Comparing 'The Return of Godzilla 1984' and the American Edit of 'Godzilla 1985'

While both 'The Return of Godzilla 1984' and the American Edit of 'Godzilla 1985' center around the return of Godzilla, the two films present different narratives, tones, and contextual elements that significantly impact the viewer's experience. This article explores the key differences between these two films, emphasizing the impact of the Cold War on their respective storytelling approaches.

Content and Scenes

One of the most notable differences between the two films is the content and scenes included in each. The American version, while towards a Western audience, includes several scenes that were either cut or altered for pacing and clarity. This editing process removed some scenes that provided context or background in the original Japanese version, focusing instead on main action sequences.

However, to cater to a broader audience, the American version also featured newly filmed scenes. These included sequences where Raymond Burr reprised his role as Steve Martin from the original 1956 'Godzilla' film, providing an American perspective on the events. This addition aimed to bridge the gap between the American and Japanese audiences and create a more relatable narrative.

Dialogue and Tone

The dialogue in the American version was re-recorded and localized for English-speaking audiences, drastically changing the tone and character dynamics compared to the original Japanese script. Characters were often portrayed in a way that reflected American values and perspectives, potentially shifting the narrative focus from the original Japanese characters.

The American version also placed more emphasis on American characters and their perspective on Godzillas attack. This emphasis was particularly pronounced in the political and military contexts, such as the decision to use nuclear weapons. While this decision was originally the subject of debate in the Japanese version, the American version created a more decisive and streamlined approach to such issues.

Pacing and Structure

The runtime of the American version was significantly shorter than the original Japanese version. To maintain a faster-paced action film experience, several slower or more dramatic scenes were removed. This editing process altered the narrative flow, building up tension and resolving conflicts in a way that was more visceral and immediate for Western audiences.

The restructuring of scenes also meant that the presentation of the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union was altered. The American version portrayed the United States in a more benevolent light, while depicting the Soviets more negatively, presumably to align with the perspective of the target audience during the Cold War.

Ending

The endings of the two films differed slightly. The American version offered a more definitive conclusion that reflected the Cold War context of the 1980s. The alterations in the ending were designed to emphasize the political and military tensions, further aligning with the Cold War era's narrative framework.

Cultural References

The cultural references and localizations between the two films were quite different. The American version often omitted references and cultural nuances specific to Japan to make it more relatable to Western audiences. This localization process often led to a more generic interpretation of the characters and settings, stripping away some of the unique cultural elements present in the original Japanese version.

For instance, certain scenes involving Japanese characters and dialogue were either shortened or omitted altogether, while new scenes with American characters were added. This change was particularly noticeable in the political and military segments, where the narrative focused more on American and Japanese characters reacting to Godzilla's appearance.

In conclusion, while both films share the central plot of Godzilla's return, the American Edit significantly alters the presentation, tone, and context to cater to a different audience. The American version, in particular, was more focused on Cold War tensions, portrayed America's perspective as benevolent, and simplified the narrative to make it more relatable to a Western audience.

To some, the American version of 'Godzilla 1985' does not offer the rich political and cultural depth present in 'The Return of Godzilla 1984'. However, it remains a valuable piece of cinematic history, reflecting the geopolitical climate of the 1980s and the evolving landscape of international filmmaking.