Maxwell Lord's Dilemma: Manipulating Wishes in Wonder Woman 1984

Throughout Wonder Woman 1984, Maxwell Lord, a central antagonist with a unique ability, grapples with the power of the Dreamstone. This mystical artifact grants him the ability to manipulate others' desires, but he is, unfortunately, unable to grant his own wishes. Instead, he must make profound personal sacrifices for the acquisition of this power. This essay explores the intricate interplay between Maxwell Lord's capability to grant wishes and the personal costs he incurs, illustrating the themes of desire and sacrifice in the film.

Maxwell Lord's Power: A Double-Edged Sword

Maxwell Lord possesses the extraordinary ability granted by the Dreamstone to grant wishes. He manipulates others' desires for his benefit, often making them agree to his questions casually. However, this power is not without its limitations. He cannot use the Dreamstone to grant his own wishes, necessitating personal sacrifices.

This double-edged nature of his power creates a complex narrative. On one hand, Lord uses others' desires to achieve his goals, charging whatever price he deems appropriate. On the other hand, he must sacrifice something of great value to gain the power of the Dreamstone, leading to his eventual downfall.

Manipulating Wishes and their Consequences

Lord's ability to manipulate wishes brings significant consequences, both for himself and those around him. He tricks people into agreeing that they wish for things he seeks, and in exchange, he gets their power, wealth, or access to resources. Here are some key examples from the film:

Barbara Batchelder

One notable instance is when Lord gives Barbara her powers. He asks her, 'Don't you wish that...', and she agrees. As a result, she gains the ability of a superhero, but in return, Lord takes something of great value from her. This is evident when he says, 'Your wish of A is granted, but in exchange, B happens.' This tactic is seen with Barbara, where her powers are granted, but Lord gains something from her in return.

President's Nuclear Ambitions

The outcomes of these wish exchanges often bring unforeseen and often detrimental consequences. An example from the movie involves the President's wish for more nuclear weapons:

A - Wish: The President wants more nukes to have against the Russians. B - Lord's Gain: Lord receives the President's power of authority and access to his staff, vehicles, and the Broadcast Center. C - Monkeys Paw Effect: The Russian government gains knowledge of the new nukes and declares war, preparing to fire their own nuclear weapons.

This scenario underscores the irony in Lord's actions. By using the Dreamstone to fulfill the President's wish, Lord inadvertently sets off a chain of events leading to international conflict and devastating consequences.

The Theme of Sacrifice

The recurring theme of sacrifice is central to Lord's character arc. Every time he grants a wish, whether for himself or others, he must give up something precious. This sacrifice serves as a metaphor for the price of power and the choices people make in pursuit of their desires.

Conclusion

Despite his ability to manipulate and grant wishes, Maxwell Lord's journey through the Dreamstone highlights the cyclical nature of desire and sacrifice. His personal sacrifices lead to his ultimate downfall, as the universe enforces the 'blessing' of making such sacrifices. The intricate narrative of Wonder Woman 1984 presents these themes in a thought-provoking way, exploring the dark side of power and the consequences of wielding it.