Iron Man

Iron Man (2008)
Directed by Jon Favreau
***1/2

Superhero movies are all about exaggeration. They might focus on the human bent toward selfishness, suggesting that the poison is within us, not outside us (Spiderman). Or they'll give us a hyperbolic version of the incarnate God (Superman, aka Kal-El). They might even show us what we'd love to do if we had the power to clean up after the bad guys (Batman).

Iron Man is a little different. It exaggerates, to be sure. But it says, what happens when a fallen human being becomes a super-hero? What if we can't tell if he's the villain or the hero? And what if the main villain he has to fight is the one he's made?

If you've read my reviews of superhero movies before, you know I'm not exactly a fan. I think it has something to do with the way reality gets distorted to a point that I find too cartoony, unbelievable, uncompelling. But I loved Iron Man. Even die-hard fans loved Iron Man.

The reasons are simple. First of all, this is a well-made movie. It's entertaining as all get-out, but satisfying far deeper than just "Ah, maaan! Did you see that?" Iron Man gets you thinking about the way you use your gifts, the profound effects you have on others, the difficulty of making things right, and the cleverness it takes to do right as well as wrong.

But this is no philosophy lecture. It's entertainment with layers. This is Aristotle, reading from a script written by Pixar.

The second reason this is such a great movie is best summed up in two and half words: Robert Downey Jr. He's been one of the most interesting actors since the early 90s. But Iron Man and the actor beneath the suit fit hand in glove — it's almost like they were made for each other. Downey brings a complicated likeability to his weapons manufacturer Tony Stark. I thought he was far more likable than Nicolas Cage in his similar Lord of War role, and maybe even more interesting than the tortuous Jason Bourne. Tony is funny and smart, a little scary, thought-provoking, real-feeling, and truly interesting. It's more than you can say for most film characters, let alone superheroes.

The last reason Iron Man is the best superhero movie in years is its killer plot. In its first half the movie gives us a more original, compelling story than you normally get in a whole superhero movie. Since the surprise is half the plot, I won't give it away. Needless to say, it involves a thick helping of tables-turning, spiced up with impressive special effects and topped with a dash of humorous panache.

Oh, and that's the first half. Then the story gets a lot more "real" than most superhero movies ever get. It's close enough to home that the resonances with current wars are probably intentional. But I never felt like I was getting lectured — Iron Man felt more mythical, more universal than any of America's current tangles. My one hesitance with the plot is that the supporting cast (Terence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges) were wonderful but under-utilized. And a related concern was the movie's ending, which is a love it, like it, or hate it kind of show-down. But these are small potatoes compared with what is, overall, a much-needed shakeup in the superhero canon. Enjoy it — or else!

Comments

[RC of strangeculture]

I love your opening reflection on what SuperHero movies say.

If you are ever interested in writing a guest post for strangeculture on this topic, let me know. I think you're thought process is superb!