Visual Rhetoric Analysis: Batman versus Superman Dawn of Justice

Visual Rhetoric Analysis: Batman versus Superman Dawn of Justice

            A picture can reveal a lot of things about a situation. It can help the person who sees it answer the questions, about what was happening? Who was there? Most importantly, how did they feel? Batman versus Superman is a film that combines emotions, twists and turns alongside awesome visual effects. The promotional posters and even stills which one can grab from the film do justice to the idea which its creators intended for the audience.

The texture of this image is rough in every aspect. There are raindrops falling in every direction. Superman’s costume looks scaly, different from the sky-blue smooth dressing that fans see him wear in other films. His left arm, which is the only one that is visible in this still, has creases as he stretches it towards Batman. Batman’s armor is also rough with numerous protrusions contrary to the slick costume which he usually wears. Batman bites his teeth as if he is grinding them against each other.

There is a reason behind the rough texture that manifests itself from this still. It shows that things are not alright. It will not be business as usual for both Batman and Superman throughout this film. Besides, it gives emphasis to the plot behind the film. There is deep mistrust between Batman and Superman which Lex Luthor cultivates. This leads to a lot of confrontation both verbal and physical between the two heroes. The roughness is an allusion to the bumpy road that awaits the two.

Darkness and light are both present in this still. The confrontation between the two characters takes place in the night. However, it seems that they are standing under a light. It is important to remember that the creators of Batman have sometimes referred to him as the dark knight. He conducts some of his most important activities such as dishing out justice in the cover of darkness.

Moreover, he exhibits the character traits of bats which normally come out in the night. On the other hand, Superman is a man of the light. He stands for all that is just and true. As if that is not enough, he gets energy from the yellow sun, an object which every creature associates with the day. It is therefore evident why the creators of the film decided to combine both light and darkness in this still.

The tone of this still is informal, and also not casual. Instead, the tone is personal. Batman seems to approach Superman until he gets as close to him as he can. His eyes glow brightly and it looks like he is peering into Superman’s head. He has also parted his lips to reveal his teeth which stick closely together.

Indeed, his posture looks confrontational. He looks intent on settling a personal score with Superman. On the other hand, Superman seems to take offense to Batman’s approach. He is standing his ground. He also stretches out his hand towards Batman’s chest as if to fend him off, showing that he is just as ready as his nemesis to get physical when things get personal.

This still represents some of the senses perfectly. Batman’s eyes are glowing as if he is trying to look deep into Superman’s heart. Superman, on the other hand, represents the sense of touch. He places his arm on Batman’s chest as if he is the voice of reason. As for sound, Superman looks all ears to listen to whatever Batman wants to say. However, Batman wears a helmet which covers his ears. It shows that he is not there to talk about things since he has already made up his mind.

The mood is both angry and calm. Batman alongside the rain represents the anger in the film. Superman represents calmness and a voice of reason as later sections of the film reveal. The color of this still is dark. Perhaps, it is a premonition for the sad events which will take place later. The background of the still is dull, both from the dark setting and the rain. This setting intends to draw attention from the characters’ surrounding and instead, direct the audience’s focus towards Batman and Superman.

The main focal point is on Superman’s face. Batman’s glowing eyes direct the viewer’s attention towards Superman’s facial expression. He looks calm in the midst of a storm and aggression from Batman. The environment shows that both characters are standing out in the open. There is rain falling from above and there is a light focusing on the two characters, perhaps it is a spotlight. Batman occupies the left side of the picture dressed in black whereas Superman is in the left donning his traditional red and blue.

The possible plot for this scenario is that something has happened for which Batman blames Superman. He has finally managed to track him down and has brought him to an isolated place. He now intends to confront and if need be, assault Superman. The image inspires feelings of Suspense and agitation in the audience on seeing the potential of a clash between their two favorite heroes. The simple context of this still is one of the numerous confrontations that arise between Superman and Batman. There is some pushing movement in the picture from Batman’s approach and Superman’s response to it.