Godzilla 2014: The Protagonist and Ally of Humans in Nature vs. Mankind

When delving into the role of Godzilla in the 2014 film Godzilla, it becomes evident that he is portrayed more as a force of nature than a traditional protagonist. His relationship with humans is complex and multifaceted, raising questions about his role as a protector, an aggressor, and sometimes even a bystander. This article explores the nuanced portrayal of Godzilla and examines whether he can be considered an ally of humanity in the face of monstrous threats.

A Force of Nature

Throughout the 2014 film, Godzilla, the iconic creature is depicted as a protector of the natural order. His interactions with other monstrous threats, particularly the MUTO creatures, are shown to align more with his intrinsic nature rather than a desire to secure human interests. Rather than being a champion for humanity, Godzilla acts as a larger entity that humans must coexist with. His motivations are less about saving humans from looming dangers and more about maintaining the balance of nature.

The Conflicting Motivations

While Godzilla's role in the film is to protect the planet from MUTOs, his relationship with humans is less clear-cut. In many scenes, he engages in destructive acts that could be seen as endangering human life. For instance, his dispatching of the MUTOs involves significant collateral damage, such as flooding Hawaii, collapsing the Golden Gate Bridge, and toppling skyscrapers in San Francisco. These actions raise questions about his stance towards humanity.

Guardian or Menace?

The film presents Godzilla as a complex character who embodies both destruction and protection. This duality leaves it somewhat ambiguous whether he is a hero or a menace. The ultimate question is whether he can be considered an explicit ally of humanity. While his actions do indirectly benefit humans by eliminating the MUTO threat, his approach is often more aligned with his own preservation than with human survival.

Role of the MUTO Creatures

The MUTO creatures, being defined as alpha predators, represent a significant threat to the environment and humanity. Godzilla's interactions with them can be seen as a natural response to maintain the balance of nature. He is not acting as a direct ally but as a protector of the ecosystem. The film's narrative does not explicitly label Godzilla as a savior, leaving the possibility open that he is not a hero despite his beneficial actions.

The Nature of Godzilla

According to the film, Godzilla, the character's stance is more ambiguous. Godzilla is described as an 'alpha predator,' meaning his engagement with the MUTOs is driven by predatory behavior. He is not actively seeking to save humankind but rather eliminating a threat that disrupts the natural order. This behavior is more aligned with self-defense or selfish motives rather than altruism towards human life.

Impact on San Francisco

Godzilla's actions in San Francisco are particularly devastating. The film does not present any attempts to preserve human life or buildings. Instead, he causes widespread destruction with seemingly little regard for human infrastructure or life. For example, Godzilla floods Hawaii, causes the collapse of the Golden Gate Bridge, and raze the city's skyscrapers like trees. These actions highlight his lack of concern for human life or property, further solidifying his role as more of a menace than an ally.

Ambiguous Stance and Human Impact

The depiction of Godzilla's role in Godzilla 2014 is a reflection of the long-standing history of the character in Japanese media. While the film portrays him as a protector of the natural order, his actions often come at a significant cost to human civilization. This ambiguity in his relationship with humanity adds depth to his character and likely contributed to his complex portrayal in the film.

Ultimately, while Godzilla's actions do mitigate the threat to humanity from the MUTOs, his complex and often harmful behavior leaves his status as an ally in question. The film cleverly creates a narrative where the nature of his relationship with humans is left open to interpretation, making Godzilla a truly enigmatic and compelling cinematic character.