Before class, please watch the original film, Godzilla (1954). It is in Japanese and subtitled in English. An Americanized version was released in 1956 staring Raymond Burr, a slightly different film. If you see both, we'll review the differences and reasons for them. This disc from the Criterion Collection, the best restoration and highly recommended, includes both versions:  https://www.criterion.com/films/27755-godzilla

Godzilla (1954) is also streaming on the Criterion Channel: https://www.criterionchannel.com/godzilla-1

Between 1954 and 1964, the films in the Godzilla "family" made by Ishiro Honda were under his creative control, and we'll also explore the characters of Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah. After 1964, the films take on a different tone, more playful, with younger children as the intended audience. We'll mostly focus on the films first 10 years and also understand why the franchise changed over time. 

Godzilla is not merely an entertaining monster movie. The character is symbolic of humanity's capability to destroy itself. In this course, students will learn the social, political, and historic significance of Godzilla in the context of Japanese and American culture. We'll examine the pantheon of the monsters in the world of Godzilla and what they represent. In postwar Japan, Godzilla destroys Tokyo and emerges from incidents based on real life. In this case, Godzilla embodies the anxiety and horror of the destruction of Tokyo during World War II and the atomic bombings by the American military, compounded by the continued presence of the American military in Japan after the war. 

In last summer's Godzilla (2019), the monster takes on a symbolic meaning in terms of environmental destruction. We'll explore the contrasts and continuity between the meaning of the original Godzilla and how he's represented in contemporary culture and film. Why is this monster so endearing across both time and culture? Is he a hero or something else? We'll seek answers to these questions. 

This course will be an open forum discussion. Students should be prepared to participate in the class discussion and share their own perspectives from viewing the films. It is designed to be both fun and engaging and also open up the wider meanings beyond the films as just entertainment. 

In Week 1, we'll explore the original Godzilla, including the particular history of Tokyo the setting for the film. Students will learn about the director Ishiro Hondo and how he presented the character on film in the 1950s. This lesson will focus on why Godzilla destroys Tokyo and the fears of humanity that allow a monster to become strong enough to destroy a city.   

In Week 2, we'll explore the changes after the first film, as well the continuity with the original character's context. This lesson will focus on what about our current times elevate the monster into a savior figure. Is this contemporary version of Godzilla a faithful representation of Godzilla and his pantheon of monsters or is this version of Godzilla a re-imagining of the character? 

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