Before you read this, I ask you to check out the editorial “Superman’s movie suit” by Robert Garlen by following the link ((HERE)) It is not my intention to step on his toes. He merely posted an article that made me think. I was in the process of commenting when I decided to make an article on what I had to say.
No one knows what Zack Snyder and his team will come up with for Superman’s image. Will they reinvent the character? Will they go “old school”? Or will they modernise? Whatever they do, there is one aspect I hope they keep that Brian Singers version abandoned completely.
This aspect is the very reason Clark puts up with looking out of place. He knows the suit looks a little stupid but the reason he dons the cape and trunks is something that adds so much depth to the character. The reason is simple...
...his mum made it for him.
This simple statement governs much about the suits appearance. His suit is not an out-of-this-world sign of his alien heritage (with the exception of the “S”). It is not a protective shell (why would he need armour anyway?). It is not a complex design of rubber or neoprene. It’s a farmer’s wife’s attempt at hiding her son’s identity. It is a simple suit made from simple materials with a mothers love. However they decide to show Superman, I hope they make sure his suit looks home made!
Personally I thought Dean Cain was not only the best live action Superman/Clark but he also had the best suit. Many of you are probably reading that sentence for the third time thinking “what! Reeve was the best!” This is a debate about the suit but here’s a quick back up to my revelation. Reeve’s Clark was good but not anyway near as relatable as Cain’s. Dean’s Clark really showed a “normal” person trying to live life, have friends and find love. Cain’s Superman showed genuine and selfless concern for human life while Reeve’s portrayal oozed a cocky smugness that at times was hard to watch (balcony scene anyone?) Anyway, I’ve gone off topic. Dean Cain’s super suit was practically perfect. The dark blue, bright red, perfectly sized “S” symbols and even the boot height were all spot on! And with this they kept it looking home made.
Why is it so important? Like I said, it adds depth to the character. His suit is a symbol of hope to all humanity, but more importantly, it is a symbol of hope to Superman himself. He wears a permanent reminder that no matter what horrors of humanity he sees, there is good in the world. He is reminded that no matter how many murderous slime balls he comes across, there were humble people owning very little to their name who were willing to take in a strange child and love him as their own. Superman is our “beacon of light to show us the way”, his parents are his beacon and his suit is his reminder.