The Day the Earth Stood Still 1951 Review
One of the best sci-fi movies ever!
I remember several years ago in my film appreciation form, we were learning well-nigh the 50'due south, our professor had mentioned how many sci-fi films were fabricated with Russian villain undertones every bit well every bit the common cold war. We watched some of The Day the Earth Stood Still and this film only jumped at me, it was so different than any other picture I had seen. I thought it was going to be so cheesy and lame since information technology was a 50's film, but later on watching a little bit of information technology, I didn't realize the strong message it held. I remember in Terminator ii there was a line that I still agree true to this twenty-four hours "It's in your nature to destroy yourselves", that maybe it'south not all technology that will destroy usa, but we are our own worst enemies. The Twenty-four hour period the Earth Stood was before The Terminator, just similar Metropolis was before this film, only these are the best stories and information technology'southward like watching a history lesson on film about the time and feel of the 50's.
An alien spaceship has landed in Washington, D.C., but information technology's not what y'all call up with the "accept us to your leader" type of thing, rather a human like alien comes out offering input on what is going on in the universe, simply he is immediately attacked by the humans and taken earnest. His name is Klaatu, he tries to explicate several times that he's not here to injure anyone, only the humans don't trust him. He escapes and goes to a family, since no one knows what he looks like, they recollect that he's a regular man who only needs a place to stay. He stays with a family and they testify him effectually, they think he'south a little strange but very polite and prissy, but when they learn of his true identity, he tells them of what his intentions are to mearly warn Planet Globe of it's impending doom.
The Twenty-four hour period the World Stood Still is a truthful classic, I know there are a lot of immature people who mutter about the ending, how information technology'south and so anti-climatic, but I feel that it's a perfect picture and I am so ticked off that it's beingness re-made. But I guess we will have to see what the film volition be like, who knows? Information technology might be skillful... yeah, correct, deplorable, was just trying to exist nice. Simply I highly recommend y'all lookout man this movie, information technology'south a true archetype that has a strong message, has great actors, and fun furnishings. It'southward fun to watch these films, I wonder if they realized while making this film back in 1951 that they were interim out their ain culture and history.
ten/x
106 out of 123 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Simple SF Tale with Profound Message...
Warning: Spoilers
THE Solar day THE EARTH STOOD STILL is such a basic Science Fiction story that many first-time viewers have been stunned by the reverence in which it is held. An alien arrives on world, is misunderstood and is nearly killed, passes a warning to flesh to not carry the weapons of potential nuclear war into infinite, or face annihilation, then leaves. The FX are minimal, in that location are no 'space battles' or 'monsters', even the score, by the legendary composer Bernard Herrmann, is simple, defective the bombast of afterwards 'epics'. Yet in it'due south very simplicity, director Robert Wise has created a tale more timeless and relevant than many other 'message'-driven SF blockbusters that followed.
Based on Harry Bates' brusque story, "Farewell to the Master", which paints a far less friendly view of our galactic customs (Gort, the enforcer robot, is revealed to be the true 'Main' of the story, not Klaatu, thus revealing that machines are decision-making the Universe), 20th Century Fox and managing director Wise rapidly butted heads on how the motion-picture show should be presented. Fox envisioned Spencer Tracy as Klaatu, believing that the legendary star's well-established persona would make the SF elements more than 'understandable' to audiences. Wise scoffed at the notion, arguing that no one would always believe Tracy was an alien, and searched until he establish relative newcomer Michael Rennie, a gaunt, sensitive British player, whom he felt best suited the Christ-like quality Klaatu had to possess (even the name Klaatu adopted to mingle with humans was 'Carpenter'). For earth'due south greatest scientist (a thinly-disguised Albert Einstein), Wise bandage screen veteran Sam Jaffe, which also brought a howl from the studio, as the actor was being investigated by the Firm Un-American Activities Commission, in the midst of their infamous 'witch hunt' and blacklisting of Hollywood'due south supposed Communist sympathizers. Jaffe proved a perfect selection, notwithstanding, displaying many of the qualities he would later bring to 'Dr. Zorba' on "Ben Casey".
