Galaxy Quest is a sci-fi parody about actors of a T.V shoe
who end up defending a group of aliens against an alien bully. Beyond the
comedy is comments to the audience intended to make one think. The movie is a parody
of star trek; however, I believe that the simplification of violence helps show
human nature.
In this movie we often see the unit dynamic versus the lone
individual. Sometimes the lone individual( commander Taggart) is able to get this accomplished
one his own. Sure the commander can
fight a little beast one his own but he cannot fight the bully of the galaxy on
his own. This is often highlighted throughout the movie that it is the unit coming
together that is able to overcome all. The idea of the unit coming together is
also emphasized through the aliens learning to come together and defend
themselves. It becomes never just one person’s
lone success but everyone’s own specific strengths.
When violence is simplified to the extent of this movie it
seems like the irony of life is more evident than if it was true blue violence.
Such as a clip that is in the movie where the actors are trying to explain acting
to the aliens. The aliens do not understand this concept of lies but they end
up seeing film a historical document. This reminds me of how we have a cultural
imagination and memory of what war is. Whether it is someone acting or a
documentary these ideas become ingrained in our cultural and thus become a part
of us.
There is also a great example of why people go to war. Some
are just happened to be there, some are thrown into leadership. Other people start
fighting because the enemy killed someone that they were connected to, as with
the case of Alexander (aka Dr. Lazarus). Throughout most of the movie he is portrayed
an unwilling participant and kind of pacifist. It’s not until he sees one of the aliens die
is he willing to fight. It is a funny scene but the innocents of the scene and
of the comedy made me feel the death of this nice little alien even more.
Galaxy Quest maybe a parody of star trek but at the heart of
the story is comments one violence and group dynamics. Real violence can and is
terrifying but sometimes you’ve got to suit up and defend yourself.
Sources :
Title The best humour is satire, and there's a
reason
we have so little of it today
Author
Hunter, Ian
Title American Dark Comedy: Beyond
Satire
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