Mirrored Roles

In the film documentary, King of Kong, there were roles of a hero, Weibe, a villian, Mitchell, and a secondary female in slight distress, Mrs. Weibe. In addition the game itself operated as a type of villianous character. This was alluded to by the comment that some thought the game was "possessed." In some ways this mirrors the highly structured roles of the video game, King Kong, itself. Weibe possesses clear qualities of the game protagonist, both being likable and hardworking, ever attempting to overcome obstacles, working diligently to overcome Kong, and in addition, being slightly rounded . Mitchell, as portrayed, was like Kong in many ways, in that he was aloof at the top of the ladder, somewhat menacing with his furrowed brow and hirsuitism, and not above throwing a last minute disruption to displace his opponent. Mrs. Weibe, though not contested or carried away by Mitchell, as was the female in game; was certainly upset and stressed by the general disruption of the situation. Certainly her encounter with the gentlemen who inspected her garage was portrayed as such. As an aside, why didn't she call the police? Was she that helpless? The game itself was clearly some type of demon to be conquered in that it ruled over the operant qualities of the lives of Weibe, Mitchell, Mrs. Weibe, and the multitude of secondary characters.

Whether or not it is true, it needs to be asked if living in the game or with the game so long shaped the personalities of Weibe, Mitchell, and Mrs. Weibe. Or whether the reverse is true? And while it is likely true that the documentary makers shaped the footage to highlight these roles, there is certainly still an element of truth to the idea that at least in this case, game roles and real life roles interchange and influence each other to some degree.