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Supergirl Isn't a Perfect Hero, Director Gillespie Loves Her 'Outsider' Traits

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Director Craig Gillespie focused on Supergirl's emotional state and outsider traits rather than the scale of action in the new DC film.
  • Gillespie emphasized that audience connection to characters is crucial, designing scenes to reflect their inner turmoil and imperfections.
  • The director drew parallels between Supergirl's journey of self-acceptance and his own experiences as an outsider moving to the US.

Director Craig Gillespie prioritized character emotion over spectacle in his new DC film, "Supergirl." He believes that audience investment in a character's internal state is paramount, even more so than grand action sequences. "Scale can expand and contract, but if you don't care about the character, the movie won't work," Gillespie stated in an interview.

Scale can expand and contract, but if you don't care about the character, the movie won't work.

— Craig GillespieDirector Craig Gillespie on the importance of character connection over spectacle in superhero films.

Gillespie designed each scene to reflect the character's immediate emotional condition, including moments of inaction. He noted that a character's toughness or aloofness can be a narrative element, revealing aspects of their personality that will be explained later. This approach, he feels, maintains mystery and emotional authenticity, transforming superhero films into psychological dramas.

His creative core is drawn to "outsider" characters, those who initially feel they don't belong. He sees their journey from insecurity and alienation to self-acceptance, embracing their flaws and imperfections, as the essence of becoming a hero. This resonates with his personal experience of moving from Australia to New York at 19 with no connections, living in a YMCA dorm.

I hope audiences see a hero who is flawed, even more human, and understand that it's okay.

— Craig GillespieDirector Craig Gillespie on the message he hopes audiences take away from 'Supergirl'.

"I hope audiences see a hero who is flawed, even more human, and understand that it's okay," Gillespie said. He believes true strength lies in embracing complexity, a message he finds valuable for superhero films to convey. The film "Supergirl" is set to be released on June 24 in Taiwan in various formats, including IMAX, 2D, and 3D.

I think that's a really important thing in life, and if a superhero movie can convey that, then that's wonderful.

— Craig GillespieDirector Craig Gillespie on the value of embracing complexity, a theme in 'Supergirl'.
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Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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