6.25.14
Since I’ve learned of René Girard’s theory of mimesis and the scapegoat mechanism I watch movies with a third eye. Godzilla movies have become more than kaiju battles. They are multi-layered stories that from movie to movie reveal deeper mythological structures. Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster is no exception.
Before the final battle of the movie, the main characters wonder if Godzilla and Rodan will help fight against the space dragon King Ghidorah. Mothra is enlisted by the fairy twins from Infant Island to convince them of the shared responsibility they have with humanity to thwart a common enemy. It is in this conversation we learn how the monsters feel about humanity.
As the monsters fight and the people flee, the internal rivalry between human beings plays out between the fleeing civilian and the assassins driving through the evacuees.
The storyline confirms Girard’s insights, particularly that enemies become friends and allies when faced with a common threat. There is unanimity in a common enemy. Godzilla and Rodan put aside their personal rivalry to stop Ghidorah and save humanity and the earth. This film is a pivotal turning point in the broader Godzilla meta-narrative. Here is where some fans may miss the hidden deeper meaning of Godzilla. His choice to defend the earth is what gods do or gods are believed to do. This story plot is common across ancient mythologies. The sacrifice of those we felt were demons we eventually give way to their portrayal as gods whom the children love and call upon to protect them.
Follow the dialogue below and note the words of the Fairy Twins:
“He [Rodan] says it’s none of their business if the Earth perishes, and Godzilla agrees with him. Now Rodan says he’ll just fly away and Godzilla says they have no reason to try to save mankind. They’ve always had trouble with men and men hate them. And Rodan says yeah he’s right. And Mothra is still trying.”
These kaiju are humanized expressing their thoughts and feelings. They are the victims and scapegoats of nuclear holocaust. They are living with the scares of nuclear explosions and radiation. They are the victims bullied, bombed, and buried. They feel no regret and refuse to join the battle until they see the valor and courage of Mothra who will face Ghidorah alone.
Mothra is the deity protector of the people of Infant Island, who are victims of nuclear testings. They keep Mothra’s temple. They know the power of these beasts and seek to please them so their fury will not be released upon humanity. This is the function of religion-to check and quell violence and chaos. The people of the mainland don’t understand these truths. They must learn to keep their greed in check. But the islanders must learn to forgive those who exposed them to nuclear radiation. If they are to survive they must set aside their differences and unite against a common enemy.
Finally, consider the pray of the princess to the almighty creator for salvation. We can begin to see the deeper mythology and ancient underpinnings of Godzilla. We are dealing with gods. But these are victims turned gods who both curse or bless.
When we watch Godzilla movies we are stepping into archaic religion and ways of thinking that transcend what we see on screen and challenge the world of our own making, a world of exploiting each other and nature. We face apocalyptic monsters of our own making and no amount of demonizing these monsters will hide them beneath the earth.
Twin Fairies: Good heavens, it looks like they’re having a conversation together.
Yoka: What do you think they are saying to each other.
Shindo: Huh? How would I know? Expect me to understand monster talk?
Professor Miura: Hey, the fairs do. What’s he saying.
Fair Twins: She’s trying to persuade them but they are not listening.
She’s saying all three of us must fight together against
this new monster to save the earth.
Yoka: And what is Rodan saying now?
Twins: He says it’s none of their business if the Earth perishes,
and Godzilla agrees with him.
Now Rodan says he’ll just fly away and Godzilla says
they have no reason to try to save mankind.
They’ve always had trouble with men and men hate them.
And Rodan says yeah he’s right.
And Mothra is still trying.
Drivers: Pull over. Get out of the way.
Civilian: Don’t push me, who are you, you selfish dog?
Twins: Oh it, it looks like it’s no use.
Godzilla and Rodan, want to fight each other.
They want apologies from each other.
They’re both so bull-headed.
But Mothra is still trying.
Uh, these monsters are as stupid as human beings.
Yoka: Oh fairies, other monsters are still arguing.
Twins: Yes, and Mothra’s still still talking.
Shindo: Let the fairies tell us what they are saying now,
are they going to fight Ghidorah? Are they? Do they argree?
Twins: No yet, and Mothra says, the earth belongs
to them as much as it does to man.
Oh, Godzilla what terrible language.
Mothra is pleading with them.
But they refuse to cooperate at all.
Professor Miura: What will Mothra do now?
Twins: Mothra is going to fight Ghidorah without them.
Yoka: What, that’s impossible.
[Godzilla and Rodan watch Mothra go toward Ghidorah.
Mothra goes in and is blown into the air.
But Godzilla comes to his rescue.]
Princess Selina Salno: Almighty deity creator of the universe,
look upon this planet and save it from destruction.
O, Lord, save this planet from the calamity which threatens it.