Musings on MUTOs: A Pseudo-Essay

That is so interesting. I really wished that they delved into that more in the other films instead of letting it happen in a comic or forgetting about them in the films.

Also, ["Being the first truly original monsters in the franchise since Terror of Mechagodzilla’s Titanosaurus (monsters with some genetic connection to Godzilla, i.e. Biollante, SpaceGodzilla, Orga, and Megaguirus, do not count),..."] Shockirus from The Return of Godzilla (1984): Am I a joke to you?

Added a little annotation about Shockirus. Sorry 'bout that.

And thanks for the feedback! :)

Being the first truly original monsters in the franchise since Terror of Mechagodzilla’s Titanosaurus (monsters with some genetic connection to Godzilla, i.e. Biollante, SpaceGodzilla, Orga, and Megaguirus, do not count)

Original monsters, yes; however, regardless of any genetic connection or none to Godzilla, the MUTO’s aren’t as original as some of Toho’s creations - just monsters that happen to look similar to other Hollywood horror/giant multi-limbed creatures. Biollante is perhaps the most original Toho monster since Titanosaurus.

the MUTOs are the next generation of monsters, bred for an audience that wants to see more than the same old same old

The truth of the matter is that the MUTO’s are forgettable monsters. Outside of the Godzilla fandom, most of the general audience do not know the MUTO’s, or their connection to the Godzilla franchise.

The question in your second-to-last paragraph could be interpreted in different ways by different people with different answers. A short answer by me: if humanity could function without electricity for countless number of years, then humanity can continue doing so without it, albeit with some difficulty in the beginning but eventually humanity will learn to adapt.

If Godzilla is an allegory for nuclear power and the dangers it can unleash, then the MUTOs represent our fear of losing power and the chaos it could entail

MonsterVerse, to my knowledge, has not really given representation to the dangers of nuclear power. Seems to me it goes unacknowledged in Godzilla (2014) and takes a pro-stance in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, especially with the captions in the end credits. As for the MUTO’s, I think you may be overlooking into that issue. To my understanding, the MUTO’s purpose in the movie is they are parasitic beings who, if left unchecked, will disrupt natural balance. The MUTO’s EMP capabilities happens to serve as a plot point for the story. After that, it’s not much use.

I never would have thought of that! I really hope that's true, because that would just add another layer to that movie! Even if not... it's still a terrifying thought. Thanks for this incredible analysis of the Mutos!

@The Hooded Figure Maybe I am overthinking them a little...but does that necessarily mean I'm wrong?

And by Godzilla being an allegory for nuclear allegory, I was referring to the character as a whole, not just his MonsterVerse incarnation. I do plan on covering the MonsterVerse's stance on the nuclear issue in the future. I can already tell that you're going to tell me I'm wrong, though.

But whatever. It's all entertainment in the end. I think we can afford to have some measure of subjectivity on this.

@TheLazyFish Thanks! :)

That's nice.

I like the MUTOs, they remind me of Gigan crossed with a Xenomorph crossed with Clover

Dang. This was impressive to read.

Maybe I am overthinking them a little...but does that necessarily mean I'm wrong?

Not wrong, but perhaps misinformed. Yes there would be disastrous effects, but just because a scenario where (hypothetically speaking) humanity experiences tremendous or total loss of electricity does not mean there are not other methods to sustain themselves in their panic. Humanity is after all an adaptable species. Hollywood, with their supervision over Godzilla, just don’t have the interest to delve into concern for issues or themes like Toho will.

I can already tell that you're going to tell me I'm wrong, though.

How could I say what you are wrong about when the material you have proposed to discuss has not been published on Scified to be read? But outside of MonsterVerse, yes Toho does make representation of the dangers of nuclear issues.

It's all entertainment in the end. I think we can afford to have some measure of subjectivity on this.

For Hollywood, it may be; however, under Toho’s supervision, they put forth efforts in teaching and reminding its audience the lessons and dangers of various issues such as but not limited to: capitalism, pollution, nationalism, and of course, radiation. Subjectivity matters, but not so much without knowing or having a clear understanding of what is being or will be discussed.

JurassicKaiju14

OH GOD NO!!!! Please don't make another topic about MV Godzilla being pro-nuclear! We already had a week long argument about it! XD jk lol. What are your thoughts on MV Godzilla being pro-nuclear? I personally feel that if you really think about it, it's neutral-nuclear, like Godzilla 2014. Also, I think that because of that end line about how Godzilla is only on our side for now, we're going to see him do something "evil" to balance out the good he has done in GVK or in some other future movie. Just to reiterate he's a neutral force. Would be a pretty good way of balancing the nuclear-stance of MV Godzilla,  in my opinion.

Not wrong, but perhaps misinformed.

"Misinform: give (someone) false or inaccurate information"

So basically the same thing.

Yes there would be disastrous effects, but just because a scenario where (hypothetically speaking) humanity experiences tremendous or total loss of electricity does not mean there are not other methods to sustain themselves in their panic. Humanity is after all an adaptable species.

True, but it should also be taken into account what could have happened if the MUTOs had bred unchecked. I will agree that Humanity wouldn't necessarily go extinct, but life would definitely not be easy for us anymore.

How could I say what you are wrong about when the material you have proposed to discuss has not been published on Scified to be read?

Maybe I am being premature here. Let me put it to you this way; there was a big debate recently over whether the MonsterVerse was outright pro-nuclear. My personal view was that it's more a matter of how it's used. I'll explain my reasoning in a later post.

