Batman V Superman's Title "Mistake" Was Actually A Genius Snyder Move
The long-standing belief that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's title contains a mistake is actually false - the "v" is a subtle reference to the film's story and deeper theme, and actually reframes its ending. The second entry into the DCEU saw the introduction of Ben Affleck's Batman, and pit him against the world's most powerful hero, Superman. The conflict between the two heroes was central to Batman v Superman's story, and it ended with the two putting their differences aside to face a far greater threat.
Though there are a number of things that made Batman v Superman controversial, there is a commonly held belief that its title contains an inaccuracy. That is, that the "v" in Batman v Superman should actually read "vs", because it seemingly refers to the physical confrontation between the two, and the "v" is primarily used for legal battles between two parties. When taken at face value, the wording of Batman v Superman's title is clearly a mistake, because though the film does see Superman briefly appear before congress, the two heroes don't engage in any discernible legal proceedings against one another.
However, the film's subtitle, Dawn of Justice, as well as the subtext of its story, subtly lend credence to the notion that the title isn't a mistake after all. In BvS, Ben Affleck's Batman and Henry Cavill's Superman find themselves at odds with one another over their respective definitions of justice, and though this does lead to the two fighting, it still represents a legal battle of sorts. Though it's not being done through proper legal channels, the idea that the central conflict is one of morals and legality makes Batman v Superman's title accurate on a figurative level, because it taps into the film's subtext.
It's a subtle distinction, but the idea that the title may have been chosen specifically to highlight that point is evidence that Batman v Superman is underrated. The film actually explores the continuation of Man of Steel's themes and the fallout from its story, and in many senses, Batman v Superman saved the DCEU by answering the very question that its title asks. The conflict between Batman and Superman is important not to establish who is stronger or smarter, but whose idea of justice will prevail.
Interestingly, that very idea reframes the outcome of the film's titular showdown. Though Batman wins the pair's fight through the clever use of a kryptonite spear and high-powered technology to even the odds, it's actually Superman's mentality that prevails. His sacrifice changes Batman's mind about metahumans and informs his choices moving forward, meaning that with regards to the moral victory, Superman came out on top.
Though the idea stems from a minor distinction regarding the film's title, it has far-reaching implications that make it a clever creative choice. Not only does it explain why Ben Affleck's Batman changes in BvS and begins to adopt a slightly less cynical and brutal approach to his heroism, but it also establishes a greater depth of storytelling in the DCEU that's easy to miss. It's exactly that sort of subtle detail that elevates a franchise, and though it's easy to miss, it actually reframes Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice significantly, making it a much more intelligent and nuanced film than it gets credit for.
Source: Screenrant
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