AoU is multilayered and has much to offer in subsequent viewings - and more if you're familiar with the comics, of course.
Joss' film literacy is apparent. The shot of Steve Rogers on the homestead porch framed by the entrance is a direct allusion to the famous closing shot of John Wayne's character (Ethan Edwards) in The Searchers. It's a chilling comparison because Ethan, like Steve, returns from war doomed to wander forever without a home.
I also enjoy the arc of Steve and Natasha as brothers in arms. By the end Natasha has surrendered the notion that she might start over again with Bruce and, like Steve has resigned to make The Avengers her home. Both of them together remind me a bit of Kambei and Shichirōji in The Seven Samurai. And, as with those characters, they're the last two remaining. I'm not sure if it's an intentional parallel but, knowing Joss, I wouldn't be surprised if it was.
Joss' film literacy is apparent. The shot of Steve Rogers on the homestead porch framed by the entrance is a direct allusion to the famous closing shot of John Wayne's character (Ethan Edwards) in The Searchers. It's a chilling comparison because Ethan, like Steve, returns from war doomed to wander forever without a home.
I also enjoy the arc of Steve and Natasha as brothers in arms. By the end Natasha has surrendered the notion that she might start over again with Bruce and, like Steve has resigned to make The Avengers her home. Both of them together remind me a bit of Kambei and Shichirōji in The Seven Samurai. And, as with those characters, they're the last two remaining. I'm not sure if it's an intentional parallel but, knowing Joss, I wouldn't be surprised if it was.
