22 July 2012
The Once-Ler. The "Villainous" character from the Lorax. But how bad really is the Once-Ler.
Those who have only seen the film the film are too tongue tied by the Once-Ler in his green suit to judge him, but let's look into the deeper picture.
One of my favourite Once-Ler quotes Is "If I Hadn't done it, someone else would" this is his way of combating the incredible sense of guilt he felt for destroying the valley, and to be quite honest it is a very valid point.
As it is in society today, if one person doesn't do it, someone else will. We live in a world of few oppertunities and when one comes up (no matter how environmentally damaging it may be) we take it, and without that capitalism and industrialism would not exist.
Which brings us to another point, was the poor Once-Ler just a victim of industrialism. When his single man power wasn't enough to fit demand, he was forced to expand his factory it meet it.
But looking at it the other way, was he just a greedy capitalist?
No, no HE wasn't, the Once-Ler wasn't actually evil (in my opinion) the once-Ler became the greedy capitalist evil (yet very good looking) individual that kills all the trees due to pressure, guilt and External social influences. This is around the time he dons his new green apparel.
But then again this is a bit biased, due to the fact I think the once-ler looks gorgeous in his green suit and I wish he had more screen time in it...
(if you think this is a bit serious for a kids film character, you should hear my discussion about spongebob and why he would have to have been adopted or have been psychotic enough to create an imaginary family for himself to continue his childish delusions... Seeing as he is a sponge and they are asexual)
How Bad Can Possibly I Be... • Opuss № I