Rounding out the cast were pop extra Patricia Neal (notwithstanding recovering from her failed relationship with Gary Cooper), Hugh Marlowe (fresh from the success of ALL Nigh EVE), and Billy Gray (who would proceed to slap-up success in "Father Knows Best").
The true casting coup, withal, was finding 7-foot Hollywood doorman Lock Martin to portray the robot, Gort. Encased in foam safe 'armor' and 'lifts', to bring his pinnacle to nearly 8 anxiety (he really wore ii different outfits, as the seam was incommunicable to hide, and would e'er have to be on the opposite side to the camera), Martin, who, Wise acknowledged, was not a physically strong human, would occasionally faint from oestrus exhaustion (if you sentry him carefully, during the film, you can actually see moments when he would outset to tilt over). The scene where he carries Neal on board the spacecraft was a major accomplishment for the easily tired giant, and the extra, who was afraid, justifiably, that she might exist dropped!
The filming was, more often than not, an enjoyable experience for the cast and crew (although Patricia Neal, in subsequently interviews, said that it was almost impossible for her to say the film's famous 'tag' phrase, "Klaatu Barrada Nikto", without breaking into giggles). Everyone knew the cease result would exist special; Michael Rennie, ten years later, would call the function the most "important" of his career (NBC would even bring him in to host the network premiere of the film, on "Sat Dark at the Movies").
With it's anti-war stand, the film was the direct counterpart of the twelvemonth's other 'classic' SF production, THE Matter FROM ANOTHER WORLD, the showtime of Hollywood'southward 'alien invasion' films. In THE Twenty-four hours THE EARTH STOOD Nevertheless, 'Mankind' is the truthful monster, toying with nuclear weapons, constantly fighting, and willing to kill a peaceful emissary, without allowing him to deliver his message or offering his gifts to the world. "Man must grow up, or be destroyed" was a powerful message, in 1951, particularly when Wise panned his camera over Arlington Cemetery, with information technology's thousands of headstones, as Klaatu/Carpenter viewed, sadly, the end result of our fixation with warfare.
The message is fifty-fifty more than relevant, today, which is why THE DAY THE Earth STOOD Nonetheless remains a classic.
136 out of 154 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
A science fiction classic that beautifully melds the ordinary and the fantastic
This science fiction archetype is more relevant than always, and I don't mean its silly message about peace. Aye, yes, we're all tearing, dizzy, war-like humans, and we should all throw away our guns and atomic bombs posthaste if we know what'due south adept for us. Thanks, Klaatu. We'll become correct on that. Meanwhile, nosotros'll enjoy the hazard to picket your story on DVD because we alive in an age – yes, of state of war and cruelty and weapons of mass devastation – but also of Jar Jar Binks and "Alien vs. Predator."
Klaatu (Michael Rennie) is a gentlemanly outer-space alien who comes to earth in his flying saucer to transport usa Earthlings a very important message. Sadly, nosotros shoot him on arrival and endeavour to imprison him in a hospital room. He escapes, all the same, and goes out among us to detect the ground for our "strange, unreasoning attitudes." He takes a room in a boarding house, where he meets the widowed Mrs. Benson (Patricia Neal) and her young son (Billy Gray). The widow is being romanced past an insurance salesman (Hugh Marlowe), who after displays a lust for glory that endangers Klaatu – and thus the rest of the world. Klaatu is in better hands when he reveals himself to Professor Barnhardt (Sam Jaffe), a brilliant scientist and the all-time hope for the survival of World.
It'due south funny, but I never think about this movie in terms of that plot outline. To me, this film is composed of small moments about people – peculiarly Mrs. Benson. Mention "The Twenty-four hour period the Earth Stood Still" to me, and the showtime affair I think about is that moment where the strange new boarder tells her that he'd similar to spend the 24-hour interval with her son. She hesitates a moment and says in a lowered voice, "Well, that'due south awfully prissy of you to propose it." It's a tiny moment about her concern for her son, her good manners and her intelligent ability to respond rapidly and diplomatically. Patricia Neal, not Gort the robot, makes this movie come live for me.
