Metropolis vs. Gotham
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Metropolis vs. Gotham Although both Metropolis (Superman) and Gotham (Batman, 1989) may be creative representations of New York City or Manhattan, the cities are portrayed very differently in the Batman and Superman movies. Gotham Perhaps the most notable aspect of Gotham is the way in which it is presented to the viewer. Many of the scenes in the streets of Gotham are shot in close proximity to high walls. This is most notable on the steps of city hall and also in the fight scene when following Batman’s rescue of Vicki Vale from the museum in Batman 1989. We never see a shot of the city hall in its entirety. Additionally, we rarely see many outlets on the city streets. Whether through creative camera work or purposely- positioned props, these enclosed spaces and high walls create a sense of imprisonment on the streets of Gotham. The idea of imprisonment is further supported in Batman’s rescues. We see Batman lifting Vicki Vale up out of the streets and out of danger only to dive back in to the darkness to fight the crime on the streets. This adds to the theme that Batman is trying to clean up the streets of Gotham and liberate it from its darkness. Even its name, “Gotham,” reminds the viewer of “gothic” and sounds dark. Metropolis By contrast, Superman’s Metropolis in Superman 1978 offers a much more optimistic setting. Although a lot of the movie is shot at night it does not portray the same darkness. Both day and night scenes of Metropolis represent a bustling and vibrant society. The street scenes include shots of long avenues and bright lights illustrate the prosperity and freedom of the city. These characteristics are present in the very first scene of Metropolis in which Clark Kent is making his way to the Daily Planet. The mise-en-scene includes a long avenue with a beam of light at the end, images of a flowing busy city, and the streets
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Transcript of Metropolis vs. Gotham
Metropolis vs. Gotham
Although both Metropolis (Superman) and Gotham (Batman, 1989) may be creative representations of New York City or Manhattan, the cities are portrayed very differently in the Batman and Superman movies.
Gotham
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Gotham is the way in which it is presented to the viewer. Many of the scenes in the streets of Gotham are shot in close proximity to high walls. This is most notable on the steps of city hall and also in the fight scene when following Batmans rescue of Vicki Vale from the museum in Batman 1989. We never see a shot of the city hall in its entirety. Additionally, we rarely see many outlets on the city streets. Whether through creative camera work or purposely-positioned props, these enclosed spaces and high walls create a sense of imprisonment on the streets of Gotham. The idea of imprisonment is further supported in Batmans rescues. We see Batman lifting Vicki Vale up out of the streets and out of danger only to dive back in to the darkness to fight the crime on the streets. This adds to the theme that Batman is trying to clean up the streets of Gotham and liberate it from its darkness. Even its name, Gotham, reminds the viewer of gothic and sounds dark.
Metropolis
By contrast, Supermans Metropolis in Superman 1978 offers a much more optimistic setting. Although a lot of the movie is shot at night it does not portray the same darkness. Both day and night scenes of Metropolis represent a bustling and vibrant society. The street scenes include shots of long avenues and bright lights illustrate the prosperity and freedom of the city. These characteristics are present in the very first scene of Metropolis in which Clark Kent is making his way to the Daily Planet. The mise-en-scene includes a long avenue with a beam of light at the end, images of a flowing busy city, and the streets filled with happy citizens. This portrayal of Metropolis reinforces Supermans protection of an almost ideal society from exterior threats.
How both Metropolis and Gotham are filmed, coupled with the actions of both Superman and Batman project an image of the societies and ideals that exist in each city. In the case of Superman, it is apparent that he is protecting a safe society from the inside out. Alternatively, Batman can be seen fighting a more toxic society from the outside in.
