Professor Marston & the Wonder Women

Professor Marston & the Wonder Women is an enthralling biographical drama that hit the screens in 2017. Directed by Angela Robinson and starring gifted actors such as Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall, and Bella Heathcote, the film takes the audience into an unconventional, boundary-pushing narrative that played a fundamental role in the creation of one of the most iconic characters in comic book history, Wonder Woman.

The movie revolves around the life of Dr. William Moulton Marston (Luke Evans), a Harvard psychologist and law lecturer. Marston, a man of intellect and vision, is also the inventor of the 'lie detecting' systolic blood pressure test, a precursor to the polygraph test or the modern lie detector. However, Marston is best remembered for his creation of the globally-loved superhero, 'Wonder Woman.' This film delves into the circumstances, inspirations, and motivations that led Marston to create this character, famously saying, "Frankly, Wonder Woman is psychological propaganda for the new type of woman who should, I believe, rule the world."

Professor Marston & the Wonder Womens goes beyond just contriving the backstory behind the internationally beloved superhero. It gently navigates through the compelling, passionate, and unorthodox personal lives of Marston, his wife Elizabeth Marston (Rebecca Hall), and their shared love, Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote). The movie intimately unfolds the dynamics of their polyamorous and highly scrutinized relationship that dangerously teetered on the brink of society's acceptance in the conservative times of the early 20th century.

Rebecca Hall, in her portrayal of Elizabeth Marston, brings forth an academically ambitious woman, a woman of grit and strength, who stands firm in a male-dominant society. Elizabeth's character operates as a catalyst to Wonder Woman, reflecting her strong-willed nature and intellectual prowess.

The character of Olive Byrne, deftly played by Bella Heathcote, is as simple and complicated as any young woman in her stead would be—naive yet intriguing. Olive's character softly balances the robustness displayed in the characters of Professor Marston and Elizabeth, making her a significant influential character in the development of 'Wonder Woman.'

The gripping narrative masterfully transitions between their unconventional love story and the birth of the iconic superheroine. The film carefully draws parallels between Marston's psychological theories around dominance and submission and Wonder Woman's storyline, rooted in fighting oppression, promoting honesty, and seeking justice. The overall narrative intimates how Professor Marston’s DISC theory (Dominance, Inducement, Submission, and Compliance) moulded Wonder Woman's character.

As a cinematic treat, Professor Marston & the Wonder Women is speckled with elements that cater to various filmic taste buds. It brings to the fore historical drama and offers insight into the patriarchal setup of the 1940s. It provides the audiences with a layered biographical drama and boldly addresses the hushed narratives around polyamorous relationships. While the film itself doesn't masquerade as a comic book film, it satiates the curiosity of comic-book aficionados by giving them a glimpse into the psychological and personal influences that birthed one of the most loved comic book characters.

Apart from the compelling narrative and gripping performances by the lead characters, the film's technique of storytelling stands out for its adept handling of a complex narrative. The cinematographer, Bryce Fortner, skillfully brings the past alive with warm, lush, vintage hues. The film also benefits from the thoughtful pacing of editor Jeffrey M. Werner, who carefully balances the present and the past, the personal and the professional, the predictable and the surprising, through seamless transitions.

In conclusion, Professor Marston & the Wonder Women serves as a remarkable biopic that beautifully blends drama, history, romance, and the realm of comic book storytelling. It resonates with audiences who crave intellectually stimulating cinema, the ones seeking an unconventional love story and those intrigued by the origins of legendary comic book characters. However, it is not just a story about the creation of the renowned Wonder Woman but it also plunges deep into exploring love's complexities, societal prejudices, and an unabashed perspective into embracing and expressing one's desires.