Three long years
Although it was released a day prior, today marks three years (originally written on the 18th of November 2020)since I watched Justice League in theatres. It’s been three long years of signing petitions, buying t-shirts, and sharing hashtags. There were times where its existence was questioned, and our only hope was provided by an ‘alternative’ social media app (Vero). Much has changed since the above photo was taken. I hardly recognize the boy in it. I feel as much a part of this movie as those who made it; even though I have contributed nothing more than buying a t-shirt and posting a hashtag.
Three long years indeed. Perhaps, to you, Justice League merely represents another ‘superhero movie’, but in reality it means so much more.
In 2017, amidst a family tragedy, Zack Snyder (director) stepped down from the production of Justice League. Though fans were assured by the director himself that the movie was in good hands, this resulted in a Frankenstein-like cut of the movie being released.
Since then, after catching wind that this was not the intent of the director himself, a small group of fans started a movement; #ReleaseTheSnyderCut — and before long many of us boarded that ship.
All of the changes to Justice League were studio driven, and were the result of the critical disappointment of Batman v Superman — the movie released prior to Justice League.
I remember seeing the cast express themselves physically — through intense training; earning their spot amongst the league. To you the physical effort might seem meaningless, because to look good shirtless is part of an actor’s job. Be it that I only saw a glimpse of the work, through whatever was shared, it was their physical effort that changed me. Pre- it’s release, I had little understanding of the deeper meaning, and consequences found in physical effort. Like most gym-goers, it was all superficial. Input=Output; counting calories; aesthetic appearance — you know, the usual stuff.
These actors, willing to change, annihilating themselves again and again, changed me. Their effort changed me. It sent me down several paths of self-discovery; inspired me to read more, and served as the first step to many other things. So yes, Justice League represents more than a movie, it represents a rebirth. Coincidently, it was in a time where I had suffered a significant physical set-back. I had a need to be reborn, all I needed was something to point me in the right direction. So, understand the disappointment when I say — the theatrical release did not represent all that lived beneath the surface. (There is a link to a brilliant article, written by Michael Blevins, about the experience of training Henry Cavill for Justice League)
Justice League represents creative integrity. The responsibility of the creator not to compromise to that which the critics demand. The corruption of such responsibility has no consequence in modern society. It may even be celebrated. No credit to the man who remains true. The creator’s responsibility is to him/herself; and to that alone.
Had we received the ‘original cut’ in 2017, it may never have represented as much as it does now. In 2017 the idea for Under the Bar was born. Had it not been for the Snyder Cut-saga, Under the Bar would look a lot different now, and perhaps be deemed more successful? What began as a venture to create some ‘cool t-shirts’ changed into a philosophy. What began as a catch phrase transformed into an exploration of one’s responsibility to oneself. A business idea turned medium.
The Snyder Cut represents loss, love, and triumph. A constant reminder to create only that which represents your beliefs. It represents the rebirth of many things; proving both the success and failures, the wins and losses, the good and bad equally important in our journey. We are, after all, not what we gain; but what we endure.
My wife; bless her heart, has had to listen to me rant about the Snyder Cut for three long years. She asked me: “What if it’s not a good movie?” to which I answered: “It doesn’t matter anymore. It’s already done what was needed.”
Afore mentioned article
https://www.nonprophet.media/chapter-one
Snyder Cut trailer
