Godzilla at 70

Godzilla debuted in November 1954, emerging from the Pacific to terrorize Japan. Created in the wake of an American nuclear test in the Marshall Islands, Godzilla became a powerful and lasting symbol of the nuclear age. The monster’s success spurred the creation of a franchise that is still alive and well, mutating to fit the shape of the changing nuclear world. No shortage of words or ink has been spent considering the cultural, artistic, and historical richness of the nuclear monster. Celebrating the anniversary of the original, “Godzilla at 70” takes us back to the start to discuss the film’s context, its critical and cultural value, and its seemingly unstoppable allure.

Prof. Michelle Cho, PhD Candidate, Brenton Buchanan, and Prof. Thomas Keirstead will have a discussion after the screening moderated by CSI PhD Candidate, Cole Armitage.