Key Takeaways:
– Celebrated superhero movie director Zack Snyder reveals that his favorite comic-book adaptation is the 2009 film Watchmen, not the more popular Man of Steel.
– Snyder praises the “clean and satisfying” transition of Watchmen from comic-book to film.
– Despite modest box office success, the film was warmly received by acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, who felt it was ahead of its time.
Zack Snyder's Affection For Watchmen
In the realm of superhero filmmaking, few names are as iconic as Zack Snyder. The visionary director behind DC Universe's fan-favorite films like Henry Cavill's Man of Steel and ZSJL, he's a bigwig in the superhero genre.
However, it's not the popular Superman flick that Snyder identifies as his proudest accomplishment. Quite unexpectedly, it's the lesser-known Watchmen, a 2009 adaptation of the comic book, that he holds in the highest regard, despite its modest box office performance.
Zack's Unusual Choice
Almost two decades into his illustrious film career, including some sterling hits and a few undeniable misses, Zack Snyder has chosen the somewhat underappreciated Watchmen as the gem of his body of work.
During a recent interview with ComicBook, the 300 director was asked for his personal favorite among all his comic-book adaptations. Synder surprised many by revealing it to be Watchmen, citing its faithful and successful transition from a comic-book to a movie as one of his main reasons for this choice.
Explaining His Preference
While his 2013 blockbuster Man of Steel might have seemed to be the more apparent choice, Snyder holds Watchmen in higher esteem. He sees the film as the most satisfying adaptation of comic material into film.
His 2009 production, an R-rated action and science fiction film, did not make a huge splash at the box office but managed to earn somewhat positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Why Watchmen?
Despite a lukewarm response at the box office, Snyder staunchly champions Watchmen, praising its smooth transition from comic-book plot to live-action film. The film demolished the boundaries and subverted the conventional idea of a superhero team.
Nolan's Nod
Adding weight to Snyder's choice is the endorsement of the movie by none other than famed director Christopher Nolan, the mastermind behind the acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.
Nolan, who reportedly shares a close professional relationship with Snyder, has expressed his admiration for Watchmen, considering it ahead of its time. He argued that the movie brilliantly subverted the expectations of a superhero team and could have garnered more attention if it was released after The Avengers.
In a nutshell, both Snyder and Nolan consider Watchman a critically underrated project. They plateau the film at a higher echelon than the popular Man of Steel, signifying the merit of the underdog films.
Conclusion
In the end, it isn't always the most celebrated films that hold a special place in a director's heart. Snyder's admiration for Watchmen demonstrates this perfectly, reinforcing the fact that success isn't only about box office numbers but the artistic satisfaction derived from the creation.
Whether you're a Snyder fan, a superhero movie enthusiast, or just someone looking for an out-of-the-box film experience, why not give Watchmen a try? You can currently stream the film on Prime Video. Who knows, you might find a new favorite yourself!
