There is a point in the Harry Potter story where the events of that world become more “real.” Yes, the books and films within that universe are rooted in magic which makes any discourse about “real” seem ridiculous. The “real” that I refer to could be interpreted as a “loss of innocence” or the narrative becoming serious. For Harry Potter that moment occurs during the The Goblet of Fire when Harry and Cedric Diggory are teleported to a cemetery for the first full and physical appearance of Voldemort. Up until that point in the story, much of the narrative in Harry Potter was whimsical with elements of danger throughout, but nothing ever felt truly dire until that encounter in the graveyard. If one is familiar with the books, this transition is a literal page turn: On one page the story is at the celebrated Tri-Wizard Tournament and the next page is a dark cemetery. For the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Civil War is that page turn.
Throughout Civil War, the heroes debate (and physically fight) about the role of a superpowered team in a modern world. Should superheroes be regulated by a governing body that deems whether or not their services are required during a given crisis? Citing events from past films where the Avengers caused countless deaths and billions of dollars in damage, the Avengers are asked to sign the Sokovia Accords which would require the Avengers to act only upon the approval of a United Nations committee. For Captain America, this is an unacceptable limitation on the heroes which impedes on their liberties. For Iron Man, the idea of regulation is not so egregious and may have merit. Add to this a vengeful Baron Zemo who is behind the scenes orchestrating the destruction of the Avengers and the film becomes a deconstruction of the Avengers.
The “page turn” that was referenced earlier occurs at the end of this film when it is revealed that The Winter Soldier was responsible for the murder of Tony Stark’s parents, and that revelation plays out in real time with Tony Stark watching a surveillance video of the event with Steve Rogers. When Tony asks Steve, “Did you know?” and Steve answers, “Yes,” the entire film series flips. The brutal battle that ensues between Iron Man and Captain America is visually excellent, but the emotion behind the fight makes it all the more engrossing. Many times throughout this blogging project I’ve undertaken with Sandy and Gian, I’ve referenced how absurd and bloated the final fight sequences are in these Marvel films. At this point in the series, this is the best final fighting sequence. The emotions are intense, the stakes are high, and it is a genuine fight between two combatants: no buildings falling, no planets exploding, no flying aircraft carriers falling out of the sky. It is just two good men fighting for their beliefs.
This is where the “real” I was referring to comes into play. All of the Marvel Cinematic films have been celebratory to some degree, and this is the first one where it doesn’t end on a high note. In essence, this is the Marvel film that reminds us that the heroes are flawed and don’t always win.
Throughout Civil War, the heroes debate (and physically fight) about the role of a superpowered team in a modern world. Should superheroes be regulated by a governing body that deems whether or not their services are required during a given crisis? Citing events from past films where the Avengers caused countless deaths and billions of dollars in damage, the Avengers are asked to sign the Sokovia Accords which would require the Avengers to act only upon the approval of a United Nations committee. For Captain America, this is an unacceptable limitation on the heroes which impedes on their liberties. For Iron Man, the idea of regulation is not so egregious and may have merit. Add to this a vengeful Baron Zemo who is behind the scenes orchestrating the destruction of the Avengers and the film becomes a deconstruction of the Avengers.
The “page turn” that was referenced earlier occurs at the end of this film when it is revealed that The Winter Soldier was responsible for the murder of Tony Stark’s parents, and that revelation plays out in real time with Tony Stark watching a surveillance video of the event with Steve Rogers. When Tony asks Steve, “Did you know?” and Steve answers, “Yes,” the entire film series flips. The brutal battle that ensues between Iron Man and Captain America is visually excellent, but the emotion behind the fight makes it all the more engrossing. Many times throughout this blogging project I’ve undertaken with Sandy and Gian, I’ve referenced how absurd and bloated the final fight sequences are in these Marvel films. At this point in the series, this is the best final fighting sequence. The emotions are intense, the stakes are high, and it is a genuine fight between two combatants: no buildings falling, no planets exploding, no flying aircraft carriers falling out of the sky. It is just two good men fighting for their beliefs.
This is where the “real” I was referring to comes into play. All of the Marvel Cinematic films have been celebratory to some degree, and this is the first one where it doesn’t end on a high note. In essence, this is the Marvel film that reminds us that the heroes are flawed and don’t always win.
Alex, I agree that this is where it gets "real." When I first saw this movie, it struck me as all too real for the way the world was headed at the time, and about 5 years later, it's even more real than ever. It's emotional, and it's almost like the fall of an empire. I enjoyed seeing the change in characters, too. In the first Iroon Man, Tony would've been the character to be completely against signing the Accords, and in the first Captain America movie, Steve would've been the first to sign it and believe the government was doing it to protect citizens. Experiences changed them both, and although they were living in the same world, they were experiencing things differently and couldn't see each other's points of view. It's exactly like what is going on in the world today.
ReplyDelete