The lessons of a film like Enemy Mine (1985) should be universal.
In a time of war, two mortal enemies grounded on an unforgiving planet -- Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and Drac (Louis Gossett Jr) -- find themselves at odds because of their shared past. But being marooned in such an environment changes both the man and the alien in ways they never expect, forcing them to set aside their prejudices in order to collaborate and survive. Eventually, mortality enters the equation, and Drac is forced to entrust the care of his young son to a man he once wanted to erase from existence. Ultimately, Enemy Mine teaches us to get past whatever collectivism has taught us about those we don't really know to find instead what might unite us on a journey through life ... and that's something all of us should strive to do.
Though Gossett Jr didn't take home the 1986 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work in the production, there are many who took note of the actor's work in the fondly remembered picture because it rose above the usual noise of filmdom. Despite the difference of his appearance, Drac -- at Gossett's hands -- revealed an individual truly not very different from you and me. He wanted many of the same things out of life, and he was willing to both live and learn about his enemy especially if it meant that, together, they were stronger and more resilient against the forces that would have both of them dead and gone. It was the kind of smart work that introduced countless others to both the challenges and optimism once inherent in Science Fiction, and I think a great deal of its authenticity is owed to the actor himself.
Alas, none of us last forever ... and word reached the SciFiHistory.Net news desk this morning of the man's passing.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Louis Gossett Jr. May he forever rest in peace.
-- EZ
In a time of war, two mortal enemies grounded on an unforgiving planet -- Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and Drac (Louis Gossett Jr) -- find themselves at odds because of their shared past. But being marooned in such an environment changes both the man and the alien in ways they never expect, forcing them to set aside their prejudices in order to collaborate and survive. Eventually, mortality enters the equation, and Drac is forced to entrust the care of his young son to a man he once wanted to erase from existence. Ultimately, Enemy Mine teaches us to get past whatever collectivism has taught us about those we don't really know to find instead what might unite us on a journey through life ... and that's something all of us should strive to do.
Though Gossett Jr didn't take home the 1986 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work in the production, there are many who took note of the actor's work in the fondly remembered picture because it rose above the usual noise of filmdom. Despite the difference of his appearance, Drac -- at Gossett's hands -- revealed an individual truly not very different from you and me. He wanted many of the same things out of life, and he was willing to both live and learn about his enemy especially if it meant that, together, they were stronger and more resilient against the forces that would have both of them dead and gone. It was the kind of smart work that introduced countless others to both the challenges and optimism once inherent in Science Fiction, and I think a great deal of its authenticity is owed to the actor himself.
Alas, none of us last forever ... and word reached the SciFiHistory.Net news desk this morning of the man's passing.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Louis Gossett Jr. May he forever rest in peace.
-- EZ
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