The real reason this story is and then fresh is because – it's a good story. It's not an excuse to slap u.s.a. senseless with fast-paced cutting or drown united states in great globs of special effects. It has an engaging plot with warm, interesting characters. If nosotros stupidly (and equally you know, Klaatu, we humans can be and then very stupid) limit ourselves to the New Releases section of the video shop, we forget that some sci-fi thrillers put story earlier special effects.
The trick work in this moving-picture show is excellent, though. I remember the robot looks silly, merely when Gort opens its visor and we hear that unnerving theremin music, we don't intendance that this supposedly metallic animate being bends like Styrofoam at the knees. We know those laser beams eyes are about to scorch everything in their sight.
Michael Rennie makes up for Gort'south deficiencies. He gives what hands could have been a humorless, sanctimonious grapheme a placidity, graceful dominance. His slightly otherworldly looks add to the illusion; and Neal every bit Mrs. Benson completes it by reacting to him with obvious respect – even when she fears him.
Under Robert Wise'south direction, every shot is strikingly equanimous and brings out the maximum dramatic potential of the story. The sense of rhythm and pacing is beautifully suspenseful. Bernard Herrmann, with the theremin as one of his instruments, gives the flick both a nervous tension and a sense of wonder. And the story is then perfectly constructed that information technology fifty-fifty gets away with a big speech for a climax.
What's the heart of this movie? There'due south a bravura sequence where Billy Gray secretly follows Rennie from the boarding house to his spaceship. Information technology's a simple, wordless scene where the entire team of filmmakers – and that goes double for Herrmann – meld the ordinary and the fantastic. Y'all want a special effect? That's it.
203 out of 238 plant this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
The Gentleness of the Message
After seeing the horrendous remake of this film, information technology made me become back to the original. This is a motion picture with a great message, and while it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, it has a human message. What makes it differ is that mayhap the response to power every bit significant as this showtime moving ridge force may be tempered by a hesitation to destroy. As well, the aliens are chivalrous and confident. Klatu is there to save the Earth and its people, not to make it a new central park for his future generations. Gort is an enforcer, but never acts unless provoked. It isn't that there is no pessimism in this film. Evidently, when threatened, the military types want to respond with carnage. One time it is established that this is of no apply in a huge demonstration of power (washed in the most "humanitarian" way. Michael Rennie has some personality, despite his bewilderment as a stranger in a strange land.. Patricia Neal is really caught in unfamiliar territory, only does a very good chore in her part. This is an early on treasure of the sci fi genre.
8 out of 8 establish this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Interesting In Itself & As A Reflection of Its Era
Interesting both in itself and equally a reflection of its era, "The Solar day the World Stood Still" may seem unspectacular now to those who are used to the improvident science fiction pictures of the present fourth dimension, but information technology deserves its place as a cinema classic. The story is worthwhile in itself, and every bit soon as yous set bated any preconceptions about what scientific discipline fiction should involve, it as well builds up some pretty good drama and suspense. Its perspective is also interesting to see as a reflection of the concerns of its era, which have such obvious similarities with those of the present.
The story itself sometimes moves rather slowly, and the focus is really more on the reactions to Klaatu'south arrival than on the action itself. As Klaatu, Michael Rennie stays pretty depression-fundamental, as does the rest of the cast much of the time. Although in that location are times when the movie might lack some energy as a result, in general it probably works better that way than information technology would take if at that place were too much forced emphasis on the urgency of Klaatu's mission, which is more than able to speak for itself. The ideas behind the story are fairly simple, but they are, of course, simply as significant now (or in practically any other era) as they were in the 1950'southward.
