PHarrison
11-30-2009, 02:58 AM
In many ways The Incredibles is a film that criticizes american mediocrity while emphasizing the importance of heroes in our society. Set in a 50's type society, all Supers, including Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone, through forced retirement, are removed from society and placed into the Supers Relocation Program where they are forced to become like everyone else; living in suburban america, working for corporate america, and expected to "Just fit in." As they try to fit in, their lives become dull and repetitive with little stimulation, personal achievement, or personal satisfaction. Bob Parr, (the name "Parr" is synonymous with "par," or "equal") has lost his identity and slowly, his own self image. His longing for the old days has left him feeling empty, which is reflected in the dinner table scene where he appears frustrated and distant. Helen, formerly Elastigirl, has also lost her fiestiness and spirit that was shown at the begining of the film where she talks about settling down as if it were a curse. Even the children, who weren't around in the "old days," feel out of place, not because of their super powers, but that they aren't allowed to live up to their true potential and forced to be like everyone else. Yet, this movie, rather than letting the family fall apart, brings them together triumphantly by allowing them to use their natural gifts and regain their confidence. With their confidence intact, the Parr family is able to return to society on their own terms.
The Incredibles also emphasizes the need for Supers in our society through the final sequence where the combined efforts of the family succeed in foiling Syndrome's plot of destroying the world. Syndrome says that if he is able to make everyone super, then no one will be super, reflecting the idea that without heroes who continually push to raise the bar in society, we would all be mediocre at best. By allowing the Parr family to come back into society to defeat Syndrome, the film emphasizes our need for heroes to fight against mediocrity.
The Incredibles also emphasizes the need for Supers in our society through the final sequence where the combined efforts of the family succeed in foiling Syndrome's plot of destroying the world. Syndrome says that if he is able to make everyone super, then no one will be super, reflecting the idea that without heroes who continually push to raise the bar in society, we would all be mediocre at best. By allowing the Parr family to come back into society to defeat Syndrome, the film emphasizes our need for heroes to fight against mediocrity.