How Long Was Zack Snyder’s Justice League "Supposed to Be"?
The debate surrounding Zack Snyder’s Justice League?neatly encapsulates the tension between artistry and business in the film industry. Paramount once hoped to commit the film to theaters, but due to commercial constraints, the movie was severely condensed.
Business Drivers and Theatrical Limitations
The shortened version of Zack Snyder's Justice League was optimized for theatrical release within a two-hour timeframe. This limit was dictated by various business considerations, a direct result of the previous standalone films' (Batman vs. Superman and Suicide Squad) runtime. These films were already criticized for their extended run times, leading to a common understanding in the industry that no mainstream superhero film should exceed two hours for theatrical release. Accordingly, under these constraints, the studio would have known that around 50 minutes needed to be cut from Snyder’s original cut to ensure the film’s viability in theaters.
The Snyder Cut and Its Impact
The extended version of Zack Snyder's Justice League, which many fans have become accustomed to viewing on streaming platforms, inevitably brought the debate to a different stage. Although it is nearly four hours long, the film’s length introduces a new set of challenges, primarily due to its sheer duration. The studio undoubtedly anticipated that not all scenes, especially those that were extended or heavily repurposed, would be well-received by the audience.
What Would Have Been? If the movie had adhered strictly to theatrical release guidelines, Snyder’s original cut would have been about three and a half hours long, roughly reflecting the actual theatrical runtime. However, such an extended version likely would not have gained the same level of attention and critical acclaim.
The Significance of Vision and Audience Engagement
The extended version of the film, while criticized by some for its length, serves as a testament to Snyder's vision and commitment to providing a more comprehensive narrative. Critics often point out how the extended version attempts to make a statement rather than providing a perfect cinematic experience. The film is more visible and noteworthy than a polished product, as the studio justified its release by aiming for a more substantial and longer engagement with the audience.
The Release Narrative and Critical Reception
While the critical consensus is moderately positive, the studio's primary motivations for releasing the extended version lie elsewhere. The emphasis on making the film visible and noteworthy means that the studio's goals extend beyond simply improving the commercial performance of a theatrical release. The release serves more as a marketing and promotional tool, generating buzz and interest in the film that may translate into increased streaming views or future theatrical releases.
Summary and Conclusion
The debate over the length of Zack Snyder's Justice League highlights the constant push and pull between the artist's original vision and commercial constraints. The theatrical version's reduction to just over two hours was a deliberate decision to meet market demands, while the extended version has been embraced by fans who are drawn to its more substantive and complete storytelling. The release of the extended cut, now available to a broader audience, ultimately serves the broader marketing and engagement strategies of the studio.