52 out of 63 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Timeless and influential
I love a adept sci-fi movie as much equally the next person, and I do have some favourites of the genre, Alien, Blade Runner, Empire Strikes Dorsum, Metropolis and 2001:A Infinite Odyssey are wonderful movies, and like The Day the World Stood Still they not simply have an influence on other movies of the genre and in general but also timeless classics in many more ways than one. The Twenty-four hour period The Earth Stood Still has been a favourite since I offset saw it and I however at 18 hold information technology in slap-up regard. It still looks wonderful for its time, the effects and designs are wonderfully composed if purposefully simple and the cinematography is exemplary. Bernard Hermann'due south score is tense and wondrous, the script is deft, Robert Wise's management is superb and while information technology has some solemn philosophical aspects and some heavy-handed symbolism neither of which are flaws in any way the story is compelling from start to finish. The acting is also impressive, Lock Martin is skilful as giant Gort but the real revelation is Michael Rennie'southward authoritative, dignified and sympathetic Klatu. Overall, a sci-fi masterpiece. x/10 Bethany Cox
vii out of seven institute this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
A Peaceful Bulletin in I of the Brightest Science-Fiction Movies
A flight saucer lands in Washington, and a man, Klaatu (Michael Rennie), brings the preoccupation of other planets with the use of diminutive energy and development of spacecraft by people on Earth planet. Further, he brings a message and also a threaten against the danger Earth could cause to other planets: the planet could exist destroyed if the people does non alive in peace. Any menace to other planets would crusade the devastation of the entire planet.
This classic is one of the all-time science-fiction movies I have ever seen. The story is very simple, but the message is wonderful. When this film was made, World War II had finished six years ago but, in that location was the Cold State of war and the paranoia of the Americans at that time was against the communists. The special effects are excellent for a 1951 movie. In Brazil, this archetype moving picture was not released on VHS or DVD. It is a shame! I accept a VHS, having a version dubbed in Portuguese, total of commercial and with a terrible quality of paradigm that I recorded from TV many years agone. Yesterday I watched this video over again, and it is really an outstanding moving picture. My vote is ten.
Title (Brazil): 'O Dia Em Que a Terra Parou' ('The Day Which the Earth Stopped')
Obs: 01 March 2006 - Fox practise Brasil finally released this DVD in 2005. Subsequently then many years, I was able to see one of my favorite sci-fi in the original language and restored image.
66 out of 91 institute this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Klaatu Barada Nicto
A flight saucer lands in Washington D.C. From it emerges a giant robot and Michael Rennie. He wishes to speak with the leaders of the earth, all of them, but that is impossible, So he escapes and makes his way to a boarding firm, where he can learn about humans.
It's a great bandage, including Patricia Neal and Sam Jaffe equally the smartest man in the earth Like all serious science fiction movies, information technology has an Important Message. Dissimilar many of them, it never disguises that this pic is about its bulletin, virtually the need to learn to alive together in peace. Robert Wise, that great generalist of a managing director, does his usual impeccable job. While 70 years later on information technology may seem stentorian and naive, it is those 2 two qualities that make information technology still worth watching.
half-dozen out of 6 institute this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
The start science-fiction picture with a very clear bulletin
It's not unfair initially to dismiss "The 24-hour interval the World Stood Still" equally sci-fi pulp from an era full of it, but the film's anti-war message given the Cold War context it was released in makes it null curt of a archetype. Its commercial exterior featuring posters with Gort the space robot pales in comparison to the social/diplomatic values it preaches at its core. Certain, information technology's not all that suspenseful or riveting for science-fiction, but information technology represents 1 of the first pop civilisation films to reflect important moral values.
Borrowing from the lucrative UFO conflicting movies before information technology, TDTESS begins with a flying saucer landing in the Washington mall and producing an conflicting with a human appearance named Klaatu (Michael Rennie) and his robot protector Gort, a goofy-looking man in a shiny suit with the ability to disintegrate anything with a beam from his center. For starters, Klaatu is greeted by military bullets that destroy a souvenir he intended for the president that would give us the ability to written report life on other planets. That'south the example of the strict satirical tone taken by writer Edmund H. North (based on the short story by Harry Bates).
