1.3.16
Shin Godzilla’s appearance has been leaked. We are getting our first look at the new-incarnation of the original Godzilla. As expected Godzilla fans are divided. I’m excited because this vision of Godzilla returns us to the true essence and meaning of Godzilla.
Thirty films have given us as many suits. Each with its difficulties. But each fitting of its story and most importantly the nature and character of Godzilla. I must admit growing up watching Godzilla I had little to no interest in Godzilla 1954. I hated it. Godzilla was a vicious beast. Of course I would love all the films in which he was a hero beginning with Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster. It was only as an adult did I come to deepen my knowledge and understanding of what Godzilla is. Now, I enjoy 1954 more than any film. I cannot get enough of it. I identify with Gojira for many reasons. There is no better reason than this. Godzilla represents the victims of human violence. With that said, the design of Shin Godzilla is just that, the appearance of a victim of radiation. This may not be the result of atomic bomb testing but that of the Fukushima nuclear plant. This hits home. I lived in Japan during the terrible events of 3/11. This makes conveying the meaning of Godzilla through his appearance more important and relevant.
Shin Godzilla is a nightmare and frightening and disturbing victim representing all victims, human and non-human. The flesh has been burned away and his body distressed. His eyeballs, muscles and bones are exposed. It is uncomfortable looking upon Godzilla. As fans we like to look at Godzilla. We enjoy discussing his appearance and the many suits. But Shin Godzilla leads to a difficult conversation that we must have now. The world needs this Godzilla.
This morning upon further reflection I was convinced that this was an early form of Godzilla (Godzillasaurus) at the time of radiation exposure perhaps from Fukushima. There are reports and plot links floating around that seem to confirm this. The look and design of this form of Shin-Godzilla is very similar to that of the titan in Attack on Titan. The exposed muscular system and pecks are clearly in keeping with the titan. Check out the behind scenes with Shinji Higuchi. We should also expect that same raw, riveting, explicit visuals and violence. There’s no doubt that he will use a combination of the tradition tokusatsu suit acting, animatronic puppetry, and CGI. The influence of Shinji and Attack on Titan is evident.
I want to acknowledge that these images and many on my web site are the trademark and property of Toho Studios Ltd. These images were leaked across web sites and social media yesterday. I pulled this article last night to respect Toho’s content. But now that the images and stories are widespread, I’ve decided to publish this post. It was unfortunate that they were leaked without permission.