Finally, I will not deny that Toho does flesh out their messages more than the Hollywood movies have (although even they falter from time-to-time). That doesn't stop me from enjoying the MonsterVerse movies though; I like both the Toho and the MonsterVerse films for the most part. I value intelligent discussions of problems, and the simple joys of watching giant monsters that I've grown to love and cherish slugging it out with all the modern VFX we can get. When I speak of subjectivity, I'm talking more about personal preferences for which movies we enjoy.

So basically the same thing.

Not exactly how I meant but I suppose I could have used a different word to clarify the intended message. You had the gist of it when you stated the MUTO’s could bring disaster upon humanity with their EMP capabilities; however, you failed to include how humanity did not need to solely rely on electricity to maintain their continuance since there are other means to sustain themselves. Thus, while your explanation of humanity initially not knowing what to do upon loss of electricity is correct, long term circumstances is not taken into account on how humanity will look to other utilizations for the future.

True, but it should also be taken into account what could have happened if the MUTOs had bred unchecked.

What could have happened? Not much really. The MUTO’s interest is only in radiation. Humanity’s nuclear arsenal, power plants, etc. is enough for any MUTO to sustain themselves. Humans are merely ants to MUTO’s and will not be bothered by them unless provoked. Maybe MUTO’s would be doing humanity the favor in ridding the world of any nuclear presence but the reality (in the movie) is that Godzilla defeated the MUTO’s and ensured continual balance for the world.

Let me put it to you this way; there was a big debate recently over whether the MonsterVerse was outright pro-nuclear. My personal view was that it's more a matter of how it's used. I'll explain my reasoning in a later post.

While nuclear power has made positive remarks by society in regards to emission material compared to non-renewable resources, the fact is that it is still dangerous. It’s original purpose alone was for harmful effect, an act that occurred twice to end the bloodiest and most destructive war in human history. United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a Cold War with other countries and people suffering because of their struggle for dominance and power, something which Godzilla (1984) gives reflection on. Events like Chernobyl, Fukushima Daiichi, and Three Mile Island prove nuclear power’s original purpose.

I’ll provide a similar-in-concept scenario. Take, for example, the Sun. It certainly is beautiful and beneficial. It provides Earth with what it needs. However, what some people tend to forget is that the Sun can be harmful as well. Earth’s atmosphere shields every living thing from the Sun’s rays. Without Earth’s atmosphere, all life will die. Even though the Sun is beneficial for Earth, it’s still dangerous.

“Every rose has its thorns”, as the saying goes; although, nuclear energy/power is no rose.

"While nuclear power has made positive remarks by society in regards to emission material compared to non-renewable resources, the fact is that it is still dangerous."

Oh I agree completely, make no mistake about that. In fact, that assessment is actually strikingly similar to the vibe that I got out of the film's portrayal of the Titans.

But that's a conversation for another day. In the meantime, I'd like to take the time to thank you for, in spite of our disagreements, keeping things respectful and courteous. And I'd like to apologize if I might have come across as overly confrontational.

The Hooded Figure

Wait aren't all lifeforms adaptable, I just hate when people are like Humans are an adaptable species because we like to sniff our farts because Humans are special because have a soul harharharharhar. I absolutely hate human self-centerness, there are plenty of other lifeforms that are more adaptable then a human like extremephiles.

Wait aren't all lifeforms adaptable

Yes, I was making aware that humanity will not stop and drop over a loss of something when humanity’s prehistoric and recorded past went without electricity for countless years but would only face initial difficulty in adapting to an environment no longer dominated by such.

As for the rest of your comment, however: your words, not mine.

Humans aren't actually adaptable, we merely force the environment to suit us rather than we adapt to the environment. Because if humans were adaptable you would see multiple species of humans rather than just one.

Humans aren't actually adaptable, we merely force the environment to suit us rather than we adapt to the environment. Because if humans were adaptable you would see multiple species of humans rather than just one.

That makes no sense, so I’ll just say this: there’s a reason countless species have gone extinct. They couldn’t adapt to the changes occurring in their environment(s) at an appropriate scale. Species that adapted to the changes occurring in their environment(s) did so because they recognized the potential effects/outcome that could occur. I’d argue that modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens, if you want to be technical) are the most adaptable species. It’s through our methods that we managed to achieve our current status - however beneficial or consequential it may have been to other species (extinct or living). Evolutional or not, survival without adaptation guarantees extinction; survival with adaptation ensures continuance.

@The Hooded Figure

"I’d argue that modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens, if you want to be technical) are the most adaptable species. It’s through our methods that we managed to achieve our current status - however beneficial or consequential it may have been to other species (extinct or living)."

Agreed.

Anyway, the purpose of this piece was really just me sharing some thoughts that have been running through my mind as of late. This is all purely from my perspective and thought process. I'm not necessarily saying all this is there, I'm just bringing up parallels that I drew myself.

And of course the MUTOs aren't the best kaiju in the franchise. They satisfied my tastes well enough back in 2014, but given half the chance, I could probably come up with a better antagonist. The whole thing about them being "bred for a modern audience" was really meant as a general statement regarding their design. Their aesthetics are a product of the times. That was what I was trying to say.

Anyway, the purpose of this piece was really just me sharing some thoughts that have been running through my mind as of late. This is all purely from my perspective and thought process. I'm not necessarily saying all this is there, I'm just bringing up parallels that I drew myself.

And of course the MUTOs aren't the best kaiju in the franchise. They satisfied my tastes well enough back in 2014, but given half the chance, I could probably come up with a better antagonist. The whole thing about them being "bred for a modern audience" was really meant as a general statement regarding their design. Their aesthetics are a product of the times. That was what I was trying to say.

I understand what you mean. Although there were some things I disagreed with, I liked the thought you put into it.