This article originally appeared onDen of Geek UK.
Batman standing up, his face illuminated by flame.
Tell me, Batman asks Superman, do you bleed?
Much of the film appears to take place in pitch darkness.
There are musings about the nature of God, seemingly inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche.
What is a gritty, realistic superhero movie, anyway?
Movies especially big, expensive movies dont exist in a vacuum.
Each is a reaction, whether its intended to be or not, to what has come before it.
Storylines inspired by current fears, whether it be the threat of terrorism or the financial crisis.
Action that sticks somewhere within the realm of physical believability.
Batmans a mere mortal who can withstand an extraordinary amount of punishment from Supermans fists.
We could believe in the tender relationship between Bruce and Alfred.
Batman is embittered and icy.
Even Superman seems distant and wan.
(Batman v Supermanalso made the error of conflating drama with deathly seriousness.
So will audiences tire of gritty and realistic movies?
