Jump to content

John Ottman on SUPERMAN RETURNS and other comic book movies


IrishCal24

Recommended Posts

SuperHeroHype.com has posted a link to Superman-V.com's interview with John Ottman in which he discusses his approach to editing and scoring. He also mentions his influences as a composer and talks about the scores for X2, Fantastic Four, and Superman Returns.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 12
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • 2 weeks later...
It?s not only the best super hero film ever made, it?s one of my favorite films of all time. And the memories? They?re indelible. SUPERMAN: THE NEW [sic] MOVIE had such elegance, heart, humor, fantastic dialog and a perfect cast. I get chills just talking about the simplest little moments in that film, like when his father dies. At the farm, Clark?s father (Glen Ford) has a little talk with Clark, pondering why he?s here. That alone is such a beautifully acted and written moment. They then race up the hill and Glen Ford?s character holds his arm, winces slightly, and says quietly, ?Oh no.? The editor then cuts to an extremely wide shot as Mr. Kent?s now small figure collapses. The music is very quiet and non-dramatic as the shot lingers. His mother runs out, the music grows with simple emotion as we hear her muted moans. Williams saves the epic moment for the end of the funeral, indicating a new chapter is beginning for Clark. Then there?s the scene in the wheat fields when he leaves his mother. Then the discovery of the crystal and the formation of the Fortress of Solitude. Every moment is directed, edited and scored just perfectly. Then the reflective speech by Jor-El with the beautifully cerebral music. I could go on and on, and we haven?t even gotten to Gene Hackman yet. I mean, wow. Richard Donner really created a masterpiece, and I think so many facets of that film taught me how to try and do things the right way.

My faith in this production just shot up quite a bit.

Neil

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't disagree with Ottman at all, until he mentioned Gene Hackman. Everything else is fine.

Let's go through this one more time Alex, for the old times' sake: My biggest complaint at Superman - The Movie is that it is dated now. If it was made now and set in 1978, it would still be dated (to a lesser extent, but dated anyways). And that only stresses its flaws.

Otherwise, it's okay if Singer wants to keep the spirit of the original. It would be set nowadays, so I would only complaint about the Lex Luthor and Clark Kent characters, if they are treated as they were by Richard Donner.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hope Clark isn't whiny like Welling's Clark. Goofy good, whiny bad.

Donner's direction of Clark was to basically give Reeve free reign to paint the pallet he ended up doing. Result is one of the greatest characterizations of a beloved character.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love the film up until the first appearance of Luthor. I think Kidder wasn't very well chosen for Lois Lane but at least Reeve was pretty good. Hackman went way over the top. I don't like his portrayal of Luthor at all. He's funny, yes, but he's more of a weirdo than a menacing villain IMO.

The first act of the film however (all of the background story before moving to Metropolis) is perfect and also features my favorite part of the score. Whenever I listen to the score the first nine tracks stand out the most, my favorite being that wonderful music for Brando's teachings.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hackman went way over the top. I don't like his portrayal of Luthor at all. He's funny, yes, but he's more of a weirdo than a menacing villain IMO.

That's why he's great! Why should every villain be menacing? I like the uniqueness of the character.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Alex has a point, why should all villians be menacing?

as for this movie my hopes continue to climb, this picture seems familiar

supermanreturns3.jpg

Singer seems to be using Donner's entertaining classic as a template.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is that how you get your kicks, by planning the deaths of millions of innocent people?

No, by causing them!

now thats a threat.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Guidelines.