suitor role.
Superman Universe Unveiled: Canon, Continuity, and Evil Incarnations
Superman 3 Canon Conundrum: Does It Count?
Is "Superman III" canon? The content brief does not clarify this. Perhaps the cinematic universe ignores it gently. “Superman III" has unique narrative choices. It occupies an unclear space in Superman lore. Canon status? Maybe in a sillier dimension.
Ignoring Sequels: Superman Returns' Selective Memory
"Superman Returns" takes a selective approach to continuity. It acts as a homage sequel to earlier films. The film skips "Superman III" and its sequels entirely. "Ignoring" sums up its strategy well. The focus returns to Donner’s first films and leaves the others behind.
Evil Superman Extravaganza: Ranking the Darkest Versions
Evil Superman appears in many comics. So, who ranks the highest among them? 10 An Alternate New Earth Superman... 9 Superman/Doomsday... 8 Black Lantern Kal-L... and more. This shows the multiverse is full of dark Supermen. Evil Superman remains a constant trend.
Darkseid's Disciple: What Turns Superman Evil?
What corrupts Superman? Sometimes it’s upbringing that leads him astray. Under Darkseid’s influence, he becomes evil. This transformation leads to the destruction of New Genesis. The "Superman: The Dark Side" story explores a twisted version of him created by evil.
Sober Superheroes: Who Can't Get Drunk?
Can superheroes drink alcohol? Some resist intoxication better than others. Captain America stands out due to his metabolism. The super-soldier serum makes him hard to get drunk. This makes him great company for Wolverine.
Jonathan Kent's Sacrifice: Why Superman Didn't Save Dad
In "Man of Steel," Jonathan Kent meets a tragic fate. Why didn’t Superman save him? Jonathan told Clark not to intervene. He wanted to protect Clark’s secret identity. A profound sacrifice emerged from love and protection.
Henry Cavill's Kryptonian Curtain Call: Why the Superman Split?
Cavill's Departure: An Earlier Superman Era
Why did Henry Cavill leave the role? James Gunn stated Cavill was not the right fit. The new film focuses on an earlier Superman life stage. Cavill’s portrayal does not align with this youthful direction. Timing matters significantly for the role of Superman.
So here you have it: a dive into "Superman III." From evil bar scenes to bizarre vacations, it exists in its own world. Is it good? Perhaps that depends on perspective. Memorable moments? Absolutely! In superhero cinema, being bizarre can be a superpower by itself.
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