Topic > Chon Noriega's Understanding of Godzilla

In the article “Godzilla and the Japanese Nightmare: When 'Them!',” Chon Noriega suggests that there are two ways to analyze the film Godzilla: the critical approach ( which focuses on the psychoanalysis of Godzilla cultural changes and historical events) and the concept of Others. He defines the Other as an externalized dynamic of dealing with oneself and points out that in the movie “Godzilla” the United States is seen as the Other. Noriega provides historical context on the change in traditional Japanese society, the H-bomb tests, and mass popular concern about it. He explains that the film "Godzilla" is special not only because it provides a look from an outside country during the Cold War, but also reveals a culturally and politically different point of view on nuclear and other history. The Japanese monster film differs from other monster films of the time in that it gives a name and background to their monster. Thus, although Godzilla is the Other, he is still (and always has been) embedded in the culture, thus showing how a “distant past compares to the present” (68). Noriega also introduces a psychoanalytic perspective, arguing that the search for a solution (represented by the search for the weapon against the monster) is just as fascinating as mass destruction. He then shows how Godzilla incorporates and displays a clear distinction between the United States (as Other) and Japan (as Self). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Chon Noriega's choice to provide information about what was happening in the world during the time of the film's release is a great strategy. Previously, I only thought that the nuclear attack on Japan was the main incentive. However, it was the events following the bombing that played a crucial role in the Japanese's view of the United States. The US military rebuilt and redefined the Japanese family, society and education, changing the traditional way it has always been. Subsequently, the H-bomb tests significantly affected the Japanese and caused further radiation exposure, which resulted in a mass protest against the tests. Finally, this was the time of the Cold War and Japan was an outsider. Therefore, I agree with the author when he says that there is the analysis of the Others that can be applied to the film because it is the first monster film that sees the United States as an external nation. Noriega also raises an interesting point about the Japanese view of the monster by stating, “And if Godzilla is so destructive, why do the Japanese sympathize with him as a tragic hero, while Americans see him as little more than a comic book icon?” " (64). This implies that the two nations reacted differently to the history surrounding the film's production. I was also surprised to find that the United States edited the original Japanese film and “both the story and the theatrical version of Japan are retextualized to cancel the bomb and thus alleviate anxieties about the American occupation and the H-bomb tests” (70). of guilt caused by the production of the film..