The Path of Empathy in Dark Phoenix

This is the story of one of the X-Men’s most beloved characters, Jean Grey, as she evolves into the iconic DARK PHOENIX.  During a life-threatening rescue mission in space, Jean is hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants of all. — FoxMovies.com



A
Difference of Opinion

I
work at 20th Century Fox, now part of Disney, which is the studio
behind Dark
Phoenix,
the latest and possibly last in the current X-Men series. Having disclosed
this, I’d like to share some personal thoughts on the film’s message.

Critics
have already chimed in with broadly negative
reviews, and ticket
sales significantly dropped after the
film’s release. But I strongly disagree with the prevailing harsh criticisms. In
fact, I’m not sure I saw the same film they did. 

[image error]Marvel Comics – Dark Phoenix

Although
I wish it had a longer runtime to enrich layers to the characters, the film is well-crafted,
features brilliant Hans
Zimmer music, and has an important message about
empathy.

Context
is the Key

In
an interview
with KCRW, the writer-director Simon
Kinberg reflected his thoughts on the
perceived failure of the film. 

“…it didn’t connect enough with audiences that did see it. So that’s on me.” He further elaborated, “People will come to see the movie differently, and out of the context of this particular moment, see things in it they will appreciate.” – Simon Kinberg 

Simon Kingberg

Kinberg’s
point about context is important. I watched the film twice as a father who
understands difference and isolation, and in turn nurtures a daughter with
similar experiences and anxieties.

[image error]Marvel Comics – Dark Phoenix

The
compassionate arc that Professor Xavier
takes in this film as a father figure, along with his failings of protection
amidst good intentions, has relatable symmetry within the framework of my own story.
Primarily for that reason, the film deeply resonates within.

Fear
is the Problem

As
uniquely gifted individuals boldly reveal themselves, it can elicit fear of
otherness, like that affecting the X-Men. In collective experience, this then shapes
itself into a gripping vice of societal judgment and exclusion, hindering
authentic expression. 

If
constant and forceful, alienation can sneak deep within our souls. Once that
happens, we become anchored to hardened moorings of self-doubt, indecision, and
depression. We question our worth and our place in the larger scheme.

[image error]Marvel Comics – Dark Phoenix

With
these negative forces left unchecked, any gifts we have to offer the world instead
become weaponized and destructive, to ourselves and others. An ongoing cycle of
fear and isolation then gets reinforced, and we scream to be set free.

Empathy
is the Solution

As
Jean
Grey found when rising like a phoenix
from her pain-filled ashes, it is forgiveness, emotional connection, and the bond
of family that can help liberate one’s soul. Often it also takes a loving, patient
mentor to support one down that path, as exemplified by Professor X.

Empathy
is the willingness of one to understand the fears, desires, and sufferings of
another. It’s a heart of compassion that willingly acts to strengthen another
after first understanding their needs. Although empathy is sometimes as selfish
as it is altruistic, when done with gracious intent, it can transform a world
of polarizing fear and division.

[image error]Marvel Comics – Dark Phoenix

In this regard, I
hope Dark Phoenix finds renewed engagement with fans on an emotional
level. The film celebrates diversity and its power to evolve us into a sum that
is greater than its parts. It also inspires us to be conduits of compassion for
broken souls and for those struggling with being different.

Through
honesty and empathy, we can help others embrace their authentic selves to
discover they are not truly broken, but only temporarily astray from awakening their
wondrous potential.

Christopher Pufall

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