The cats of “Godzilla Minus One” director Takashi Yamazaki have continued a longstanding tradition of pets inspiring filmmakers. Many classic movies have had characters whose portrayals were influenced by real-life pets, such as Chewbacca in the “Star Wars” films. Now, Yamazaki’s pets have influenced the portrayal of the iconic monster Godzilla.
Director of ‘Godzilla Minus One’ shows off his love for his cats
The most recent addition to the trend of cats inspiring movies comes from Takashi Yamazaki, director of “Godzilla Minus One.” The Godzilla in the film is akin to the director’s cats in many scenes and shots, as per The Wrap. According to the director, his wife also noted the similarity between Godzilla and their two cats.
The King of the Monsters returns to his roots in this acclaimed Japanese production. More similar to his portrayal in the original 1954 film than in other recent movies, he is a creature characterized by pure destructive instinct and aggression.
Godzilla’s feline characteristics are particularly noticeable in the latter part of the movie as he lashes his tail against buildings with an aloof demeanor.
When asked about Godzilla’s cat-like tendencies, Yamazaki said, “Right before we went into production, (my wife and I) actually got a couple of cats. And I love my cats so much, so perhaps there was a subconscious tendency for me to sign off on (visual effects) shots that looked like them or just looked more cat-like.”
Additionally, Yamazaki’s wife acknowledged his joyful inclination to give the green light to cat-like depictions of Godzilla.
“When my wife sees the film, she doesn’t see Godzilla in certain scenes. She looks at him, and she says, ‘Oh, that’s our cat!’ … She can tell from the movement of Godzilla.”
Yamazaki has received a visual effects nomination for this movie in this year’s Oscars.
