Wonder Woman 1984: Could It Have Stood the Test of Time?
Maxwell Lord's Quote: “Life is good but it can be better.”
As modern viewers critique Wonder Woman 1984, it's often a discussion of what could have been. The 2017 Wonder Woman film, which set the stage with a captivating blend of myth and modern-day action, earned widespread praise. However, its 2019 sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, received a mixed reception, with many fans and critics alike questioning its potential if it had been released in a different time period. Let’s explore why the choice of 1984 as the setting was a challenge, and whether it could have been better.
Maxwell Lord: Perfect Villain in the Wrong Era
Maxwell Lord, the primary antagonist in Wonder Woman 1984, was a fitting villain for George Orwell’s 1984. However, his position in the narrative was tragically out of sync with the realities of the year 1984. The 1980s were a time of significant advancements in both music and technology. For instance, the advent of early internet protocols, the invention of the World Wide Web, and the birth of personal computing brought about a revolution that dramatically altered society. The Macintosh, a symbol of technological progress, was released in 1984, a year that marked the dawn of the computer age.
The Dreamstone: A Believable Plot Device?
The Dreamstone, a mystical artifact that Maxwell Lord seeks to harness and control, was not a particularly innovative or realistic plot device. Instead of relying on such a fantastical object, Wonder Woman 1984 would have benefited from a more grounded approach. In 1984, the practicality of emerging technologies, such as the early world wide web, could have provided a more compelling villain. Cell phones, although primitive and expensive, also added a level of technological intrigue, especially when juxtaposed with Maxwell's retro-futuristic designs.
Inspiration from the Birth of the Internet in 1994
In 1994, the year before Wonder Woman 1984 was released, the world witnessed the birth of the internet as we know it today. Tim Berners-Lee’s creation was a game-changer, and the narrative could have embraced this reality. The internet, with its vast and interconnected possibilities, offered more imaginative and believable content for scenes involving mind control or conspiracy. Arming Maxwell Lord with the internet as his weapon would have created a far more plausible and engaging storyline.
Maxwell Lord in 2004: The Age of Influencers and Fake News
Fast forward to 2004, and a more advanced version of Maxwell Lord could have become an online influencer, leveraging the power of social media to control public opinion. His influence could have been so pervasive that physical superpowers paled in comparison to the reach of information warfare. The internet and the rise of fake news, spearheaded by tech tycoons like Mark Zuckerberg, could have provided a more pressing and relevant threat to the world of the DC universe. Instead of relying on old-fashioned dreamstones, Maxwell Lord could have employed modern tools to manipulate society.
Looking Toward the Future: What's Next for Wonder Woman?
The future of the Wonder Woman franchise remains uncertain, but the choice of settings should be carefully considered. Would Wonder Woman 2014 or Wonder Woman 2024 be more fitting? The current climate of social division and technological advancements undoubtedly provide a fertile ground for new villainy. The themes of power, control, and the manipulation of information resonate strongly in contemporary society. A modern version of Maxwell Lord, in an era defined by social media and the internet, could bring new depth and relevance to the series.
In conclusion, while Wonder Woman 1984 was an ambitious and visually impressive film, it struggled to bridge the gap between its fictional world and the technological realities of its chosen era. By exploring different time settings, such as 1994 or 2004, the franchise could enhance its storytelling and relevance to today's world. The future of the Wonder Woman franchise lies not just in its characters but in its ability to remain relevant and impactful in the ever-evolving world of technology and social dynamics.