Posted by Darth Dobbin at 208-58-253-32.s540.tnt1.nwhv.ct.dialup.rcn.com on June 13, 2001 at 10:42:39:
In Reply to: Thesis degree paper! Need advice! posted by The Pledge on June 13, 2001 at 08:13:30:
You could examine, and look for meaning, in the shift of the portrayal of superheroes from their early days in serials (Capt. America and Batman, Flash Gordon, etc.), through the campy stages of the 60s Batman, which continued through to the late 70s/early 80s with Superman, "Condorman," etc, to the "gritty/serious" late 80s/present era, starting with Burton's BATMAN, and going into the success of the X-MEN..And contrast, or at least draw reasons for this shift by comparing it against the relative sophistication/mood of the society during those time periods. In the 30s & 40s, the Super Hero as Iconic Protagonist. In the 50s & 60s, the Super Hero as lauaghable diversion. In the 70s and 80s, the Super Hero as a "retro/campy chic" figure, in the 80s and 90s, the Super Hero as a science fiction "reality." In the 90s/2000s, the Super Hero as a " studio franchise." What do each of those roles say about the cultural moods of the day, and the sophistication of film at the time?
Keeping a thread of what the mood and direction of the comics at the time in question would also be needed, I'd think.There's paper upon paper within that alone. Quite a task to research all this.
This might also show why Schumacher's BATMAN AND ROBIN was so miserably recieved. It tried to harken back to a previous era's conception of Super heroes. (Well, that and it stunk.)