Captain America: the Winter Soldier speech
The words of Steve Rogers are even stronger than his shield.
by Scott Rayner
“...I know I’m asking a lot, but the price of freedom is high, it always has been, and it’s a price I’m willing to pay. And if I’m the only one, then so be it. But I’m willing to bet I’m not”
Towards the epic climax of Captain America: The Winter Solider, Steve Rogers - the film’s title character we’ve been introduced to as Marvel’s First Avenger - once again delivers an impossibly earnest speech without a hint of irony, about standing up for what he believes in, and what he knows to be right. Even in the face of overwhelming odds. Even if no one else will stand with him.
It's a speech that has resonated with me since the film’s release in 2014. Initially, it may not seem particularly remarkable. Upon reflection, however, there is a power to it. One that's partly from its simplicity, partly from its honesty, but undisputedly because of who is delivering it. How genuine it is coming from that person, and just how much it makes you believe - in Steve Rogers - and all that he stands for.
(Marvel/Disney)
Man out of time
Although it follows his significant appearance in The Avengers (released two years earlier), Winter Soldier is the second solo film featuring Captain America. With this, the film accomplishes a couple of things all sequels – particularly those based on Superhero protagonists - should hope to achieve. It successfully improves upon its series’ first film, while delving further into what its lead character’s position in the world is. And in the case of Winter Soldier, all while positioning itself to address some very modern, digital-age issues of freedom in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe’s” own Three Days of the Condor.
One of Winter Soldier’s core themes is Steve’s understanding that the world he has woken up to in 2012 since “going in the ice in ‘45” is not the one he remembers fighting for. It has a different look and feel, but most importantly, a different moral compass. Especially compared to what he felt existed from his black & white perception of the Allies vs Nazis (or Hydra) during the Second World War. To the extent that Steve’s not sure he knows who the bad guys are anymore. And he’s not even convinced he’s working for the good guys.
The elevator scene shared between Cap and Samuel L Jackson’s Nick Fury provides a brief, but clear analogy for each man’s viewpoint. Reflecting on ‘how things used to be’, Fury’s tale of his grandfather’s need to carry a gun in a once friendly neighbourhood is met with visible disappointment from Steve. Both the gun story and Steve’s reaction perfectly foreshadow Fury’s reveal just moments later: Project Insight, the ultimate in government surveillance. Rogers’ shocked reaction matches Fury’s escalation from handgun to giant spy-murder-ships. Yet, it’s not so much their physical presence which offends Steve, but rather their presentation as ‘needed for the greater good’. (Marvel/Disney)
While this uncertainty builds, twists and confuses Captain Rogers throughout the 1970s thriller-inspired film, it serves to reinforce his morals. Ones that he refuses to let slide, no matter which century it is. Steve Rogers doesn’t like bullies. We know that. It was his fundamental stance well before he became a physically empowered icon in his origin story The First Avenger. Throughout Winter Soldier, however, we see how it isn’t just bullies he’s compelled to stand up to. The 21st century of Winter Soldier’s story is now a world of high-tech espionage, with its villain (Hydra) plotting to use an extra-terrifying version of Orwellian surveillance. This doesn’t only make Steve uneasy – it’s a call to arms for him to become the “Sentinel of Liberty” once more. To represent and (if he must) enforce the simple freedoms he believes in and fought to protect during the 1940s.
(Marvel/Disney)
Visually, this is perfectly embodied by Cap suiting up in his World War 2 outfit for the big finale of the film’s third act. By this point, his uncompromisable ethics have been solidified, and he’s found a few friends he trusts to back him up. So, delivering his speech (to both Shield and secret Hydra agents) while wearing the suit that he’s a recognised icon of freedom and bravery in, is a statement. Here the blue and red symbolises that things can be as black and white as he felt in 1945. And that no matter what governments might fearmonger us into believing, we can still recognise things as simple as right and wrong. More significantly, we have it within us to act upon those values too.
“...the price of freedom is high...and it’s a price I’m willing to pay.”
