Christopher Nolan says Zack Snyder is one of the most influential superhero directors

Love him, hate him or would rather just wait for the director’s cut, Zack Snyder has no doubt had his impact on the world of modern movies, chiefly as it relates to the superhero genre. And while he has his legion of fans, Zack Snyder is now getting additional support from Christopher Nolan, a former collaborator, having a story and producer credit on 2013’s Man of Steel.

Speaking with The Atlantic in a recent profile of Zack Snyder, Christopher Nolan stated, “There’s no superhero science-fiction film coming out these days where I don’t see some influence of Zack…When you watch a Zack Snyder film, you see and feel his love for the potential of cinema. The potential of it to be fantastical, to be heightened in its reality, but to move you and to excite you.”

Nolan – who has come to the defense of superhero movies before – might have an undeniable point here about Zack Snyder, as the director has introduced – or at least helped popularize – some trademarks that continue to be found with nearly every superhero movie that hits theaters. There really is a lot to admire in Snyder’s love of the genre, aiming to focus on the superhero psyche and bringing a groundedness and realism to the aesthetics of these movies.

Admittedly, though, it became easy early on to spoof his visual style of chaotic, overthought camerawork and speed tinkering. And no doubt Zack Snyder had a role in such fare being too damn dark to see (whereas Nolan movies are impossible to hear), whether on the big screen or at home, with plenty of sections of Justice League (just for one example) a genuine chore to make out, something that stands as a DC staple and was one of The Batman’s biggest criticisms. Good or bad, most moviegoers have a pretty strong idea of what they’re getting when they buy a ticket for a Zack Snyder movie…

Zack Snyder’s latest film, Rebel Moon, is currently streaming on Netflix.

Do you agree with Christopher Nolan’s assertion that Zack Snyder’s influence is still found in modern superhero movies? What is the lasting impact Snyder has had on the genre? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.