As a subcategory of the horror genre, the exorcism film does not have the best reputation. For every The Exorcist, there are a dozen Posessed’s and Beyond the Door’s. Yet, when done well, there is rarely something as profoundly [...]
When discussing the original X-Men trilogy, opinions are varied and often heated. Most agree that our last encounter of the X-Men left a bad taste in our mouths (let’s not even start on Wolverine). Now, it’s time to put down the toothbrush and take a bite of the reassuringly delicious X-Men: First Class.
The world of X-Men: First Class is not the mutant filled landscape of the X-Men trilogy, which exposed us to a massive cast of talented oddlings, equipped with physical and functional mutations. Instead, we find the familiar characters--if unfamiliar faces--of Charles Xavier (James Mcavoy) and Erik/Magneto (Michael Fassbender) as they team up with a collection of budding mutants--including the charming young Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence)--to avert the evil plans of villain Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon). Shaw, a mutant himself, has an adapted master race plan that we are told, again and again, will lead to World War III and, according to him, create a world where mutants can live as the dominant entities.
At the heart of the film is the surprisingly endearing relationship between Xavier and Magneto. McAvoy brings a sincerity to the part of Xavier, as well as a furrowed brow that seems frozen on his face as he expresses an earnest idealism about the mutants’ future.
Xavier’s powerful foil and affectionate friend, Magneto is aptly named for Fassbender, who seems to vibrate with a cold energy. Fassbender is astonishing in Magneto’s role, speaking several languages with impressive accents, and playing his role with a careful tone that belies a coiling rage. His power, the generation and manipulation of magnetism, is far more enjoyable to watch than the seemingly useless talents of the would-be sidekicks, like the prehenshile feet of Hank (Nicholas Hoult) or the dragonfly wings of Angel (Zoe Kravitz). Fassbender plays the power like it is churning his insides, and the intensity he brings to every action and word makes it easy to see why Xavier was so attracted to Magneto, in spite their differences in beliefs.
Admittedly, a large part of the film’s tension consists of questions regarding the later trilogy. How will Xavier lose the use of his legs? When will Magneto go to the X-Men dark side? How will Mystique, here depicted as Xavier’s “best friend,” end up siding with Magneto? And will Xavier go bald?
Due to these aching questions, the film’s actual plot almost takes the backseat. Bacon’s Shaw is creepy as a Nazi doctor, but he loses the creep-factor fast when he begins cavorting on yachts in late-period Rod Stewart outfits with a haircut to match. Maybe the film would have benefited from sticking closer to the original villain from the comics, who was far more physically threatening than the ever wiry and slightly goofy Bacon. His sidekick, Emma Frost (the wooden January Jones) fails to appear daunting when posed against Magneto and Xavier, even if she models a series of fantastically retro clothing.
In the end, the film serves most functionally as a trip into X-Men nostalgia and a platform to launch the core debates of the comics. As the world is exposed to mutants for the first time, discussions arise about the danger of their otherworldy powers--and we are forced to ask the timely question: is reacting to xenophobia with violence and extermination just human nature? And if so, what role should superhumans play in society? Let’s hope the X-Men: First Class cast and crew will be back to show us.
The world of X-Men: First Class is not the mutant filled landscape of the X-Men trilogy, which exposed us to a massive cast of talented oddlings, equipped with physical and functional mutations. Instead, we find the familiar characters--if unfamiliar faces--of Charles Xavier (James Mcavoy) and Erik/Magneto (Michael Fassbender) as they team up with a collection of budding mutants--including the charming young Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence)--to avert the evil plans of villain Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon). Shaw, a mutant himself, has an adapted master race plan that we are told, again and again, will lead to World War III and, according to him, create a world where mutants can live as the dominant entities.
At the heart of the film is the surprisingly endearing relationship between Xavier and Magneto. McAvoy brings a sincerity to the part of Xavier, as well as a furrowed brow that seems frozen on his face as he expresses an earnest idealism about the mutants’ future.
Xavier’s powerful foil and affectionate friend, Magneto is aptly named for Fassbender, who seems to vibrate with a cold energy. Fassbender is astonishing in Magneto’s role, speaking several languages with impressive accents, and playing his role with a careful tone that belies a coiling rage. His power, the generation and manipulation of magnetism, is far more enjoyable to watch than the seemingly useless talents of the would-be sidekicks, like the prehenshile feet of Hank (Nicholas Hoult) or the dragonfly wings of Angel (Zoe Kravitz). Fassbender plays the power like it is churning his insides, and the intensity he brings to every action and word makes it easy to see why Xavier was so attracted to Magneto, in spite their differences in beliefs.
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| Another X-Men classic character, Cerebro, makes an appearance. |
Due to these aching questions, the film’s actual plot almost takes the backseat. Bacon’s Shaw is creepy as a Nazi doctor, but he loses the creep-factor fast when he begins cavorting on yachts in late-period Rod Stewart outfits with a haircut to match. Maybe the film would have benefited from sticking closer to the original villain from the comics, who was far more physically threatening than the ever wiry and slightly goofy Bacon. His sidekick, Emma Frost (the wooden January Jones) fails to appear daunting when posed against Magneto and Xavier, even if she models a series of fantastically retro clothing.
In the end, the film serves most functionally as a trip into X-Men nostalgia and a platform to launch the core debates of the comics. As the world is exposed to mutants for the first time, discussions arise about the danger of their otherworldy powers--and we are forced to ask the timely question: is reacting to xenophobia with violence and extermination just human nature? And if so, what role should superhumans play in society? Let’s hope the X-Men: First Class cast and crew will be back to show us.
For people who like: X-Men, The Dark Knight
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