Godzilla is an enormous fictional monster created in Japan but hugely popular worldwide. Originating from a scenario by KAYAMA Shigeru (who would later pen a pair of novelisations reinforcing his original vision), the creature evolved as it took cinematic form, reflecting the socio-political fragility and fear of scientific and technological progress of its time.

With this year marking the 70th anniversary of the first Godzilla film’s release in 1954, and the Barbican Centre's All Kaiju Attack! film season taking place throughout August, this spectacular series of film productions is once again the centre of attention. In this special talk, experts from the worlds of both film and literature will look back on the works that make up the Godzilla series as they explore the creature’s significance and the ways in which the fantasies and messages within the franchise are relevant to real life.

Speakers

Dr. Jeffrey Angles, Professor at Western Michigan University and translator of Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again, the novels by the Godzilla screenplay writer who spawned the franchise.

Steven Sloss, film critic, writer, and lifelong kaiju fan
Alex Davidson (moderator), Cinema Curator at the Barbican Centre