Batman V Superman's Diane Lane addresses that "Martha" moment

It’s well established that ‘Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice’ didn’t go over well with everyone. Though a strong commercial success, director Zack Snyder’s eagerly anticipated DC superhero showdown was widely criticised for being too dark and brooding, and taking itself far too seriously.

There was one moment in particular which, for many, pushed the whole thing into the realms of unwitting farce: the “Martha” revelation. This scene has been perhaps the most widely derided moment in a film that has drawn more than its share of derision.

However, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the Martha in question – actress Diane Lane, who plays Martha Kent, adoptive mother of Henry Cavill’s Superman – has spoken out in defence of the scene.

Lane argues, “It’s the compassion for a man who’s lost his mother. When you understand the wound, you can work better with people.”

Spoilers for ‘Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice’ ahead.

Just to remind readers how the scene plays out: the final act sees Ben Affleck’s Batman and Henry Cavill’s Superman finally do battle, both men having been manipulated into doing so by Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor, who – amongst various other Machiavellian misdeeds – has abducted Superman’s mother Martha Kent, played by Diane Lane.

As the fight comes to an end, it looks as though the Man of Steel has been defeated, and just as the Dark Knight raises his Kryptonite-tipped lance for the killing strike, Superman objects, “You’re letting him kill Martha!” This prompts Batman to roar, “Why did you say that name?” whilst having a PTSD flashback to the death of his own mother – as her name was also Martha.

The knowledge that both men have mothers with the same name is enough for him to give up the fight and realise that they should instead work together. So it is that Batman and Superman fight side by side against Luthor’s monstrous creation Doomsday, eventually with Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman joining the battle.

Many (this writer very much included) consider this an extremely silly scene, and the clearest indicator of how badly thought out the entire plot of ‘Batman V Superman’ is. However, others may agree with Lane that the scene brings an element of humanity to proceedings. Feel free to let us know your feelings on the matter in the comments section below.

Having been introduced as Martha Kent in 2013’s ‘Man of Steel,’ Lane will make her third appearance in the role in ‘Justice League,’ opening 17 November.

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