Zack Snyder and, um, Joss Whedon’s “Justice League” opens in theaters this weekend. It’s expected to gross $110-120 million over its first three days domestically. That sounds good…right? It’s “potentially” good. There will be stories about whether it’s really a box office hit or not. There will be stories about whether there should actually be a sequel. There will be more stories about whether or whether not Ben Affleck will ever play Batman again. There will be even more stories about the behind-the-scenes creative drama that has only trickled out so far. That’s all to be expected, but forgive us for hoping the Academy and guild members forget Wonder Woman, aka Gal Gadot, is in the superhero team blockbuster in the first place.
Luckily, Gadot survives “Justice League” with her head held high. She’s often the most charismatic actor on screen and, as a colleague noted afterward, when Wonder Woman does her thing it brings back all those positive feelings you felt after watching her own movie. Unfortunately, “Justice League” as an independent piece of cinema is sort of a mess. It’s not godawful. It’s not utterly painful to watch like “Batman v. Superman” was, but it’s certainly not memorable which is why many of those stories we just mentioned will be making the rounds in the coming days.
If they can find it in their minds and hearts to ignore “Justice League” Academy and guild members should focus on how much Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman” was a landmark movie in a landmark year for women. With women under siege by the new administration stateside and by other forces overseas, Patty Jenkins’ origin story was an inspiration for all ages. During a Q&A last month Gadot talked about running into young women and how much seeing a smart, well-drawn female superhero on the big screen meant to them. Politicians, activists, athletes have all praised it along with Academy members such as Lupita Nyong’o, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jessica Chastain, Ava DuVernay, Chris Evans and Viola Davis, among others, raving about it afterward.
“Wonder Woman” just didn’t benefit from strong reviews and fantastic box office. “Wonder Woman” became a cultural tipping point. A hero that spoke for women’s rights and those of other disenfranchised minorities (something that she’s done in comics, television and animation since the early ’70s). Jenkins vision and screenwriter Allan Heinberg‘s screenplay juxtaposed Diana’s arrival to “man’s world” with the horrors of WWI, a creative and powerful choice for audiences who have been inundated with stories about WWII for decades. Jenkins turned the mythical Themyscira into a land where woman of all colors, shapes and sizes lived vibrant lives. Role models almost unheard of on for young girls around the world on the big screen.
Frankly, Warner Bros. was between a rock and a hard place with releasing “Justice League” during the height of awards season. And, obviously, it was they least of their concerns. They locked into a release date that had to appease promotional and merchandising partners right before the holiday buying season. Delaying “Justice League” until March or April simply wasn’t feasible. And, it should be noted, by bringing in Whedon they certainly tried to do their best to fix the mess it became (many will remember “Justice League” was already shooting when “BvS” hit theaters with a critical thud and general audience disappointment). But, in a very competitive awards season the reaction to the final film can’t help “Wonder Woman’s” chances with increasingly fickle awards voters.
Does “Wonder Woman” still deserve a shot at a Best Picture nod? Absolutely. Should Patty Jenkins be taken seriously in a crazy competitive Best Director field? You know it. Should SAG nom com voters consider it for Best Ensemble? Without question. Should Heinberg’s script be a real contender in the Adapted Screenplay category? Um, have you seen the other qualifying scripts this year? Should it make AFI’s Top 10 of 2016 list? Based on previous selections, for sure. Should Oscar winner Lindy Hemming earn serious consideration from the Costumes branch? Without question. Should two-time Academy Award nominee Aline Bonetto earn some love in the Production Design category? We certainly think so.
Often Academy members vote for the movie or performances that moves them the most. This year that likely means pictures such as “Dunkirk,” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “The Shape of Water,” “The Florida Project” and “Lady Bird.” It was always going to be a tough road because its a “superhero” movie, but before “Justice League” landed you could absolutely throw “Wonder Woman” onto that list. It has had that much of an emotional connection not just for general audiences, but industry ones as well.
For Jenkins and Gadot’s sake, let’s hope AMPAS and guild members don’t forget it.
