Magneto’s mutants are more so

Only Wolverine is marginal here. He rejects to a degree the status of X-man (rejects costume etc.

Indicates he has not chosen what he will do - may even join other side

Only one of the mutants in film who has been operated on and many of his aspects are the result of the surgery rather than his mutant status.

RELIGIOUS IMAGERY

Position taken in train when lifted into the air by Magneto appears like Christ on cross. Ties with resurrection motif of bringing Rogue back from the dead.

PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

Look for things like rack focus (ex. Focus goes from Rogue in cab of truck to Wolverine’s fingers as she asks “When they come out does it hurt?” Rack focus clarifies the “it”). MESSAGES

To be against mutants is to be a Nazi

Parallels between Magneto and Xavier
see where both go to “do their thing” both are on a ramp,

Magneto sees the dark side of humanity
Xavier sees the brighter side.

There is some indication of the idea that experience alters perception of the world. Magento’s experience during WWII indicate why he is the way he is. What does that say about others with that experience??? Religious motifs and contrsts between animal names and and non animal mutants as well as between mutants and humans seems to ask the question of what it means to be human. The answer comes in some ways in terms of the development of compassion. Wolverine in this is the pivotal character who is first seen in a "no holds barred" fight, and then throws Rogue out of the trailer of his vehicle. When she wants to know which reason he would given for doing this he says "Pick one". He leaves, but stops the truck and lets her join him in the cab. This is the beginning of his compassion which develops through the film until he finally is willing to sacrifice himself to save Rogue who appears to have died.

In this development of compassion the story line ties to the story of Percival and the Fiasher King in the Grail Romances.