Revisiting Wonder Woman 1984: A Critique and Better Paths Forward

Wonder Woman 1984, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Wonder Woman (2017), faced numerous challenges in translating its source material from the page to the screen. While the film offered some engaging elements, it also stumbled in several areas that detracted from the overall experience. This critique examines the shortcomings of the film, particularly the ill-fated inclusion of Maxwell Lord, and proposes alternatives that could have made the movie a more faithful and compelling adaptation of the DC Comics universe.

Flaws in the Maxwell Lord Narrative

Maxwell Lord, a key character in the Wonder Woman comic book series, plays one of the most significant roles in the story. In the comics, he is a powerful telepath who can control almost everyone on Earth simultaneously, except for Wonder Woman, who is immune due to her nature as an avatar of truth. This dynamic creates a highly engaging and complex storyline. However, the 1984 film-makers altered this dynamic, leading to numerous inconsistencies and narrative complications.

A Dull MacGuffin

The MacGuffin, or the plot point that drives the story, serves as the central element around which the narrative revolves. In Wonder Woman 1984, the MacGuffin, the Dreamstone, is criticized for being completely pointless. Without a strong, compelling MacGuffin, the overall story loses direction and immediate engagement. The Dreamstone was a crucial element in the original story, but its absence left audiences feeling unsatisfied.

Struggles with a Timely Setting

The setting for Wonder Woman 1984 is primarily rooted in 1984, a choice that many found jarring. The film fails to effectively capture the essence of 1984, which is often associated with technological advancements and societal changes. Instead, the setting feels incongruous with the overall vision of the movie. A better approach might have been to maintain the visual and narrative aesthetics of the original film while adjusting the specific time period.

Potential Alternatives: A Revised Maxwell Lord Storyline

Given the complexity of the original storyline, a revised approach could have provided a more engaging and consistent narrative. Consider the following alternative scenario:

A Faithful and Engaging Maxwell Lord Dynamic

In this alternative, Maxwell Lord remains a formidable telepath who can control almost everyone on Earth. To maintain the tension and complexity of the original storyline, other characters in the film could also be immune to his influence. This could include both heroes and villains, such as Cheetah, who ceases to be a secondary threat and leaves the primary antagonist solely in the hands of Maxwell Lord. This would eliminate the need for multiple villains and create a more focused and compelling narrative.

A More Resonant Conclusion

Instead of a binary and somewhat arbitrary victory, Wonder Woman might confront Maxwell Lord in a grand battle of wills. After defeating him, she could compel him to reveal the only way to eliminate his influence, which is to be killed. This could be done with a sense of ethical guilt and a promise to atone, adding layers of complexity to Wonder Woman's character. This approach would tie in well with the themes of justice and truth central to Wonder Woman’s mythos.

Maintaining Visual and Aesthetic Integrity

Afaithful adaptation of Wonder Woman should maintain the visual and aesthetic elements that made the first film so engaging. The 1980s setting was used to explore themes of technology and the Cold War era, but the visual style and character designs should remain consistent with the original film. This would ensure that fans of the first film can enjoy the sequel without feeling like they are watching a completely different story.

Choosing the Right Villain

The inclusion of two villains—Dr. Poison and Cheetah—feels redundant and distracting. By focusing on one primary antagonist and ensuring that the other characters, like Steve Trevor, have a more defined role, the story can become more focused and cohesive. The film could have benefited from a deeper exploration of Steve Trevor's character, who could serve as a more reliable and grounded counterpart to Wonder Woman, providing a more authentic "fish out of water" experience.

Conclusion

Wonder Woman 1984 had the potential to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that honored the source material. However, certain narrative and aesthetic choices led to a less satisfying experience. By revisiting the original story of Maxwell Lord and maintaining the visual integrity of the first film, the sequel could have provided a more fulfilling and engaging adaptation of the beloved character.