Monday, March 28, 2016

Quick Thought: "The Renfield Theory" for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

So, early today I came up with a way for me to find Jesse Eisienberg's portrayal of Lex Luthor more palatable. I think that if viewed as a "Renfield"-style of character in a larger story arc, this Luthor is much more understandable. His actions, mannerisms, philosophy, and even dialog create a vivid echo of Dracula's thrall from Bram Stoker.

His short, jerky actions mimic that of psychiatric patient in an asylum. Short babblings that lead nowhere, his super jumpiness, and the odd Jolly Rancher incident, all say "crazy". His movements recall more of Brad Pitt in 12 Monkeys than any other Lex Luthor from the past.

The philosophy that he explains and extols when referring to the painting on his wall, sound like the way Renfield refers to his master, glorious and dark.

And his dialog, ESPECIALLY his last portion of dialog, sounds like it was taken directly from Dracula.

Then there was this:


So, yeah.

Though I don't like him as Luthor.... as Renfield, he was pretty damn good.

1 comment:

Pope said...

Also, try to look at the finally battle with Doomsday as the slayers final battle with Dracula. Kryptonite is the "knives". Batman shoots Doomsday in the face with the Kryptonite gas, choking him - Harker cuts Dracula's throat with a kukri (knife). Then the alien, Superman, stabs him in the heart with a Kryptonite spear, a weapon from his homeland - Quincy, the foreigner, stabs Dracula in the heart with a bowie knife, a weapon from his homeland. Then both Superman/Quincy and Doomsday/Dracula die.
Not sure about WW, she is too strong for a Mina parallel .. perhaps the lasso reflects the sunlight? I am really stretching here though.