Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather try desperately to prevent the end of the world as they discuss Thor: Ragnarok. The journey takes them through Norse mythology, Thor’s transformation, the Dia de Los Hulkos celebration, and an appreciation of the film’s symbolic richness, no less rich for its humorous and campy elements.
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Further Reading
Not the strongest Avenger. (Click to enlarge.)
- Thor: Ragnarok
- Ragnarök
- Ken Burns’ Captain America: Civil War (it exists!)
- Celestials in Marvel Comics
- Camp (style) on Wikipedia
- “The Phallic Mother” on Overthinking It
- Libestod on Wikipedia
I couldn’t help thinking about a theme of colonialism as I was watching this, in two particular scenes. The first where Hela pulls apart the ceiling to reveal what was underneath and where the Grandmaster took exception to the gladiators being called slaves, preferring to use “prisoners with jobs”
Asgard was always seen as the protectors of the Nine Realms. They brought order to the chaotic universe, just as colonialists were seen as bringing civilization to the savages. Just as Jeff Goldblum saw himself as a benevolent captor giving them opportunities.
I think there’s a thematic link to how Hela is defeated. To me, the movie was saying. Helas power was rooted in all that bloodshed that built the wealth and roots of Asgard, and as long as there was that element of ideological impurity, she ( oppression and death) would always have strength
The only solution was to tear down the entire foundations of the power structure.
Really interesting read! I can’t help but see a thematic link to the Captain America movies. In the Winter Soldier, Cap learns that his beloved Shield has been infiltrated by its enemies. The solution? To destroy Shield’s brand new helicarriers and release its archives to the public. Like Asgard, Shield has to be destroyed in order to be reborn.
Last year’s Civil War was partially about how much faith we put in institutions. Team Stark wants to operate under the UN and follow the rules. Team Cap isn’t willing to put his trust in any organization. “My faith’s in people, I guess,” he says in the final voiceover. “Individuals. And I’m happy to say that, for the most part, they haven’t let me down.” I think Ragnorak has a similar disdain for Asgard. The throne isn’t something worth defending. But the PEOPLE are.
The best thoughts I’ve heard on the film.
I just saw the film today. So what is Earth’s immigration policy regarding homeless Asgradians? My guess is that there is time travel involved. Thor and Co settle Norway qa few thousand years ago, the all the Norse mythology.