The Perils of Zack Snyder Hate and the Importance of Storytelling in Superhero Films

Over the years, there has been a consistent chorus of criticism directed towards Zack Snyder. While some of this backlash is undoubtedly valid, much of it appears to stem from a fundamental misunderstanding or misinterpreted criticism. It is often assumed that Snyder himself is a problematic individual, rather than merely someone whose expertise lies in visual storytelling. However, it is essential to separate Snyder's personal qualities from his professional capabilities.

Breaking Down Snyder's Criticisms

Those who criticize Zack Snyder point to his films as examples of chaotic storytelling and plot confusion. Jerome Lynch asserts that Snyder’s work, particularly within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), is too rushed, neglecting to develop the characters and their arcs effectively. This critique is valid, as the quality of storytelling, character development, and overall narrative coherence has been notably uneven in Snyder’s DCEU projects.

One of the standout examples of this criticism is Justice League. Despite Snyder shooting what some considered an overlong 4-hour version, the film is often likened to an extended outtake reel. This idea is further reinforced by the successful transformation of the film under Joss Whedon's direction, which led to significant improvements in character dynamics, narrative flow, and overall coherence. Despite better budgeting and production management, Whedon was still able to salvage the project from what many perceived as a bloated mess.

Personal Characterization Misunderstood

Snyder fans often emphasize the director's kindness and sincerity, while critics often see him as being 'toxic.' However, it is critical to note that these two assessments might be more about personal characteristics rather than professional skills. Snyder's visual sensibilities and his ability to execute cinematography and production design are widely acknowledged. Unfortunately, his weaknesses in narrative and storytelling are well-documented, which negatively impacts the overall quality of his films.

The harmful misalignment of Snyder's personal character with his professional ability has led to significant backlash. Snyder fans might equate his personal likability with his capacity as a director, creating a situation where frustration and misdirected hate turn into personal attacks.

The Role of Hanlon's Razor

To navigate these criticisms more effectively, it's helpful to employ Hanlon's Razor, a principle that advises people to not attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity. In Snyder's case, his lack of successful narrative storytelling does not imply a Slytherin-level manipulation or malevolence. Rather, it can be attributed to a lack of experience and skills in a specific area of film-making.

Dissecting the core of Snyder's criticism helps us understand that a lot of the hate directed towards him is rooted in a desire to blame the individual for what fundamentally is a professional deficit. People often have a hard time accepting the possibility that someone who does not understand the basics of storytelling, even if they have great visual sensibilities, can still lead a project to failure. This desire to find someone to blame frequently manifests in assuming deliberate malice, when in reality, it is a case of incompetence.

Reevaluating Snyder's Future

With this in mind, it becomes crucial for Snyder to take a step back and reevaluate his approach to storytelling. Rewatching his own films might be a good starting point, but what truly matters is developing a deeper understanding of the narrative and character development that is essential for creating compelling superhero stories. Going forward, Snyder might benefit from working with a more experienced screenwriter or director who can complement his strengths in visual storytelling.

Interestingly, almost every acclaimed filmmaker, when they rewatch their own work, can see the flaws they wish they could improve upon. This introspection is essential for all of us in the creative industry to grow and improve consistently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the criticism of Zack Snyder should not be aimed at his character, but rather at his professional shortcomings. It is understandable that people get frustrated with the flaws in his films, but a more productive approach would be to focus on his strengths and weaknesses as a storyteller. Recognizing these issues can help not only Snyder but also filmmakers in general to improve their craft and ensure that their projects meet higher standards of storytelling.

By discarding the notion that Snyder is inherently malevolent or incompetent and understanding the source of these criticisms, we can foster a more constructive dialogue that paves the way for better future films and a healthier environment for criticism.