Who Is Ozymandias?
Ozymandias is a legendary figure from ancient history that has been referenced in many movies and TV shows. His iconic statue is a symbol of power and greatness, and his story of a king who has faded away into obscurity has been used to provide some of the most memorable and powerful moments in film and television.
From superhero films to comedies to dramas, the story of Ozymandias has been used to add depth and complexity to characters and storylines.
In this blog, we’ll explore the many different ways Ozymandias has been used as a character or reference in movies and TV shows.
Ozymandias, a renowned poem, has been used as a reference in many movies and TV shows. From the classic comic book series Watchmen to the Emmy-Award-winning Breaking Bad series, the poem has been used as an allusion to characters, situations, and themes. The poem itself is a reflection on the ephemeral nature of power and fame, and how even the mightiest of kings will eventually be forgotten.
The poem’s central image is of a ruined statue of a great king, Ozymandias, which serves as a reminder of the futility of human ambition.
The poem, which is a meditation on the impermanence of all human endeavors, has become a popular cultural reference. From the classic comic book series “Watchmen” to the much-loved “Breaking Bad,” here are some of the best uses of Ozymandias in popular culture.
Ozymandias Poem
Ozymandias is a famous poem written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1818. It is a reflection on the transitory nature of power and glory and is often referred to as one of the most powerful poems ever written. This poem has been analyzed in many ways, and in this article, we will explore what the poem is about and how it relates to life.
The poem begins with the narrator describing a ‘traveler from an antique land’ who encounters a statue of Ozymandias, a once-great king who ruled over a powerful empire. The statue itself has been destroyed, but the inscription on the pedestal remains, and the traveler describes it to the narrator. The inscription reads:
“My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” The inscription implies that Ozymandias was once the most powerful ruler in the world, with an impressive array of works that have now been reduced to ruins.
The poem is a reminder of the fleeting nature of power and glory. Ozymandias was once the most powerful ruler in the world, but now his kingdom is no more, and his works have been reduced to ruins. This reminds us that nothing in this world is permanent and that even the greatest of achievements can be wiped away in an instant. It is also a warning that we should not become too attached to our worldly possessions and accomplishments, as they can so easily be taken away.
Ozymandias may also be seen as a warning against hubris. Ozymandias was so confident in his power and glory that he had a statue made of himself, with an inscription that boasted of his greatness. Yet, his works have been reduced to ruins, and his kingdom is no more. This serves as a reminder to us that no matter how powerful we may be, we will eventually be forgotten, and our accomplishments will be forgotten with us.
Adrian Veidt – Watchmen Ozymandias
In the film “Watchmen,” Adrian Veidt, also known as Ozymandias, is a former superhero who becomes a billionaire industrialist. He is intelligent, charismatic, and physically fit, with a reputation for being one of the greatest heroes of all time.
However, despite his many achievements, Ozymandias becomes disillusioned with the state of the world and the inability of the heroes to bring about real change. In an effort to save humanity from itself, he hatches a plan to create a global threat that will unite the world against a common enemy and bring about world peace.
To carry out his plan, Ozymandias creates a giant alien monster and stages an attack on New York City, killing millions of people and destroying much of the city. The attack is successful in achieving its goal of uniting the world, but at a tremendous cost.
In the end, Ozymandias becomes a tragic figure, admired by some for his intelligence and bold vision, but ultimately reviled for the horrific means by which he achieved his goals. Like the Pharaoh in Shelley’s poem, Ozymandias is a powerful and influential figure whose legacy is ultimately overshadowed by the destruction and suffering that he caused.
Walter White – Breaking Bad Ozymandias
In the television series “Breaking Bad,” Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) could be seen as a modern-day version of the character Ozymandias from Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem. Like Ozymandias, Walter is a powerful and influential figure who is driven by a desire for wealth, power, and control.
Throughout the series, Walter transforms from a timid and unassuming high school chemistry teacher into a ruthless and calculating criminal mastermind. He becomes the leader of a methamphetamine empire, using his knowledge of chemistry to cook and sell high-quality drugs, and using his intelligence and cunning to outmaneuver his rivals and evade the law.
However, like Ozymandias, Walter’s quest for power and control ultimately leads to his downfall. His actions have consequences, and as he becomes more and more ruthless and desperate, he begins to lose the respect and loyalty of those around him.
In the end, Walter’s legacy is one of destruction and tragedy, as his actions have a profound impact on the lives of those around him. Like Ozymandias, he is a complex and flawed character whose actions have far-reaching consequences, and whose legacy is ultimately overshadowed by the suffering and destruction that he caused.
Dr Robert Ford – Westworld Ozymandias
In the HBO series “Westworld,” the character of Dr. Robert Ford (played by Anthony Hopkins) quotes Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias” as a way of illustrating the theme of hubris and the dangers of overreaching ambition.
In the series, Dr. Ford is the co-founder and creative director of Westworld, a futuristic theme park that is populated by highly advanced artificial beings known as hosts. Throughout the series, Dr. Ford becomes increasingly obsessed with the narrative of the park, and he begins to see himself as a kind of god-like figure who is in control of everything that happens within the park.
In one scene, Dr. Ford recites the first two stanzas of “Ozymandias” to the main character, Dolores Abernathy (played by Evan Rachel Wood), as a way of explaining his own philosophy and the grand plans that he has for the Westworld.
By quoting the poem, Dr. Ford is drawing a parallel between himself and the powerful and ambitious Pharaoh Ozymandias, whose grandiose plans ultimately came to nothing. The poem serves as a warning about the dangers of overreaching ambition and the ultimate futility of human endeavors, and it is a fitting metaphor for Dr. Ford’s own hubris and the ultimately disastrous consequences of his actions.
Tywin Lannister – Game Of Thrones Ozymandias
Tywin Lannister is a character in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series by George R.R. Martin and in the television adaptation “Game of Thrones.” He is the father of Cersei, Jaime, and Tyrion Lannister, and is a wealthy and powerful lord in the Seven Kingdoms.
In the series, Tywin Lannister is known for his wealth, his strategic mind, and his ruthlessness. He is a skilled politician and military commander, and his actions have a significant impact on the events of the series. Tywin is also a traditionalist and believes in the rigid social hierarchy of the Seven Kingdoms, and he is highly critical of those who do not adhere to this hierarchy.
In many ways, Tywin could be seen as an “Ozymandias” figure in the series. Like the Pharaoh in Shelley’s poem, he is a powerful and influential ruler, with a vast empire and great wealth at his disposal. However, also like Ozymandias, Tywin’s power and influence are ultimately fleeting, and his legacy is eventually forgotten. In the series, Tywin’s death marks the end of his reign and the beginning of a new era in the Seven Kingdoms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ozymandias is a powerful poem that reminds us of the fleeting nature of power and glory and serves as a warning against hubris. It is a reminder that nothing in this world is permanent, and that we should not become too attached to our worldly possessions and accomplishments, as they can so easily be taken away.
