X3 came out yesterday, and already I've seen it twice. Am I a little obsessed with our favorite gang of mutant-freaks? Sure. But, in my defense, the X-universe symbolises for so much more than just super powered battles and ladies with big boobs (though it's a perk). It is a social critique of the modern world, a metaphor for past and current societal issues.
First, the basics. Homo Sapien has branched into a genetic strain known as Homo Superior, or mutants. Regular humans see this as a wonderful or terrible development, depending on their perspective. This is the X-men's plotline: the schism through society that runs when a minority demands rights. What makes the metaphor even more brilliant is it's stark inclusion of human fear, and what people are willing to do to keep their positions of power.
The movie is perfectly timed. Unintentionally, I'm sure, but still, one wonders...what with the immigration controversy going on right now and the heated debate as to who is considered "American," and the X-men's world of argument over what is considred "human"...just a coincidence? Well, either way, it's extremely applicable.
In the X-universe, one can scientifically define what is human and what is mutant. In the same way, we in our real world can scientifically categorize people according to their homeland. A Mexican is in the books as born in Mexico, an American was born in America. But the X-men model attacks the very idea of 'humanity', just as HR4427 attacks our basic view of what it is to be 'American'. Does a person have to be destined by their birth? Do all stati have to be ascribed? Or can we achieve a higher level of life? The rights that apply to humans apply to mutants as well; they both have emotions, they both (well, most anyway) bleed red. In the same way, why shouldn't a right that belongs to an American belong to a Mexican? We all bleed and feel.
The message that X3 is trying to get across is well-timed. All people are just people, regardless of their birth status. And all people should be treated well.
I like your post, possibly because I am also a fan of the X-Universe (btw, have you read the Earth-X, Universe-X, and Paradise-X series? They are quite excellent). X-Men has always had a degree of social relavence tucked into the drama between Jean and Scott; the tension between Logan and Jean; and of course the bizzare transformation from Jean to Phoenix to Dark Phoenix, and back again. (Oy.)
I think a lot of the followers of comic books see their social importance as part of the appeal. (I won't see X-Men 3 until tonight, but I'm really excited, even though Rougue doesn't seem to have as big a part in this one as before.)
I havent seen it yet, but a show I was watching yesterday was talking about how the movie can parallel our lives. Like the struggle of mutant discrimination= gay discrimination. It talked about several things the director was trying to parallel.
X-men are nothing. who cares
If you watch closely, there's a distinct analogy written about the war in Iraq.
Movies are America's art form. Our way to classify and quantify ideas running through a society. X-men, is in that respect, no different. Although its timing, and the issue (or issues) it reflects are certainly those on the minds of many American's right now. Oddly enough, I can almost promise you that in five or six months no one in the mainstream media will care about immigration and the issue will fade. Look at Iraq--six months ago we were all protesting that and now it barely registers. But for now, let a movie sum up what many of us think.
~CallieV
I agree We americans have serious ADD
In defense of those who protested the war and now have stopped -- no one will support pulling out now. Destroying the government in Iraq and then leaving? Baaaaad idea.
"ladies with big boobs"? i guess thats the only good thing about women. thank you.