← Back to Directory
Superman
Movie

Superman

1978 • Unknown

Woke Score
1
out of 10

Plot

Mild-mannered Clark Kent works as a reporter at the Daily Planet alongside his crush, Lois Lane. Clark must summon his superhero alter-ego when the nefarious Lex Luthor launches a plan to take over the world.

Overall Series Review

The film depicts the origin of the titular hero, focusing on his journey from the doomed planet Krypton to the cornfields of Smallville, Kansas, and finally to Metropolis. The central conflict is a traditional battle between the benevolent, selfless Superman and the power-hungry, greedy criminal mastermind Lex Luthor. The themes are classical, centering on a transcendent moral code, the value of traditional American virtues, and the hero’s function as a moral 'beacon' for humanity. Character arcs are driven by destiny, morality, and competence, not immutable group identity. Lois Lane is a strong-willed, ambitious journalist, but her character complements the hero’s mission rather than displacing him. The entire narrative functions as an affirmation of virtue, a protector of civilization, and the necessity of a higher moral law.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics1/10

The narrative is built on the universal idea of a hero being judged entirely by the content of his character and his selfless actions. Superman's mission is explicitly to be a 'beacon' and 'light to show the way' for all people. The casting reflects the traditional comic book source material with no evidence of race-swapping or political lecturing on privilege, keeping the focus on merit and moral integrity.

Oikophobia1/10

The film presents the American setting of Smallville, Kansas, as a tranquil, ideal version of 'peaceful Americana,' a world 'worth caring for, a world worth saving.' Superman explicitly fights for 'truth, justice, and the American way.' The narrative treats the institutions and people of Earth, particularly the United States, as worthy of protection and guidance, not as fundamentally corrupt or inferior to an ‘alien’ culture.

Feminism2/10

Lois Lane is portrayed as an ambitious, independent, and strong-willed journalist who earns a prestigious job on merit. She is not simply a passive love interest or a 'damsel in distress.' However, the primary figure of power and protection remains Superman. Martha Kent is portrayed as a loving and essential figure in raising Clark Kent, celebrating the protective nature of family and complementary gender dynamics without promoting anti-natalism or emasculating the male lead.

LGBTQ+1/10

The story adheres strictly to a normative structure, with the main romantic pairing being the traditional male-female relationship between Clark/Superman and Lois Lane. The film focuses on the hero's moral journey and his public battles, leaving sexual identity as a completely private, un-politicized matter. There is no presence of gender theory or deconstruction of the nuclear family unit.

Anti-Theism1/10

The film employs explicit religious and messianic language. Superman is referred to as 'my only son' sent by Jor-El (a father-figure from the heavens) to be a 'beacon' for mankind who only 'lack the light to show the way.' This frames the hero's morality as transcendent and divinely inspired, directly opposing moral relativism. The main villain, Lex Luthor, is defined by his greed and inability to comprehend or tolerate Superman's selflessness, which he views as a figure to be hated rather than 'worshipped.'