Despite humorous special furnishings and the cheesy running and screaming y'all see in pulp alien invasion movies, TDTESS manages to expose many of our flaws including our fear of the unknown and our propensity to resort to violence. Information technology warns of the dangers of nuclear energy and outwardly scorns war. In the beginning years of the Common cold State of war, such a message getting out to the public is an accomplishment that must exist lauded.
TDTESS isn't only proficient for its letters, though it certainly is what makes the film stand out. Rennie is a terrific Klaatu. He'due south intriguing, friendly but also very frank, winning our sympathies but however convincing us of his other-worldly nature. The relationship he develops with the young Bobby Benson (Billy Gray) is the moving picture's virtually interesting subplot adjacent to Klaatu helping a scientist out with an equation that will lead to interplanetary travel.
Rarely does a picture get a classic solely because of its message, merely TDTESS certainly does. Information technology'south then frank, but speaks such an undeniable truth that in the form of cheaply fabricated science- fiction, resonates in a style that straighter films can't. That's the dazzler of the genre and why TDTESS is its first classic. ~Steven C
Visit my site at http://moviemusereviews.blogspot.com
seven out of seven found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Join u.s. and alive in peace or pursue your present course and face obliteration
It's odd to think that fifty years from now there may merely be a scattering of movies released in 2004 that will be remembered at all. I don't care to venture any guesses as to what they may be, merely information technology's piece of cake to see why The Day the Earth Stood Still is one of the ones from 1951 that remains a classic, while then many others sank into obscurity. The movie deals with a theme that was at the forefront of and so many peoples' minds in the early on 1950s, in America and the residual of the world, and that is the conflicts between many unlike nations, and more than generally the tendency for humans to fight each other. It was released at the time of the Red Scare and and then soon after Earth War II that international tensions were still high. Also odd is that if you switch the terminal two words in the title, why, it's not very frightening at all!
Okay, that fabricated no sense, only I couldn't resist. My respect for the moving-picture show dimmed sharply when I saw that the conflicting was not only a human being, but a good looking man who spoke perfect English, only then won dorsum my respect completely when it took the time to explain that his culture had learned about humans through intercepting radio transmissions over many years. Unlikely, but it's an explanation, which is more than nigh scientific discipline fiction films provide. Granted, non much time should be wasted on the science of science fiction, but in this case something had to exist said. The alien didn't give may details equally to his concrete condition, just scientists hypothesized that since he then closely resembles a man, he must have a like surroundings to our own on his planet.
Speaking of which, at that place is one thing most the science that I'm also curious nigh. At what stage were astronomical studies in the early 1950s? I'm wondering how far into space scientists were looking, because Carpenter, the alien, states with some grandeur that he has traveled 250 million miles to get to earth, which in astronomical terms is a tiny, tiny distance. Because that the sun is 93 1000000 miles from world, this would hateful that his planet is within our own solar arrangement. And here's another picayune factoid – Earth makes a complete revolution effectually the sunday every year, as you know. Pluto, on the other hand, takes something similar 248 years to circumduct around the dominicus. That has nothing to do with the movie, simply is an interesting digression, I should call back.
I found the political properties to be one of the about interesting things about the movie, and not only because of what the political landscape was like at the time. It was interesting to watch a movie almost aliens that then quickly and completely dissolved into a close examination of volatile human relations, and without e'er becoming preachy or devolving into peace propaganda (oxymoron intended). I actually think that a large function of what fabricated up for the lack of aliens in this alien movie was the validity that its statement has.
