KING OF THE MONSTERS Director Discusses the Main Difference Between Godzilla and Kong
Josh Millican
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Have you ever had a reptile as a pet? While fascinating to many, snakes, iguanas, and the like operate on a different wavelength; there’s something primal about them that makes bonding impossible. Have you ever seen a snake smile? That’s why most animal lovers choose mammals as pets; there’s something more familiar about them, a perceived consciousness that resonates with our own humanity. A dog’s smile can warm even the coldest hearts.
And this dichotomy, according to King of the Monsters director Michael Dougherty, illustrates one of the main differences between Godzilla and King Kong. As a primate, Kong has a range of emotions that moviegoers will be able to relate too. Essentially, we’ll see more of ourselves in the master of Skull Island. The comments came as part of an interview Dougherty recently gave with SFX Magazine.
“Because Kong is a little close to human – he’s a primate, as we are – he’s allowed to show a slightly larger range of emotions. We expect those very unique, and even warm, bonding moments between Kong and human beings. That goes back to the 1933 film, where he was never strictly a monster; there was always a very human side to him in the ways that he interacts with us. That was a joy to write. With Godzilla, that’s not expected.
“That’s not to say that you can’t do it, but any kind of bond between Godzilla and humans has usually been more implied. So you rarely get to see Godzilla’s softer side. Whereas with Kong, it’s an essential part of the character. If you ever made a Kong film, where you didn’t get to see the softer side of the character, it would fall short.”
Our friends at Godzilla-Movies.com were kind enough to scan the original article from SFX Magazine, which you can check out below. For a breakdown of these comments and what they suggest about Legendary’s overarching MonsterVerse, check out the video embedded at the top of the article from one of our favorite UK film critics/academics Mr. H.
Synopsis:
Members of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species thought to be mere myths-rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters stars Vera Farmiga, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, Kyle Chandler, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Thomas Middleditch, Charles Dance, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Aisha Hinds, and Zhang Ziyi.
This film has been rated PG-13 for sequences of monster action violence and destruction, and for some language. Look for Godzilla: King of the Monsters to demolish US box offices beginning May 31st.
What do you think of Michael Dougherty’s explanation of the differences between Godzilla and Kong in Legendary’s MonsterVerse? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
