Why Did Godzilla Try to Help Humanity in "Godzilla" 2014?

In the 2014 film Godzilla, directed by Gareth Edwards, the iconic monster is portrayed as a force of nature rather than a traditional villain. His actions throughout the film suggest a complex relationship with humanity and the environment. Let's delve into the reasons behind Godzilla's seeming efforts to help humanity while exploring the deeper motivations behind his actions.

Natural Balance: A Guardian of Nature

Godzilla is depicted as a guardian of the natural world, emerging to restore balance whenever it is threatened. In this film, the antagonists, the MUTOs (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms), disrupt this balance by feeding on nuclear energy and causing widespread destruction. Godzilla's emergence is a direct response to this threat as he is drawn to confront the MUTOs to re-establish equilibrium. This portrayal of Godzilla highlights his role as a protector of the environment rather than a destructive force.

Instinctual Role: A Natural Response to Threats

Godzilla operates on instinct, responding to threats in his environment. When the MUTOs begin to wreak havoc, his instinct is to confront them. This protective instinct inadvertently places him in a position to shield humanity from the larger destruction that the MUTOs would cause. While Godzilla does not explicitly aim to protect humanity, his actions in battling the MUTOs indirectly result in the saving of cities and lives. This can be interpreted as a byproduct of his fight for dominance over the MUTOs and his role in the ecosystem.

Symbol of Nature's Fury: A Warning of Consequences

The film suggests that Godzilla represents the consequences of humanity's hubris, particularly regarding the use of nuclear energy. His actions can be seen as a stark reminder of nature's power and a warning against environmental destruction. The film implies that the resurrection of Godzilla is a direct result of human actions, serving as a cautionary tale for future generations.

Honor and Survival: Godzilla's Unwavering Commitment

Despite the efforts of the Monarch team, led by Dr. Mark Russell, and the Apex organization to exploit Godzilla for their own means, Godzilla's primary motivation does not change. He is not driven by a desire to support or oppose any specific side; he simply seeks to protect the balance and order of nature. However, the interference from the Monarch and Apex organizations complicates this mission, leading to unintended consequences.

Godzilla's Misunderstood Role

Godzilla was tasked with saving the world from the resurrection of Ghidorah, which would have been catastrophic if Mechagodzilla were to receive an unlimited energy supply. Conversely, Kong was misled by his handlers into thinking he was aiding the Monarch and Apex expedition by obstructing Godzilla's mission. This misunderstanding put Kong at odds with Godzilla, leading to unnecessary conflict. Kong, though portrayed as intelligent, is easily manipulated by humans, who exploit his loyalty and desire to help them.

The Position of Monarch and Apex

Dr. Mark Russell, the Director-General of Monarch, failed to properly investigate Apex's activities, which were provoking Godzilla to attack their factories and laboratories. This negligence on his part contributed to the escalation of conflict. Despite his daughter Madison's warnings, Russell's oversight exacerbated the situation, leading to peril for both Godzilla and Kong.

Conclusion: Protecting the Balance of Nature

Ultimately, Godzilla's involvement in the fight against the MUTOs and the interference from organizations like Monarch and Apex serve to protect humanity indirectly while also fulfilling his role as a natural force aimed at restoring balance in the world. His actions are driven by a deep-seated instinct to restore and maintain the natural order, rather than any allegiance to specific human factions. The film's exploration of these themes offers a nuanced portrayal of a complex and multi-faceted character.