When Carpenter (who they stopped just short of simply naming Jesus) was greeted with the response that a meeting with all of the worlds leaders was incommunicable considering of tensions between nations, he was genuinely surprised and saddened. He gives as his reason for visiting earth the fact that his culture has noticed satellites being launched effectually the Earth's atmosphere and, since humans conspicuously are unable to become along, he was sent here to tell u.s.a. to bring together them and live in peace or face our present form and face obliteration. Nigh importantly, if we chose the latter, they would be there to ensure that we would not export our violence to peaceful civilizations in space. The descending nature with which he speaks is truly revealing, information technology makes humans look childish because of our constant contesting with one another.
This is also where the picture show coincides with some of the themes that Jonathan Swift presented in Utopia, his novel upon which several failed civilizations have been attempted. They take created robots, which we seen in the Atomic number 26 Man, to forbid the ascent of violence in their guild. The robots have tremendous power, which cannot be revoked, and at the first sign of violence they react swiftly against the assaulter, which results in a peaceful society. I'one thousand also reminded of Gulliver'south Travels, likewise by Jonathan Swift, particularly the section where Gulliver lives among the Houynymns which, interestingly enough, are talking horses with a remarkable power to live at peace. When at 1 point Gulliver describes lying, which does not exist to the Houynymns, one of them responds incredulously with something like, "Why on World would one say something that isn't so?" Carpenter displays exactly the same shocked surprise when he learns of some of the awful characteristics of human beings, which seems to propose that earlier we look for other civilized worlds in the galaxy, maybe we should work a lilliputian more on civilizing our own world.
The famous quote that I've quoted in my summary line is ane of the many delights that this film presents, and Evil Dead fans will exist thrilled to see the origins of those strange words that Ash had such a hard time speaking in Regular army of Darkness. The genre of scientific discipline fiction has a much larger than boilerplate ratio of bad films to skillful ones, and I recollect the all-time ones are the ones that have a physical connectedness to the real earth, every bit The Mean solar day the Earth Stood Still obviously does. Given the political atmosphere hither in the starting time calendar month of 2005, information technology'south obvious that humans take not taken much communication from this movie, but then over again, as Arnold stated in Terminator two, "It's in your nature to destroy yourselves."
Scary.
124 out of 184 plant this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
We are nonetheless in danger of destroying our planet....and the universe!
Alarm: Spoilers
Without a doubtfulness in my listen, the original version of this story remains the greatest sci-fi themed movie well-nigh a visitor from another planet and the dangers that awaits the earth if we don't change our means. 67 years after, this film still resonates in an fifty-fifty more unsafe time, with and then many other powers threatening our survival as a planet and little, if no, lessons learned from the horrors of the past. This film wastes admittedly no time in introducing the visitor from outer space, a human similar animate being from an unnamed planet who is shot and hospitilized but for offering a gift which some paranoid army soldier believes to be a weapon. He shot first and never got to ask questions after, merely for the visitor (the outstanding Michael Rennie), lots of questions are asked, and many lessons are learned, specially by the sultry voiced widow Patricia Neal and her lovable son (Billy Greyness) who takes a polish to the new boarder even though potential stepfather Hugh Marlowe is instantly suspicious of him.
A genius of incomparable patience, charm and course, Rennie's company immediately impresses scientist Sam Jaffe over his ability to solve a hard problem Jaffe had been working on in his efforts to use nuclear power for good. Jaffe, considered the wisest man on earth, looks on at Rennie in awe, seemingly immediately knowing what Rennie's mission is and determined to get the message spread for the good of all of the universe. Neal at first is conflicted. She likes her son having an older male companion, but something about Rennie to her (more often than not thanks to Marlowe'due south paranoia) doesn't seem right. A visit to Rennie's spaceship (thanks to the most astonishing encounter with the very dangerous robot Rennie reveals to be a police officer for universal safety) reveals everything to her, and Neal wakes up to her own blindness to the dangers earthlings pose to the future of the entire solar organisation.
