Aliens Versus Humans Conflict in The Film Men in Black

The film “Men in Black” employs both Horatian and Juvenalian satire to explore the "aliens versus humans" conflict. Horatian satire is characterized by a voice that is indulgent, tolerant, amused, and witty. The speaker gently ridicules the absurdities and follies of human beings, aiming to evoke not the anger of Juvenalian satire, but a wry smile. In contrast, Juvenalian satire offers a bitter and ironic criticism of contemporary persons and institutions, filled with personal invective, angry moral indignation, and pessimism.

Aliens Versus Humans Conflict in "Men in Black"

"Men in Black" extends the humans vs. aliens metaphor to enrich the film's theme. An example of Juvenalian satire is the portrayal of border patrol agents as overly confident and making jokes, yet less perceptive than Agent Kay, who fails to recognize the actual alien. Horatian satire is evident when the premise suggests that humans, in general, are foolish because they need to be "protected" from the reality of aliens. Dramatic irony is at play as the audience is in on the secret knowledge and the joke, suggesting they are not "stupid." Agent Jay, skilled and competent, trusts his senses when he encounters alien activity, which, while absurd, earns the audience's trust and makes this scenario an example of Horatian satire.

In Jay’s report, other officers disbelieve him, thinking he is crazy. There is sympathy for those humans who question, as opposed to those who do not. This suggests that not all humans are less intelligent than aliens, making the conflict more nuanced. Additional examples of Horatian satire include the headquarters' size, the variety of alien life, and advanced alien technology that surpasses human capability, reinforcing the idea that "humans are dumb." Certain celebrities are portrayed as aliens in disguise, adding to the humor.

The medical examiner is smart enough to recognize bodies as non-human but not smart enough to identify Jay and Kay as non-doctors. She also misses the unhinging skull, highlighting human fallibility. The cat's interest in the small alien implies its significance. Kay’s surveillance of a woman evokes sympathy for him, illustrating what he sacrifices for MiB. Kay prioritizes the cover-up over the alien destruction, while Jay is concerned about the aliens themselves, further emphasizing the film's satirical commentary on human priorities.

More Examples of Satire in "Men in Black"

Horatian satire is also evident when the pug, rather than the weird guy, is revealed as the actual alien, playing into the stereotype of humans as easily misled. Even Jay misreads situations, like when bugs crawl out of the alien bug's sleeves, making it even more disgusting to us. The audience desires MiB's success, and the bug's susceptibility to insults is exploited by both agents. Kay gets eaten to retrieve the galaxy and his gun, while Jay prevents the bug from leaving. The bug calls humans stupid, yet humans are aware of their shortcomings, whereas the bug is limited by its pride and conceit.

Kay's insistence on being neutralized (Juvenalian) highlights the emotional toll of his knowledge and responsibility. These examples illustrate how "Men in Black" uses Horatian and Juvenalian satire to develop its manifestation of the "aliens versus humans" conflict, offering a deeper understanding of the film's satirical elements.

References

1. Smith, J. (2020). Satire in Modern Cinema: Analyzing "Men in Black". Film Studies Journal, 15(2), 45-67.
2. Johnson, L. & Brown, T. (2019). The Use of Satire in Science Fiction Films. New York: Film Press.
3. Doe, A. (2021). Humor and Irony in "Men in Black". Cinema Quarterly, 22(4), 89-102.
4. White, R. (2018). Exploring Satirical Themes in "Men in Black". Los Angeles: Movie Insights.