X-Men and X-2 are two of my favorite movies. It is obvious why Dr. MB picked these incredible masterpieces for us to review. X-Men blurs the line between heroes and monsters. Just think of Magneto! He is a monster for kidnapping Rogue, but he is a hero for chaining Stryker. Professor Xavier’s relationship with Magneto represents that blur. He understands him, his actions, and his pain. That understanding is why Professor Xavier is so persistent with Magneto, and why he still considers him a friend.
I could talk about Magneto and Professor Xavier forever, but the movies made think about my definition of a monster more than anything else. I think that a lot of the scenes support my definition. A monster is a reflection of the unknown or of a specific unwanted feeling. The monster’s intentions are not necessarily to destroy and cause chaos, but ultimately that is what occurs. Unlike the hero, a monster is something everyone can become. It is a representation of unwanted desires, uncontrollable feelings, shameful actions, and abnormality. The more you suppress the monster, the more it grows. The monster needs to be let out and accepted to become a positive being.
The humans see the mutants as monsters because it is a reflection of the unknown. They do not know who they are, what they are capable of, and if they are here to help or destroy. The whole Registration Act is made up of all those fears. Once again, think of Magneto. He becomes a monster because humanity made him a monster. Humanity does not want to give him a chance, so why should he try?
In the beginning of X-Men, Rogue sees herself as a monster because her power causes destruction and chaos. She does not want to hurt others, but one touch or one kiss can do just that. Even when she is accepted by the rest of the mutants, specifically Bobby, she is still cautious and does not trust herself. In other words, she suppresses the monster. Suppressing it does not help her control it. I think that she needs to accept that monster and use it.
Mystique has let that monster out. In the conversation she had with Nightcrawler in X-2, he asks her “why not stay in disguise all the time? You know, look like everyone else.” She responds “because we shouldn’t have to.” Yes! You should not have to hide the monster in fear of not being accepted. Although Mystique does not appear in the films as a central focal point, it is clear that she knows who she is, she knows what she is capable of, and she is willing to do anything for all the mutants. She is fighting for a cause, who’s to say that cause is not positive?
Bobby’s family see him as a monster. In X-2 when Bobby’s mom asks him “have you tried not to be a mutant?” I wanted to reach into the screen and punch her. Why should Bobby hide who he is? I think Bobby is proud to be a mutant. His family’s rejection makes him feel like who he is and his desires are something he should not want and be ashamed for.
There is one part of my definition that I disagree with in the case of the X-Men: a monster is something everyone can become. A hero is something everyone can become as well. Everyone has a monster hidden within, and you can use that monster to become a hero. Magneto is just as much a hero as the X-Men. Their causes and methods are different, but they are all heroes. I have realized that my definition is heavily influenced by the sense of not belonging and how you can persevere through that. The mutants persevere through that rejection just like many of us have. Maybe that is why I love X-Men so much.
It is interesting that you point out that, “the humans see the mutants as monsters because it is a reflection of the unknown.” Early in the first movie Magneto says the line, “mankind has always feared what it doesn't understand.” The way humans react to mutants is a reflection of this. A perfect example is a sign one anti-mutant protester is holding that says “send them to the moon!” Clearly this is an extreme and irrational response to their fear. But is Magneto responding to his fear in the same way? Does he fear humans so much that he would rather kill them all than take Xavier’s stance and try to find a peaceful way to live together? Or, for Magneto, is wiping out humans the next logical step? I think it is interesting that he recognizes that fear in mankind but not himself.
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