X-Men (2000)
Directed by Bryan Singer
Evolution; Legislation; Mutations; Science fiction
Charles Xavier’s band of mutants stand between humanity and evil mastermind Magneto, who plans to unleash a powerful force that will produce genetic mutations in all non-mutants.
“X-Men” posits a modern world in which genetically mutated beings coexist with “normal” humans. Charles Xavier, director of a school where mutant children can learn to harness powers ranging from telekinesis to shape-shifting, calls the genetic mutations which produce these traits “the key to our evolution.” Because mutants possess superhuman capabilities, a Senate committee headed by Senator Kelly initiates an investigation into the danger of mutants in society. His proposal of a Mutant Registration Act, designed to identify and inhibit potentially dangerous mutants, threatens to instigate a modern Holocaust. One mutant, Magneto, senses that mutant-human relations are devolving into war and plots to curtail conflict by transforming all the world’s leaders into mutants themselves. Professor Xavier and his group of “X-Men” must prevent Magneto from killing millions of people and further devastating mutant-human relations.
Magneto’s plot involves the artificial transformation of “normal” humans into mutants through a machine that speeds the evolutionary process. Artificial mutation leads to Senator Kelly’s death, an event which highlights the incongruity between natural and forced genetic transformations. While evolutionary mutation enhances natural human capabilities, forced genetic transformations lead to systematic cell destruction and death. This suggests that while natural evolutionary changes can occur, attempts to catalyze transformations will have devastating consequences. Evolutionary mutations are not without their dangers in the film; not only are there mutants who have inadvertently become dangers to others, but many possess powers (like walking through walls) which could endanger political and economic superstructures worldwide. There appears no clear moral or legislative solution to mutant regulation, as Magneto illustrates the dangerous abuse of mutant traits even as the X-Men represent the social advantages to heightened powers. The film also addresses the human rights issues necessarily foregrounded in a society where genetic mutation becomes common. Specifically, if genetic mutations produce a species distinct from humans, are mutants then subject to experimentation like animals?
Evaluation: X-Men is full of rich characters who never lose their roundness or humanity, and even the scenes of physical combat seem to enhance our understanding of their motivations. Neither the “bad” or “good” mutants are free of flaws, each evoking sympathy even though viewers recognize that Xavier’s followers must succeed.
– Natalie Champ