The Curious Case of Mr. George Wilson: Why He Didn't Worry About a Mogwai in Gremlins

Introduction

In Gremlins, Mr. George Wilson's decision to bring home a Mogwai for his son's Christmas gifts seems strange at first glance. However, there are several underlying reasons that explain why he didn't immediately worry about the creature's safety. This blog post will explore the motivations and circumstances leading to Mr. Wilson's decision to bring the Mogwai home.

Mr. Wilson's Background and Personality

Much has been written about George Wilson's character, a man renowned for his inventiveness and keen desire for recognition. George is also known for his poor judgment and reckless behavior, as evidenced by his ill-fated inventions. For example, his infamous Smokeless Ashtray, which caught fire instead of preventing smoke, demonstrates his lack of practical know-how. This background sets the stage for his decision to bring a Mogwai home.

Role Reversal and Parenting Advice

Another reason for Mr. Wilson's lack of worry is the supportive but often misguided nature of his character. Similar to Clark Griswold’s experiences in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles or Christmas Vacation, where Cousin Eddie cannot provide decent parenting advice, Mr. Wilson is often caught up in his own illusions of grandeur and unique gifts. His desire to impress his son and provide a special Christmas gift is another driving force behind his decision.

Initial Impression and Timing of the Gift

Mr. Wilson unknowingly acquired the Mogwai during a chaotic and late-night shopping trip. The timing, along with George's taxidermy background, likely fueled his lack of concern. A taxidermist might have easily dismissed the Mogwai as a unique creature, without realizing the potential for chaos and devastation. Additionally, the story takes place late at night, increasing the sense of urgency and desperation to find a gift for his son. Under these circumstances, Mr. Wilson accepted the Mogwai without fully understanding its potential consequences.

Parenting Rules and Misunderstandings

Presumably, Mr. Wilson was informed about the rules: no light after midnight, no water, and no feeding after midnight. However, the details about the rules and their specific implications were not clearly explained to him. Specifically, the rule about feeding the Mogwai before midnight seems arbitrary and confusing. This lack of clarity could have contributed to Mr. Wilson's initial acceptance of the creature.

Intellectual Speculations and Real-Life Implications

From a broader perspective, Mr. Wilson’s decision mirrors a common theme in Gremlins: the consequences of treating living creatures as inanimate objects. The movie’s underlying message about respecting life and not treating living things as mere toys is made more poignant by Mr. Wilson’s misplaced optimism. His desire to impress and provide his son with an exceptional Christmas gift ultimately led to a series of events that brought the small town to the brink of destruction.

Conclusion

Mr. George Wilson's decision to bring the Mogwai home, while seemingly innocent, was influenced by a combination of his character's traits, the chaotic circumstances, and a lack of understanding of the creature's potential impact. The movie Gremlins impresses upon us the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions, especially when dealing with living beings. This analysis provides insightful perspectives on the film's symbolism and the characters' motivations.