How often do you see a movie where the villain convinces the hero that he's right? A movie where the way forward is only possible because both of them coexist. Killmonger, though, is the villain in the film Black Panther directed by Ryan Coogler. Undeniably a murderous, war dog, there is more to him than just pure destruction and violence. Today, we are delving into Killmonger's vulnerable side, analysing a scene, where Coogler makes us question whether or not he's really a blood-thirsty murderer, or the same oblivious boy he was before the world abandoned him. This is when Killmonger and his dad, N'Jobu, reunite on his ancestral plane.
Furthermore, the scene begins when Killmonger drinks the substance and a flashback of his past as a child…show more content… However, contrasting T'Challa's experience, where he talks to his father in open space surrounded by his ancestors, Killmonger's one sets place in the area he grew up in. Him and his father's old apartment. Why was he brought to a confined space, as opposed to the lush area outside, where the lineages of past Black Panthers were at? Ultimately, we can imply that Coogler implemented this to show Killmonger's complex relationship and disconnection with Wakanda. Hence, this is because his only connection to Wakanda is the stories his dad once told him. He didn't grow up there, in fact, he didn't even know what it looked like. He didn't know the ropes around traditions and rituals. His royal blood was the only thing running for him in this place. Thus, Coogler set Killmonger's ancestral plane in his childhood apartment, to highlight that he's shut off from the true ancestral plane, as he is considered an outsider. It could also be inferred that Bast denied him access to the full ancestral plane due to the fact that his motives and tactics for claiming the throne were in conflict with the still-living legitimate king, who did not ultimately yield. Additionally, the colour purple as shown through the sky in the background resembles spiritual connection, mercy and power, things that Killmonger desires, but is closed off from.
The pink to…show more content… The sudden transition from Killmonger's child self back to his adult self, shows the juxtaposition of him as a youth, as opposed to now. Coogler uses this to undermine that he isn't affected by deaths anymore, seeing them as just an object to gain power and mercy. When his dad replies by saying 'well, look at what I've done', he similarly emphasizes this point, as not only the world, but also his dad is realizing the cruel creature he is becoming due to oppression. This shows that he lacks empathy for the spiteful actions he commits, as aforementioned earlier in the film when he didn't even bat an eyelash when he betrays, manipulates and murders his girlfriend and Klaue, underscoring the theme of
