Wonder Woman 1984 was one of the most anticipated superhero movies of 2020, but not everyone involved thought it was heading in the right direction. In fact, director Patty Jenkins has openly expressed that, in her view, the film could have been a worse movie if certain decisions had been left unchecked. This list explores the reasons behind her comments, providing insights for fans, film enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of blockbuster filmmaking.
1. The Overuse of the Cheetah Character
Patty Jenkins has mentioned that the inclusion of Barbara Minerva as Cheetah was a complex decision. While the character has a compelling comic book history, its execution in the film was criticized for feeling rushed and underdeveloped. Jenkins believes that if they had tried to cram too many elements into the story, it could have resulted in a worse overall movie, diluting the main narrative and lessening Diana’s character arc.
2. The Underwhelming Third Act
The climax of Wonder Woman 1984 was widely seen as a disappointment, with many fans citing overly CGI-heavy sequences and a lack of emotional payoff. Jenkins has stated that if the final battle had been more chaotic or lacked clarity, the film could have been significantly worse. The decision to keep the ending relatively grounded, despite the fantastical elements, was a conscious effort to maintain some coherence.
3. The Use of the Dreamstone
The Dreamstone, a central plot device, was criticized for being a vague MacGuffin that allowed characters to make questionable decisions. Jenkins remarked that if the concept had been more convoluted or inconsistent, it might have worsened the film’s narrative flow. Instead, they aimed for a straightforward approach to avoid alienating viewers with overly complicated lore.
4. The Tone and Humor Balance
While some humor was appreciated, the film’s tonal shifts were sometimes jarring. Jenkins expressed concern that if the humor had been more misplaced or forced, the movie could have felt like a complete tonal disaster. Keeping a balance between serious themes and lighthearted moments was key to avoiding a worse reception.
5. The Choice of Villains
Pedro Pascal’s Maxwell Lord was a polarizing character, with some feeling he didn’t fit seamlessly into the story. Jenkins pointed out that if the villains had been less compelling or more poorly written, the film’s quality could have dipped further. The decision to focus on character-driven conflicts helped elevate the movie, preventing it from turning into a generic superhero flick.
6. The Visual Effects Quality
Visual effects are crucial in modern superhero films, and Jenkins has discussed how budget constraints or rushed post-production could have led to worse visuals. She emphasized that the effects had to serve the story rather than overshadow it; otherwise, the film might have been perceived as a typical CGI-heavy spectacle with little substance.
7. The Pacing and Runtime
With a runtime of over two hours, pacing was a concern. Jenkins admits that if the film had been either too long or too rushed, it could have resulted in a poorer experience. Streamlining the story while maintaining depth was essential to keep viewers engaged without feeling overwhelmed or bored.
8. The Cultural and Political Context
Wonder Woman 1984 was released during a tumultuous time globally, and Jenkins suggests that if the film had been more overtly political or controversial, it could have alienated audiences. Striking the right tone to avoid being seen as preachy was a delicate balance that prevented the film from becoming worse.
9. The Overall Script and Dialogue
Jenkins highlighted that weak dialogue or inconsistent character voices could have made the movie significantly worse. The script aimed to be both authentic and inspiring, avoiding clichés or awkward lines that could detract from the film’s impact and quality.
10. Audience Expectations and Reception
Finally, Jenkins notes that managing audience expectations was vital. If the film had tried to do too much or failed to meet fans’ hopes, it could have been a complete failure. By focusing on core themes and characters, they aimed to create a movie that, while not perfect, was better than it could have been under different circumstances.
How to Choose
When selecting which Wonder Woman 1984 elements to focus on, consider what matters most: character development, visual effects, story coherence, or tone. Think about your personal preferences—do you prioritize a compelling villain, emotional depth, or stunning visuals? Understanding your own taste will help you decide whether the film appeals to you despite its flaws or if it’s a disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did Patty Jenkins really think Wonder Woman 1984 would be worse?
She implied that, without certain positive choices, the film could have been significantly worse, highlighting her efforts to improve it during production.
2. What were the main criticisms of Wonder Woman 1984?
Common criticisms included the third act’s CGI-heavy climax, underdeveloped villains, and tonal inconsistencies.
3. Could the film have been better with a different director?
Possibly, but Jenkins’s focus on balancing storytelling and spectacle was aimed at making it as good as possible under her vision.
4. Is there a version of the film that would be worse?
Yes, a version with less focus on character, more rushed pacing, or poorer effects could have resulted in a worse movie.
5. What lessons can future superhero movies learn from Wonder Woman 1984?
Maintaining story coherence, balancing tone, and investing in character development are crucial lessons for future productions.
Final Thoughts
Patty Jenkins’s comments shed light on the complex process of making a blockbuster film like Wonder Woman 1984. While it faced criticism, her acknowledgment that it could have been worse underscores the importance of deliberate choices in storytelling, tone, and production. Fans can appreciate that even with flaws, the film was crafted with intent and care, and future projects can learn from its successes and shortcomings to create even better superhero movies.
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