Question: I have a question regarding the looks of Mulder and Scully. In the movie they looked very old. Was this purposely done to age the characters in the movie because it's suppose to take place in the future or did the actors just age horribly in real life?
raywest
17th Mar 2009
The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008)
3rd Jan 2009
The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008)
Question: Was Mulder's beard supposed to have some sort of meaning/symbolism? I know it wasn't a big theme in the movie anyway, but I didn't understand why it was even put into the story at all.
Answer: It shows how Mulder's character has changed since he left the FBI. Previously he was eager, rather obsessive/compulsive, and always well groomed. He's a far different man now--isolated, adrift, and far less concerned with day-to-day matters. This is reflected in his current appearance.
30th Jul 2008
Chosen answer: They have hardly aged "horribly" in real life. Both Scully and Mulder are now middle-aged, and a significant amount of time has passed since we first met them. The movie picks up some years later, and therefore there was no attempt to make them look like their younger selves. Mulder, who is now nearly 50 years old, has undergone the most significant change since leaving the FBI under less than amicable circumstances, and his appearance (unkempt beard, casual clothing) reflects his more solitary life. Scully is focused on her demanding career as a doctor, not her looks.
raywest ★