The iconic film “Lethal Weapon,” with its mix of action and comedy, helped shape an entire genre of buddy-cop movies. In the film, two very different police detectives, Riggs and Murtaugh, are partnered together. Riggs, who is grieving the loss of his wife, displays erratic behavior, while Murtaugh is more by-the-book. Their contrasting approaches to policing and their initial reluctance to work together helped to define the mismatched-buddy-cop dynamic that became a staple in Hollywood storytelling.
“Lethal Weapon” was not just a fleeting success; it led to multiple sequels, a television adaptation, and influenced countless other movies. Among the filmmakers influenced is Adam Wingard, who was a young child when the movie was first released. The film left a profound impact and played a part in shaping his cinematic vision.
Wingard, in his film featuring the epic duo of Godzilla and Kong, draws parallels to the buddy-cop genre. The director specifically points out the “uneasy truce” that exists between the two titans, likening them to cops with a functional if competitive, working relationship.
“The dynamic between the two monsters mirrors the classic buddy-cop formula where although they might not be overtly cooperative or communicative, there’s this underlying respect and necessity in their relationship. I’m really drawn to the stories from the ’80s because that’s when some of the most defining narratives for buddy-cops were crafted. Godzilla and Kong, in a way, are not so different—they have their own methods and distinct personalities, which don’t always align. Yet, there’s an implicit understanding between them,” Wingard explained.
In most Godzilla films, communication between monsters is anything but verbal. Historically, only the twin fairies associated with Mothra have had the ability to interpret for the creatures. It was only in “Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla” that moviegoers were offered subtitles to understand the kaiju’s interactions.
FAQs about the Influence of ’80s Buddy-Cop Films on Godzilla X Kong
- What is the connection between ‘Lethal Weapon’ and Godzilla X Kong?
Director Adam Wingard cites ‘Lethal Weapon’ as an influence for the dynamic between Godzilla and Kong in his film, comparing their relationship to that of the buddy-cop duo of Riggs and Murtaugh. - What elements of the buddy-cop genre can be seen in the relationship between Godzilla and Kong?
The “uneasy truce” and functional cooperation despite differences between the two monsters are reminiscent of the classic buddy-cop dynamics. - Can the monsters in Godzilla movies talk?
Traditionally, monsters in Godzilla movies do not speak. Only in exceptional cases, like with Mothra’s fairy helpers
Conclusion
The ’80s set the stage for many of the cinematic tropes we see today, particularly in the buddy-cop genre. “Lethal Weapon” epitomizes this trend and its influence can be seen across a variety of media. Adam Wingard’s Godzilla X Kong is a testament to the enduring legacy of these narratives, proving that even giant monsters can embody the spirit of unlikely partnerships that defined an era of filmmaking. Through their adversarial yet symbiotic relationship, Godzilla and Kong carry forward the torch of Riggs and Murtaugh’s timeless dynamic into the world of kaiju and beyond.