Former Warner Bros. Exec Believes Zack Snyder's DC Movies Were Undervalued By Critics Because He's Too Nice

Former Warner Bros. Exec Believes Zack Snyder's DC Movies Were Undervalued By Critics Because He's Too Nice

Greg Silverman oversaw movies like The Dark Knight and Man of Steel at Warner Bros., and he's now shared his thoughts on why critics didn't respond overly positively to Zack Snyder's DC Comics movies.

By JoshWilding - Jan 07, 2022 07:01 AM EST
Filed Under: Batman vs. Superman

Greg Silverman was once President of Production at Warner Bros. Pictures, overseeing a lot of big movies like The Dark Knight, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Suicide Squad. Control of the DC Extended Universe has since passed through several hands, but the producer clearly looks back fondly at the work he did in that world alongside filmmaker Zack Snyder.

Responding to a fan on Twitter, Silverman shared his thoughts on why the likes of Man of Steel and Batman v Superman didn't receive the sort of critical response they might have with another filmmaker at the helm.

"My suspicion always was that Zack’s kindness openness and enthusiasm created an environment for critics to undervalue his work," the executive pondered. "Because he is a decent approachable humble human, he didn’t fit the mold of an auteur. Shitty. Should be the opposite."

Silverman left the studio before the Joss Whedon-helmed version of Justice League was released, though as such a supporter of Snyder's vision, you have to wonder if things might have turned out differently had he stuck around. While it does often feel like a lot of critics have an irrational grudge against the director, there are probably more logical explanations for many of them not liking his work than the perception that he doesn't fit the mould of your typical auteur filmmaker. 

Then again, if you've seen the way some of those same critics conduct themselves on social media, you might find yourself wondering if Silverman might be on to something!

Do you think the odds have been unfairly stacked against Snyder after his contributions to the DCEU?
 

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PhoenixBlade
PhoenixBlade - 1/7/2022, 7:18 AM
Why can’t anyone at DC accept some constructive criticism? They’re only listening to their loyal fans. It’s like anyone who worked on 50 Shades to be mad at the response because they have a group of passionate fans who say otherwise. Criticism isn’t negative, it’s a means to improve.
Origame
Origame - 1/7/2022, 7:32 AM
@SamaelSaint - constructive criticism like "f@#$ you, you ruined our childhood"? And yes, I am purposefully using the worst possible example considering that's exactly what you guys have been using with the Snyder fans.
PhoenixBlade
PhoenixBlade - 1/7/2022, 8:03 AM
@Origame - Sure. Go and use fan responses when the article is about critical response. The films were poorly constructed, needlessly convoluted, thought they were way more intelligent than they were to a point people who liked them felt the need to explain things to people. Yeah we get that the message about the Martha scene, but it was poorly written. Man who never calls his mother by her name suddenly does so with zero context in hope man he doesn’t know, knows who he’s talking about. You really jumped to a silly point there.
PhoenixBlade
PhoenixBlade - 1/7/2022, 8:05 AM
@Origame - And even the. “You ruined our childhood” is valid criticism. If a Winnie the Pooh film came out and he was a flesh eating bear who shits out honey, then yeah, the creators completely missed the point of Winnie the Pooh. Just as Snyder missed the point of Superman and Batman.
Origame
Origame - 1/7/2022, 8:16 AM
@SamaelSaint - you ruined my childhood is by no means valid criticism (namely the way you put it as "constructive criticism). Not only is it a ridiculous over the top jab at your movie, but in the context you're saying it's already ruined so there's no way to improve. Constructive criticism would be saying it could focus more on what the comics did. And while not necessary, finding a middle ground where Snyder's vision can still be there while being more accurate. Are you seeing the difference? My approach is showing a desire for him to improve. Aka, being CONSTRUCTIVE with my CRITICISM!
PhoenixBlade
PhoenixBlade - 1/7/2022, 8:24 AM
@Origame - Most people said it was nothing like the comments. You’re being selective with a minority of angry fans. And again, the article not me, we’re talking about fans, but critics who mostly supply constructive criticism.
Origame
Origame - 1/7/2022, 8:30 AM
@SamaelSaint - it's almost as if there was a point in being selective with the angry fans I highlighted. How's about reading my comment again? It's hidden there, but if you do this crazy thing called READING!
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