The 2017 vs 2021 Justice League: A Comprehensive Comparison

Understanding the differences between the 2017 and 2021 Justice League films is crucial for any fan or movie watcher. This detailed comparison covers various aspects including runtime, directors' vision, tone and style, character development, villains and plot, and visual elements. By delving into these details, we aim to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of what makes each version unique.

Runtime and Presentation

One of the most striking differences between the two versions of the Justice League film is their runtime and presentation. The 2017 version, directed by Joss Whedon, is approximately 2 hours long and arguably presented for a theatrical release. In contrast, the 2021 version, directed by Zack Snyder, clocks in at about 4 hours and can either be consumed as a single feature or in chapters, reminiscent of a television episode format but with a richer, more cohesive narrative.

Directors' Vision and Tonal Differences

The directors' vision significantly affects the overall tone and atmosphere of each version. Joss Whedon, taking over after Zack Snyder left due to personal reasons, brought a comedic and lighter tone to the 2017 version, making it more accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. Key elements of the film's pacing and character treatment were heavily reshaped during the post-production phase, leading to a different style and arguably a less connected storyline.

Zack Snyder, on the other hand, directed the 2021 version and aimed to deliver his original vision. The film stays truer to the director's original takes on characters and storylines, with a darker and more serious tone that emphasizes themes like sacrifice, heroism, and redemption. This approach also provides a more epic scope and a more cohesive narrative that ties into a broader cinematic universe.

Character Development and Villains

Character development is another area where the 2017 and 2021 Justice League films differ significantly. The 2017 version, while featuring notable actors, contained minimal and rushed character arcs. For example, characters like Cyborg and Flash had limited development and their backstories were glossed over, leading to a disjointed narrative. In contrast, the 2021 version offers more depth to its characters, particularly Cyborg, whose backstory and role are much expanded. Likewise, The Flash (Barry Allen) receives more focused and developed character moments, providing more context and motivation for his actions.

The villains in each version also undergo a transformation. In the 2017 version, Steppenwolf is depicted as a one-dimensional villain with unclear motivations. This portrayal creates a disconnect and a lack of depth for the audience. However, in the 2021 version, Steppenwolf's backstory and motivations are fleshed out, creating a more interesting and complex villain. Additionally, the film introduces Darkseid, providing a broader context for the conflict and a more satisfying narrative arc that ties into a potential sequel.

Visual Effects and Soundtrack

The visual effects and soundtrack are crucial elements that contribute to a film’s overall impact. The 2017 version faced criticism for its visual effects, which were deemed insufficient and at times, rushed. The 2021 version, however, improves upon this with better visual effects and a more cohesive aesthetic. Zack Snyder’s signature style, including the use of the aspect ratio 1.33:1, is more prominently featured, enhancing the film's visual quality and narrative coherence.

The soundtrack also sees a significant change. The 2017 version features a mix of original score and songs with a lighter and more playful tone, which somewhat detracted from the drama and seriousness of the story. In the 2021 version, a new score by Junkie XL is introduced, providing a more dramatic and fitting soundtrack that complements the film's tone and enhances its overall atmosphere.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2017 and 2021 Justice League films each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. While the 2017 version may seem more whimsical and accessible, it lacks the depth and cohesive storytelling that the 2021 version provides. Fans who enjoyed the darker, more character-driven narrative and visual style of the 2021 version might find it a more satisfying experience. However, the 2017 version is still a valid watch, especially for those looking for a lighter and more humorous entry point into the DC Universe.

Overall: The 2017 version cut out vast swathes of material, leading to a fragmented narrative. People often underestimate how much can be achieved in a single 4-hour film. The 2021 version, produced under Zack Snyder's vision, delivers a more cohesive and impactful cinematic experience. If you're looking to understand the full scope of these differences, revisiting the 2021 version is highly recommended.

WHAT'S DIFFERENT:

Tone: 2017 - comedic and lighter; 2021 - darker and more serious Plot: 2017 - Steppenwolf wants to terraform Earth, 2021 - Steppenwolf is an advance force paving the way for Darkseid Structure: 2017 - rushed and disconnected; 2021 - Tarantino-esque story chapters, providing a more patient and well-structured narrative Characters: 2017 - minimal character development, 2021 - expanded character arcs for Cyborg and Flash Technical: 2017 - wide cinematic release, 2021 - TV-friendly narrower format

The 2017 version is a more accessible film, while the 2021 version is likely to be more appreciated by fans who value depth, character development, and a more serious tone in their superhero movies.