Godzilla (1954) (AKA Gojira)
An Un-imagining of the original
1954 Japanese classic!
For re-release to American arthouses
some 50 years later, we have the original version
of the classic Japanese horror film stripped of the
English language footage featuring Raymond Burr that
was added to the film for its American release way
back when. Even better, this re-release of a sort
is devoid of any English dubbing and in essence presents
the original film in the way that almost all modern
foreign films are released in the United States, exactly
as is with only English subtitles to aid the American
audience in understanding what is being said.
And what an interesting and complex
curio this revamped (un-vamped?) version of the film
this is! Taking many minutes to even show us Godzilla,
the film is a slow and deliberate horror film from
the period (far removed from modern wham-bam CGI actioners)
that acts as a precursor to the hundred of Hollywood
B-movies that were to follow where giant irradiate
insect and animals terrorized part of the American
cinematic landscape. Here the science seems almost
believable as a prehistoric creature who has either
been living or hibernating deep under the ocean is
unleashed by atomic bomb testing in the depths of
the water. In many ways this film also acts as an
incredible precursor to the very popular "Jurassic
Park" series of films.
Filmed in black and white and using
amazing stop-motion and miniature techniques for its
time, the special effects can seem a little obvious
and dated by today's standards, but imagining the
effect on audiences of the time of its original release
is quite interesting. One can believe that the unsuspecting
public first exposed to this film were quite amazed
at all the destruction that was taking place before
their every eyes. Much of it still seems quite realistic.
But even more interesting cinematically
to film scholars now is how nicely this film fits
between Film Noir and the French New Wave genres.
Notice the way the scientist is dressed with white
shirt, skinny black tie and eye patch. He looks like
he could have walked out of a film from Paris circa
10 years in his future. The sleek, sharp images here
when we concentrate on the characters of the story
are very nicely done. Coupled with the special effects
sequences later in the film, you've got a movie-going
experience with everything: Characters, plot, cinematics,
special effects, and complex themes.
And surely the most interesting
and perplexing ideal in the film is how this story
of an irradiated ancient creature brought back to
life fit into Japanese culture just a decade after
the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki during WWII.
That event is mentioned quite pointedly and purposefully
during the film more than once. Much is made of a
scientist's "responsibility" and the thin line one
must walk to make sure that his discoveries and inventions
are used for the good of society as a whole and not
for destructive purposes. (There are definitely some
parallels to what was then not-so-ancient history
going on here). That Japanese society could cope with
a discussion of such themes in a film in such a relatively
short time after their country was terrorized by atomic
bombs is truly amazing.
"Godzilla" is an important film
for many reasons. Seeing it in its original form only
distills the theme and ideals of the movie for modern
audiences into a complex and interesting thought process
where history, science, cinema and human relations
all must be considered.
Note:
In Japanese with English subtitles.
Directed by Ishiro Honda who made
over 50 films between 1949 and 1993 and directed numerous
"Godzilla" sequels up until 1975.
Also known as "G." The film did
not reach American shores in its re-worked for until
1957.
At times the monster was going to
be a giant ape and then a giant octopus before a giant
lizard was decided upon. The name of the creature
is derived from the Japanese words for "gorilla" and
"whale."
There were over 20 sequels.
Viewed at the Dobie at a press sneak
in July 2004.
