The Evolution of Godzillas Atomic Breath: From Blue Flame to Massive Ionized Plasma Beam
The portrayal of Godzilla's atomic breath in the 2014 film Godzilla and the 2019 sequel Godzilla: King of the Monsters has sparked much debate among fans and critics alike. Why did they choose to portray Godzilla's atomic breath as a blue flame thrower in Godzilla 2014 instead of the massive ionized plasma beam seen in the sequel?
Realism and Tone
The 2014 film, directed by Gareth Edwards, aimed for a more grounded and realistic approach to the monster genre. The blue flame breath was designed to evoke a sense of realism, making it seem more like a natural weapon rather than a fantastical energy beam. This choice aligned with the film's overall tone, which focused on the consequences of monstrous battles on human life and the environment. In the narrative, Godzilla is portrayed as a colossal force of nature, rather than a superhero character.
Visual Style
Director Gareth Edwards and the visual effects team wanted to create a distinct look for Godzilla that would stand out from previous iterations. The blue flame breath provided a striking visual contrast against the darker, more muted color palette of the film, enhancing the dramatic impact of Godzilla's presence. The choice to depict Godzilla's breath as a blue flame highlighted the terror and awe associated with the behemoth's immense power, making the creature's appearance more impactful and visually striking.
Characterization and Themes
In Godzilla 2014, Godzilla is portrayed more as a force of nature than a superhero-like character. The blue flame breath complements this characterization by presenting it as a more primal and destructive force rather than a precise weapon. This aligns with the film's themes of nature's power and the monstrous aspect of Godzilla. The 2014 film emphasizes Godzilla's connection to the natural disasters it causes, reinforcing the idea that the creature is an embodiment of the raw, uncontrolled power of the earth.
Evolution in the Sequel
By the time of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, the filmmakers had the opportunity to explore a more fantastical representation of Godzilla and his abilities. The massive ionized plasma beam served as a nod to the franchise's history and allowed for more spectacular visuals in the context of larger-scale battles against other kaiju. The sequel reflects a shift in the portrayal of kaiju monsters and emphasizes the epic, sci-fi nature of the events unfolding.
The Impact of the EMP
According to Gareth Edwards, the portrayal of Godzilla's atomic breath in Godzilla 2014 was influenced by the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that affected the Mutos' primary weapon. This EMP, a primary weapon for the Mutos in the film, affected Godzilla's atomic breath when he was fighting these two titans. Once the Mutos were defeated, and Godzilla disappeared for a better part of five years, everything was restored within his body. In the sequel, Godzilla's nuclear upgrade gave him a very intense atomic breath, as seen in Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
In conclusion, the differences in the portrayal of Godzilla's atomic breath between the two films reflect the filmmakers' intentions, themes, and stylistic choices. The 2014 film's focus on realism and natural forces set the stage for the more fantastical and epic portrayal in the sequel, reflecting the evolution in the portrayal of kaiju in modern cinema.