Ezra Miller's unconventional running style in The Flash has been criticized for appearing awkward, partly due to the slow motion VFX in Zack Snyder's Justice League that highlights every arm swing and step Miller takes while Barry Allen is in the speed force. However, there may be more going on with what the actor is doing.Despite what looks to be a promising addition to DC on film with exciting elements, such as the introduction of Supergirl and the return of Michael Keaton's Batman, there’s no getting around the fact that The Flash has been a subject of controversy since its inception, from conflicting visions, various re-shoots, moving release dates, Miller's complex mental health issues that have paralleled its production, poor VFX, and the DCEU reboot, to even how the actor runs. Thankfully, Miller cleared the air on this latter aspect in an earlier interview that detailed his intense training when getting into the head-space of the fastest man alive. DC fan Flash Knight on Twitter reminds fans what training Miller underwent to replicate the Flash as someone fast enough to travel through time in a thread that includes a YouTube video by The InvictusSamaritan, which visualizes a side-by-side comparison between Miller's Flash from Zack Snyder's Justice League with what is presumed to be a Daoist Master in how they breathe, stretch, and run. This comparison shows both of them using their entire body to run as fast as possible, revealing Miller's Flash as much more than a whimsical aesthetic choice, with practical elements that went into their training and research. The comparison is followed by a 2017 Justice League interview with Channel24 that details the actor’s training, which includes years of Wudang Kung Fu practice, and their journey to the Wudang Mountains to train at a traditional Daoist school, with what Miller described as an honorable and skilled Master, to learn the movements of the fastest man alive.
Miller even studied how animals move in nature, saying, “I was also inspired by Crows, Cheetahs, Mongooses, and other fast-moving and intelligent creatures, as well as by rushing water and, of course, lightning.” In the interview, Miller expands on this sentiment by detailing their preparation for playing Barry Allen, including forms of dance with choreographers "that understand movement in an interesting way," and their continuation with the physical practices of Yoga for increased flexibility and breathing practices. Despite The Flash being an adaptation of the Flashpoint storyline with many moving pieces, Miller's unique and passionate take on the character will surely shine through.
Fans may appreciate Miller's adaptation of the character in Zack Snyder's Justice League after understanding the preparation that went into the role, as their take on Barry Allen is accurate to the movements of what the fastest man alive would entail. Warner Bros. Discovery states that Miller could return as the Flash, but amid the DCU reboot, the future remains uncertain.
The Flash will premiere in theaters on June 16, 2023.
Source: Channel24