Zach Snyder's Justice League: The Secret Chord that Pleased the Lord.
Zack Snyder
In film editing, directors and creators tend to make alterations so the film doesn't run too long, hoping that it will resonate with audiences. One controversial circumstance of this was with Zach Snyder (directed 300, Watchmen, and Batman vs. Superman). He had begun directing Justice League (2017), but due to the unfortunate passing of his daughter, Autumn, this threw him off course and Warner Bros had Joss Whedon (known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Avengers 1 and 2) take over the film. Snyder and Whedon have.....different film styles to say the least, and this resulted in large cuts and alterations for the movie, which resulted in the 2017 theatrical cut being poorly received. Personally, I thought the original was decent, but nothing special. Thankfully, due to fan demand, WB decided to let Snyder finish his cut of the movie, and release it on HBO Max and in theaters.
Wonder Woman played by Gal Gadot
I could tell it was a different movie entirely from the more serious and dramatic opening scene. In general, I felt that the scenes had more tension, and displayed more impact among the world. For example, the part where Wonder Woman stopped a terrorist group (see below), now there’s more casualties, with the end moving in a more climactic fashion, and we now see the aftermath as well as Wonder Woman interacting with the hostages. There’ s more explanations for things that weren't clear in the theatrical release, such as Aquaman getting a trident that he used later on in the movie, or why the motherboxes (the film's macguffins) awoke in the first place. There's also much more character interaction between the heroes themselves, as well as other supporting characters like Alfred and Silas Stone (Cyborg's father).
Justice League 2017 vs 2021, Wonder Woman London fight scene, side-by-side comparison
From JP Games
Flash (Ezra Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher)
Speaking of Cyborg, both him and The Flash have more screen time as well. Snyder clearly intended the Justice League to be their “origin story” just by how much development and scenes both of them had. Additionally, they also gave them a stronger role in the story. Some characters were also cut from the film that were established in the DC universe that would've set up and fleshed out the DCEU (I won't spoil) as a whole. Seeing Darkseid and more of his followers was exciting, and it would've been great to set him up to be the “Thanos” of the DCEU. Lastly there’s Steppenwolf, the film's antagonist. He’s far more developed in terms of personality and character and they actually made him more sympathetic this time (well somewhat) around.
Film Composition
On to the film aspect of the movie. A divisive staple of Zach Snyder's movies are primarily monochromatic, muted, and laced with gray palettes. Since this version is all Snyder, you can expect this style. It's certainly more consistent with the rest of the movie, and for those that aren't a fan of that look, look to Man of Steel and Batman vs. Superman. Since trailers and promotional material for the movie were released, many would notice that Superman is sporting a black and grey outfit as opposed to the classic red and blue. It not only looks really eye catching, but this is more comic accurate since this is how Superman looked after coming back to life from his fight with Doomsday. The face shield that Cyborg occasionally switched on, looked very cool and displayed his abilities more as well.
Henry Cavil as Superman
Many people criticize Snyder's films (especially the superhero movies) for the palettes, grittiness, and constant use of slow motion. One thing I felt that is indisputable is that the action sequences and battles provided by Snyder are always exciting. I'm still floored by the Man of Steel's fights to this day. With Justice League, they’re not only new or altered, he still manages to include sequences that happened in the theatrical and made them look better in terms of effects, as well as camera work. Even Steppenwolf's fight scenes are on another level. They’re more intense as he is now cast as an actual threat. Granted, this is partially due to the gore from the R rating, but I believe even without that, Steppenwolf's battle scenes would still be a huge improvement. We also have to praise Steppenwolf's new character design. Not only is his personality and confrontations more interesting, he's bigger, sleeker, and more enhanced (thanks to CGI) making him more dangerous than ever. I also love how his armor is alive, almost symbiotic, as his suit and spikes alter form when he's fighting.
Steppenwolf’s fight scene with the JL From Alex Ovdiy
2017 Version…Some Good?
Sigrid opening For JL From Flashback FM
I've mostly been gushing about the differences in the Snyder cut, but are there aspects that I actually prefer in the original 2017 release? Yes, however, nothing substantial. First of all, the 2017 version had a very beautiful and somber montage of the world dealing with Superman's death at the beginning of the film. This was complemented with the song “Everybody Knows” by Sigrid, which really helped set the mood. Another small part I missed, is when Superman comes back to life and tries to kill Batman, and has a great line where he says, “You won't let me live, you won't let me die” and even mocks the “Do you bleed?” line that Batman used on him back in Batman vs. Superman. While it wasn't intentional, I thought it was interesting how the 2017 version had more of the earlier segments of the grittier “Snyder” palettes, with the latter parts being more colorful. It felt like it was symbolizing hopelessness in the beginning of the film, and then having that hope return to the world by the end (considering that Superman, the symbol of hope, had arisen). The Snyder cut has more world building and foreshadowing of the motherboxes. Let’s not forget the way Superman tries to kill Batman is now more epic and dramatic as well. Additionally, let’s look at the color and humor, at least this version of the film is more consistent in these areas.
Funny How….Slow Mo Much?
From Recall - Flash Scene Slow Mo
While humor was lost, it was also renewed thanks to the Flash and Aquaman’s theatrics. I understand many people think of comic book superheroes being more colorful and humorous (just look to the Marvel cinematic universe), but there are some comic book stories that are darker and grittier, and film makers should be allowed to experiment to see what vibes and what doesn’t for them. One negative for the Snyder cut is that there is some excess padding and some of the slow-motion scenes drag on a bit much.
And finally, The Joker. The Joker sadly does not say “We live in a society” like the trailer suggested, so in essence, the true villain wasn't Darkseid, but the “trailer only” lines that captured our attention.
From IGN
Final Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed the Snyder Cut. It was a new and interesting film experience, especially seeing what was different and the same. The film also left me with some bittersweet feelings as I got to see Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck play Superman and Batman again, as they're my favorite live action portrayals. Respect to Ray Fisher as Cyborg too. His excellent portrayal of the live action Cyborg has now set the standard for this iconic character. The bitterness from this comes from wanting to see them play the characters again, and knowing that it won't ever happen again….
Seeing what could've been for the future of the DCEU, leaves me with mixed feelings.
Despite loving this film, I want to set expectations. If you're generally not a fan of Zach Snyder's movies, I don't know if this movie will change your mind. It's also probably wise to not expect it to be at the top of your list for all of the superhero movies that have appeared in the move sphere. I can confidently say, however, that you will probably enjoy it more than the 2017 version.
Though I recommend watching it in parts due to the length, like a mini-series and regardless of what anyone thinks of the movie, it's hard not to feel happy for Zach Snyder. With all that he’s been through, it's so rare that a film maker gets a second chance to see his vision fully realized and to dedicate it to his daughter, Priceless!!!
