The Incredibles: A Mid-Century Future
Set in an alternate universe envisioned in the late 1950s, The Incredibles takes us on a journey through a distinctly retro-futuristic aesthetic. Director and creator Brad Bird's passion for this specific time period is evident, as he has revisited the same aesthetic in multiple films, including The Iron Giant and Tomorrowland. This aesthetic blends superior mid-century clothing, car, and furniture fashions with glossy futuristic elements, creating a visually appealing and unique world.
The Aesthetic of The Incredibles 2 and Captain America: Civil War
The Incredibles 2 further develops this aesthetic, and it's difficult to ignore the parallels between the two films. One striking connection is how the story in The Incredibles 2 directly mirrors elements from Captain America: Civil War. A key line from the latter states:
"Politicians don't understand people who do good things. That makes them nervous. They've been gunning for supers for years. Today was all they needed."
This statement encapsulates a significant theme of both films: the tension between delimited power and free action. In The Incredibles, the government takes away the power to act freely from superheroes, compelling them to lead normal lives. Thrown into this mix is the concept of the Superhero Registration Act, a central plot element that aligns with the civil rights and debates about governmental overreach during the 1960s and 1970s.
Superhero Registration Act and Government Control
The Superhero Registration Act in The Incredibles and the Civil War are both embodiments of government control over individuals with extraordinary abilities. In the Incredibles, the government enforces a mandate that renders superheroes powerless, effectively stripping them of their autonomy. This act is speaking to broader themes of individualism versus collective good.
In contrast, the Civil War focuses on the establishment of the Avengers and the Superhero Registration Act, which would place these heroes under government jurisdiction. The U.S. government would systematically control and regulate these mightiest of heroes, leading to intense political and moral debates.
Exploring the Superhero Culture
The Incredibles 2 and Captain America: Civil War both delve into the cultural aspects of a society with superheroes. In The Incredibles, the world is portrayed with a mix of retro nostalgia and futuristic gadgetry, creating a rich tapestry of mid-century culture and technology. This socio-cultural background of The Incredibles mimics the cultural milieu of the 1960s and 70s, a time when comic book characters were becoming prominent figures in popular culture.
Similarly, Captain America: Civil War explores the cultural impact of superheroes and the ethical dilemmas that arise when they are under state control. Both films present a nuanced view of the relationship between government and the superhuman in society, reflecting real-world debates about individual rights versus national security.
Conclusion
The Incredibles and Incredibles 2, like Captain America: Civil War, offer a platform for discussing the intersection of superhero culture and government control. Through these films, we can explore the complex dynamics of power, freedom, and the role of individuals in a society that values both. The aesthetic choices in these films not only create a rich, immersive universe but also serve as a powerful metaphor for real-world issues.