The first sentence suggests that Hollywood often prefers heroes who are likable and relatable rather than those who may be more complex or flawed. This means that audiences tend to connect emotionally with characters who have redeeming qualities, making it easier for them to root for these characters throughout a movie.
At a deeper level, the quote implies a broader cultural trend where complexity in storytelling is sometimes sacrificed for the sake of popularity and commercial success. In this context, Patty Jenkins critiques the tendency to create protagonists that are purely good or heroic, lacking in nuance and depth. This simplification can result in characters that feel unrealistically perfect and fail to resonate with viewers on a deeper level. It also highlights the importance of challenging societal norms by depicting heroes who aren’t universally liked but still carry significant moral weight.
Patty Jenkins is an acclaimed filmmaker best known for directing the critically acclaimed Wonder Woman films, which feature a strong female lead in Diana Prince. Born in 1973 in Idaho, Jenkins has made a name for herself by pushing boundaries and bringing complex characters to life on screen, often against industry norms that favor more traditional hero narratives. Her work challenges conventional views about what constitutes a successful or sympathetic protagonist in modern cinema.