Episode 78: Godzilla vs. Kong vs. America
Movie poster from the original 1962 King Kong vs. Godzilla, from Toho Studios.
It's time to talk about the politics of kaiju. With the new Godzilla vs. Kong movie stomping our way soon, we're discussing the long history of giant monsters in pop culture, and the truly strange cinematic backstory of the original King Kong vs. Godzilla flick. What do kaiju represent, and why are they connected to nationalism? And when does a kaiju get to be a protagonist rather than a monster?
Notes, citations, & etc.!
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
American edits to the Godzilla movies [Polygon]
Gorillas discovered by westerners in 1902
King Kong (1933)
Gojira (1954)
Mighty Joe Young (1949)
Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953)
Tarantula (1955)
Them (1954)
Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958)
Village of the Giants (1965)
Shin Godzilla (2016)
Streaky the Supercat
All the differences between the Japanese and American King Kong vs. Godzilla
Trogdor (from Homestar Runner)
Pacific Rim (2013)
“Big Girl,” by Meg Elison
Colossal (2016)
The Host, dir Bong Joon Ho (2013)