A Review of the Film ‘Wonder Woman’ Directed by Patty Jenkins

Over the years, superhero movies have been created with the main hero being the man. Movies such as Superman and Batman are some of the most renowned superhero movies of all time and they created the notion that comic superheroes are men. ‘Wonder Woman’ has however ticked the box by leaving a mark in the comic world as a female led comic film. The concept of wonder woman began in the 1940s, though this character has over the years only been viewed to be at her best when her narrative inclines into the feminist philosophy. Film makers always treat the kind-heartedness of this character as the key to helping understand her, instead of admiring her brutality in battle, and the audiences are privy to a hero who offers a power fantasy that honours the longings of women. No film has however, been able to create room for female fantasies like ‘Wonder Woman’ did. This film helped to show that women just like men can be rough, humorous, and self-confident and also designers of their destiny.

 This story that was written by Allan Heinberg and directed in the film by Patty Jenkins follows the life of Diana the protagonist in the film. All her life, Diana has grown up under the protection of Olympus gods including her mother Queen Hippolyta; in Themyscira an all women secluded island paradise. Since her childhood, Diana desires to be trained the art of war despite defiance from her mother and her aunt Antiope takes on this role. Diana grows up to be a brave young woman who does not hesitate to help the people in need. It is this bravery that leads her leave the only life she has ever known to follow Steve to the world of man, to try and fulfil her duty as an amazon woman of stopping the war and saving innocent human lives.

‘Wonder Woman’ being a piece that is set long before Superman arrived on earth is a unique story. This is a story that is not concerned with continuity like it happens with other comic films; it stands on its own merit telling its own story. It is this element that helps Jenkins to assemble an incredibly compelling and well-constructed story. Wonder Woman can basically be described as a tight, skilfully drawn together narrative that feels more like an eccentric unconnected adventure rather than a channel to some better story to come.

Comic films always evoke amazement that can be humbling, exciting or both. Wonder Woman effectively tops at this right from the first chapter that is set in Themyscira, where there are intense fights with Antiope and tender scenes with Hippolyta and Diana. The scenes at the beginning are really interesting, particularly the scene where Diana illustrates that women do not need in order for them to be happy. Steve on his part is fascinated by her, and this helps the development of their story to be trustworthy. The attraction between Steve and Diana is stirring, which helps in making ‘Wonder Woman’ a very efficacious; love and superhero original narrative set in the course of one of the most inhumane wars.  The fight scenes are well designed, fashionable and passionate but not ruthless like what would be anticipated from a batman fight.

The character of Diana greatly helps to make this film victorious by brilliantly inhabiting the mix of inquisitiveness, honesty, and kindness, all which has undergirded ‘Wonder Woman’ since the start. Diana effectively wears her suit without any disappointments and evokes a classic heroism, matching to past heroic films like Superman of 1970s. Pine does a great job of matching her hopefulness with world weariness and a sharp sense of humour, helping to make this film even more interesting. She is more than capable at bringing an emotive complication to a character most appropriately defined as a man in anguish.  Diana as the wonder woman is brought out as a mechanical and energetic fighter, with her fierceness serving to focus the logic of kindness that describes her personality. This emphasis on trying to describe the reason for the violence within the film helps to give ‘Wonder Woman’ a weight that is rarely perceived in most other comic films. It also endlessly drives home the indication that all that Diana desires is to be a champion.

One thing that cannot go unnoticed in this film is the unevenness of the supporting cast. Some of the cast especially the villains for instance Doctor Maru and General Ludendorff are broadly painted with the little details given being too weak to give a lasting impact on the audience. Other characters such as Charlie, Chief and Sameer also similarly crafted with very little detail, though they are all play a major role in helping to make this film interesting and memorable. Wonder Woman is a humorous and hopeful movie, but it also touches on political matters which helps it to be more rational about the society. Feminism in the film is sneaky and it is only perceived in the moments when the women, mostly those of colour make comments about their life situations and when Diana faces prejudice from the influential men who doubt her intellect. ‘Wonder Woman’ effectively displays the love and acceptance among women in the film, irrespective of colour and age. These women train and socialize together in unity and one cannot help but admire the fierceness, kindness, loyalty and bravery they display.

To create the overall tone and style of the film, Jenkins wisely draws from traditional adventure films of the 1980s. One cannot help but notice similar atmosphere in Wonder Woman with movies such as Indiana Jones, which is a very creative decision. It is this concept that helps ‘Wonder Woman’ to feel familiar, timeless and comfortable, while at the same time bringing in a completely different structure of superhero comics. This is a movie that will greatly help to pave the way for other female-led superhero films in coming years.

‘Wonder Woman’ just like any other film has its flaws starting with the fact that the movie is way too long, which allows for the unnecessary sections to become strangely obvious while watching the film. The main antagonists of the movie are completely unmemorable when they are equated to the appeal and emotive depth of its protagonists.

‘Wonder Woman’ may have its flaws, but it will remain to be one of the best female led superhero movie ever created for a long time. Jenkins and all her collaborators did what was thought to be unmanageable in the comic world. They created a woman led Super hero movie that is inspiring, intense and compassionate, making this one of the most beautifully crafted comic movies of all time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works cited

Jenkins Patty. Wonder Woman, IMDb.com, 30 May 2017,

            https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451279/.