How 2014's Godzilla broke tradition & redefined monster movies

It's almost a decade since director Gareth Edwards reintroduced us to one of cinema's most iconic monsters – Godzilla. However, the 2014 film still raises questions about whether the monstrous protagonist was rightfully placed in the limelight. The movie world, especially fans of the monster genre, were divided over Edwards' decision to keep Godzilla's screen presence minimal. The titular beast often felt like a supporting act, playing second fiddle to the new monsters, the MUTOs. "From the start, the movie is always about Kong," said a critic, comparing it to classics like Kong and Jaws, which, despite revealing the monster later, always had the narrative driven by it.

Also read: Godzilla vs. Kong: Titans clash in epic battle on the latest promo for the upcoming The New Empire 

Steering away from tradition: A bold move or a miss?

Director Gareth Edwards' approach was rooted in the slow and suspenseful buildup that many classic monster films like Jaws, Alien, and King Kong leveraged. The anticipation of seeing the creature was meant to pull the audience in, leading to a more powerful reveal. However, for many, the issue wasn't the suspense but the narrative shift. "However long it may take for the respective creatures in these films to show their faces, they always drive the central plot," a point emphasized by many.

In Edwards' Godzilla, the MUTOs not only dominate screen time but also command the narrative. Godzilla's role seems reactionary, a far cry from his traditional status as the central force of chaos and nature's wrath. This diversion from the expected norm led many to compare the 2014 rendition to Godzilla's sequels, where new monsters often took center stage until the King came to restore balance.

Also read: Monstrous revelations: Wyatt Russell dives deep into Godzilla's world on Apple TV+! 

However, it's essential to appreciate the complexity and the risk of reintroducing a legacy character. Edwards might have played it safe, considering the cinematic trend of the time, which preferred suspense and gradual revelation. But to many, "to reintroduce moviegoers to Godzilla as a wholly reactive figure in a movie whose plot is overwhelmingly dependent on some new, not particular interesting monsters seems a mistake."

As the dust settles and the years roll on, 2014's Godzilla remains a divisive topic. Whether you applaud Edwards' fresh perspective or mourn the lost potential of a narrative focused on Godzilla, there's no denying the film's impact on modern monster movies.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)