Analysis of the Tornado Scene in the Man of Steel Movie
Introduction
Films have a significant influence on viewers. They show various scenes that arouse different emotions among the viewers. The present study examines a scene in the Man of Steel movie that involves the death of Clark’s father, Jonathan Kent. The study investigates the viewers’ emotional reactions to the scene. In superhero movies, it is often a prerequisite for the protagonist to lose loved ones as a way of developing a theme in the film. Batman, for example, loses his parents while Spiderman loses Uncle Ben. In the Man of Steel, Superman loses his earthly father, Jonathan. In the tornado scene, Clark, Martha, and Jonathan are in their car. Clark and Jonathan are arguing about Clark’s parentage when they come across a Tornado. They leave their car and move towards an overpass. Jonathan, however, rushes to the car to rescue the family dog. The dog escapes to safety, but Jonathan injures his ankle and is unable to run. As Clark indicates his intention to intervene, Jonathan stops him by a show of hand and dies in the tornado.
The scene angers the majority of the movie’s fans because Clark allows his father to die needlessly. The fans, however, fail to notice that Jonathan’s concern over his son is a theme that runs throughout the film. The scene is noteworthy because it shows the audience that even though he is Superman, Clark cannot protect everyone. Jonathan wants to die rather than allow Clark to reveal his powers. The scene portrays Jonathan as a utilitarian character who wants to sacrifice himself for Clark’s future mission. The film involves an omnipotent character who can perform the seemingly impossible tasks. The scene proves that even Superman cannot solve every human problem. His powers, therefore, have limitations.
Earlier in the movie, Jonathan rebukes the young Clark Kent for saving the kids in the bus. He tells him that there is more at stake than the lives of those around them. The discussion foreshadows the tornado scene that pushes forward the narrative of the movie. Jonathan sacrifices himself because he believes that Clark is too inexperienced and young to carry the weight of the world. Jonathan wants to teach him about the value of sacrifice, which is indispensable to the development of Superman. The tornado scene is crucial because it shows Clark that selflessness is valuable in his mission as superman. In the movie, Superman sacrifices himself for the safety of the earth when Zod demands his presence. He also embarks upon the possible suicide mission of destroying the world engine. Eventually, Clark kills Zod, a member of his own brethren, in order to protect humanity from annihilation. As the film ends, Superman sacrifices Krypton and its future in order to allow the survival of humanity. The tornado scene, therefore, shows Clack that he should demonstrate selflessness in the face of insuperable odds.
An essential aspect of the Superman’s character addressed in the film is that he is an inspiration to the audience. The young Clark, however, can hardly bear the responsibility, but gradually accepts and embraces it. Superman’s actions involve the achievement of objectives that are greater than the solving of immediate problems. On various occasions, the movie compares his godlike activities with those of humans. The film, for example, juxtaposes Superman’s heroic fight against Zod with Perry White’s attempt to save a co-worker from rubble. Both deeds are equally significant.
The depiction of Jonathan Kent in the tornado scene evokes disgust among some viewers because they do not expect him to expire at the early stages of the movie. They argue that Jonathan has the significant role of guiding the actions of Clark while Jor-El teaches him to unleash his powers. Without the guidance of Jonathan and Martha, Clark would have become an insensitive person who misuses his powers. Jonathan, for example, prevented Clark from beating up or injuring the bullies in his school. Other fans appreciate the tornado scene contending that Jonathan is determined to prevent Clark from feeling he owes anything to anyone. Jonathan, therefore, wants to perish in the tornado in order to drive the point home. When Clark shows his willingness to save his father, Jonathan stops him with a show of hand as if to explain that Clark is not even obligated to save his own father.
On the other hand, the viewers that feel annoyed by the scene claim that the actions of Jonathan prove his lack of intelligence. For example, in order to keep Clark from revealing his secret powers, Jonathan tells him to stay put and runs into the tornado to save the family dog. The viewers are, therefore, furious because he dies while attempting to save a dog. They also blame Superman for his failure to prevent the death of his father. Everyone including grownups makes mistakes. Clark, therefore, should have ignored Jonathan’s misguided decision. His powers would have allowed him to rush into the tornado, save the family dog, and return with his father in the blink of an eye. The fans of the movie believe that no one would have noticed the rescue activity due to Clark’s super speed.
The death of Jonathan, however, cautions Superman that his failure to act appropriately can lead to the loss of life for those around him. It is also a lesson in humility. Jonathan wanted Clark to gain humility and realize that his powers had restrictions. Jonathan reasoned that such humility would allow Clark to accomplish his mission on earth. Towards the end of the film, the audience realizes that Clark’s mission is to save the earth from Zod. Without Clark, Zod would have destroyed the earth in his attempt to create a new world. The lessons inculcated by Jonathan and Martha allow Clark to identify with humanity and prevent its annihilation.
Conclusion
The majority of viewers felt angered by the actions of the main characters in the tornado scene. The viewers felt disappointed because Clark hesitates to use his powers and allows Jonathan to die. Jonathan’s effort to rescue the family dog despite the approaching hurricane also annoys many viewers. The scene, however, receives a positive reception among the viewers who reason that it serves to prepare Clark for his future mission. Those who approve of the scene argue that it teaches Clark the significance of humility and makes him aware of his powers’ limitations. Ultimately, Jonathan’s death gives Superman the courage to sacrifice the future of Krypton in order to protect humanity.