Not that Steve’s kindness is ever in doubt, but it’s worth reminding that he did offer the chance for people to get out before the classic “elevator fight scene” ensued. (Marvel/Disney)
Timeless ideals
The selflessness and bravery of someone committing to this ideal, on the verge of having to possibly die by it, does more than help to sell Steve’s character to the audience. His actions resonate increasingly in a world where our political landscape can become more frustrating and disappointing by the day. Now more than ever we need people, good people like Steve Rogers. Who are capable of not just recognising the simple rights and wrongs in the world but standing up and doing something about them. If in the 21st century, that kind of ideal character trait is best translated to society via a comic book character, then this version of Steve Rogers is among the best.
Even in the face of imprisonment, Cap stands firm against his friend Tony Stark - Iron Man - in the third Captain America film “Civil War”. Another instance of Steve putting everything in jeopardy to take a stand for what he believes in. (Marvel/Disney)
“...if I'm the only one, then so be it. But I'm willing to bet I'm not.”
As Cap signs off from his speech, not knowing who, if anyone, will help him. Or if they even believe at all in what he’s saying. He leaves his heart and soul on the line. He gives us an understanding in the most clear, unwavering way he can about what he represents and what he’s willing to do to protect it. He believes in freedom for everyone. He’s willing to put his life on the line for it, even if no one will help after he’s asked them to. But the most significant part of his character here? It’s that he believes they will. That at least someone listening will. He believes he’s not the only one who can still tell what the right thing to do is, and that he’s not the only one who will fight to save it.
This speech, like others Cap makes in the MCU, has a profound effect on those around him. His transparency and beliefs become infectious to those he encounters. Somewhere in this simple vision of the world and what it should be, is an appealing low-key charisma that seems to be irresistible to the good nature residing (or at times even hiding) in those who hear his speeches. This is illustrated throughout Cap’s MCU journey. While his first doubts regarding SHIELD begin in The Avengers, this film doubles down on his reservations. It’s the basis for the film’s entire treatment. By thematically resembling a 70’s thriller, the beyond-trustworthy character of Steve Rogers is in direct contrast to the characters, organisations and politics surrounding him. So, when the triumphs of this film’s third act emerge, it’s even more compelling that they aren't so much based on Steve’s super-soldier serum physique, but on his words, and strength of character. His primary-coloured shield made of unbreakable metal doesn’t inspire the doubters, Steve’s values do. In The Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers’ determination and conviction are his greatest weapons.
Delivered through the underrated performance of Chris Evans, it’s a role he was born to play. Furthermore, it’s a character he has helped to define, even though Cap was created in 1941. Mark Waid - undoubtedly one of the greatest Captain America writers in history – once tweeted Chris Evans saying that he “can no longer write Cap without him, in my head, being you”. A wonderful example of inspiration coming full circle.
Evan’s Captain America speeches are not overwhelmingly philosophical or complex, they are intentionally stripped down to the essentials. The timeless ideals conveyed are what help attract people of any background to the MCU character. Rogers doesn't alienate, he connects. Because ultimately, people understand that his words don’t come from any agenda or culturally specific narrative. They are heard, thanks to the same reason he was chosen to be Captain America in the first place: he is simply a good person. These words are those of Marcus and McFreely; the two writers responsible for all of Steve Roger’s dialogue in the entire MCU (excluding the first Avengers film, written by Joss Whedon). (Marvel/Disney)
This speech made in Winter Soldier by Steve Rogers is a perfect example of who the character truly is. What he stands for, and what he is willing to do, every time, without hesitation: the right thing. As it falls upon the ears of those on the brink of aiding in a choice with disastrous consequences, Cap’s true superpower – being truly inspiring, emerges. Steve Rogers has a belief in people – that when truly presented with a choice, they’ll make the right move. Often, he helps people to make that decision, just by being himself. Unwavering and honest. Planted like a tree.
I find this speech and Captain America’s presentation surrounding it inspiring. A simple, yet rich reminder that it is possible to be a good person, and to inspire others to be the same. Even in a world filled with modern complications. Like Cap says, if I'm the only one, then so be it. But I'm willing to bet I'm not.