Most subtle in its delineation of Rennie's alien culture every bit peace loving and unselfish in every manner, it besides presents a view of our earth society equally violent, paranoid, self centered, and well-nigh importantly, unaware of the dangers we put on the solar system because of our obsessions with war and nuclear ability. Accident yourself up if you lot and so want, Rennie tells his captive globe audience, only leave the rest of the universe alone, or face the consequences. This picture show never loses steam as it intensely drags the audience into its calm but intense globe of a want for the end of the violent nonsense, and shows the hypocrisies of our world which we obviously have allow go too far out of command. I don't know if I could behave to see the remake of this film, because information technology pretty much says everything here and cannot exist improved on. Possibly this film 67 years later on should exist passed around to every new leader in our world likewise as a reminder of by destructions that not but killed millions merely brought the perpetrators downwards viciously also.
7 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
One of the finest sci fi movies ever made
Up-front: anyone who depression-rated this does not understand what scientific discipline fiction is near, at all. To those who judged this harshly: You lot can go back to watching Transformers; you're in the wrong theater. Such people should exist tied to the back side of a Bantha with tummy problems. ;D
Okay, on to the serious review: Who doesn't recognize the term "Gort, Klaatu barada nicto"? This film set the bar for then many films to come, in an age when monsters were a guy in a gorilla suit and a space helmet, giant ants were terrorizing a metropolis, and some other guy in a condom accommodate was stomping on a miniature Tokyo. Among that, we suddenly observe a motion picture with actual meaning, a moral, a great plot and story-line, decent interim, an honest-to-goodness valid alarm-- and one of the all-time robot presentations EVER.
Was it perfect? No. I don't know as I've always seen a perfect film. Were at that place flaws? Sure. What exercise people expect? Information technology'south the overall cinematic presentation that is the thing here-- the experience of a movie capturing the audition and making them say, "Wow". Relatively few films take achieved that over the decades. This film did.
The special furnishings for that day were superb. The modern-day remake didn't come close to the quality of this 1951 film. The story has stood the examination of time and is even more applicable today that information technology was dorsum then (but now nosotros can add the destruction of our ain world to the mix).
This movie is as close to pristine as a movie can get (for that day) , and proudly takes its identify amongst non-sci-fi classics-- and even sci fi classics that came later. Had the HUGO awards existed in '51 I have no doubt this film would have taken top slot.
6 out of 6 plant this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
My FIRST sci-fi movie!
When I first saw this motion-picture show (on telly circa 1957)I was only a immature kid four years of historic period. I remember sitting on my father'southward lap and watched the whole thing through my fingers every bit I held my hands over my eyes for protection (yeah...right!). Gort and Klaatu were magnificent infinite travelers...and with a bulletin of peace during a time that the Soviets and U.S. were deep into the 'cold war'. Very timely! Very scary! It spooked me then and I yet become a chill watching the movie today. But, it's one of the classics that will live on forever! It's bulletin is as meaningful today as it was dorsum in the 50's. Perchance we should all picket it again and take notes.........
89 out of 100 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
I'chiliad impatient with stupidity. My people accept learned to live without it.
The Day the Earth Stood Nevertheless is directed by Robert Wise and adjusted to screenplay past Edmund H. N from the story Farewell to the Master written by Harry Bates. It stars Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, Sam Jaffe, Baton Gray and Frances Bavier. Music is by Bernard Herrmann and cinematography by Leo Tover.
Classic sci-fi is right here as director Robert Wise gives a beautifully steady paw to Harry Bate's short story. Peace for the world or else is the bulletin and I don't see anything incorrect with that because it stands up to relevant scrutiny today and unfortunately many days ahead in the future. Debates near the emblematic worth of the flick notwithstanding persist today, but the core message is not up for argument.
Wise shows his influences from the time when he worked with Orson Welles and Val Lewton, where here, aided by Tover's beautiful photography, he blends the feel of semi-documentary starkness with film noir visuality. Whether information technology'southward scenes of Klaatu (Rennie) trawling the wet dark streets, or the interiors of the spaceship and boarding house, the visual imagery by way of low-cardinal lighting compositions is often striking for mood accentuation.
All the cast are spot on in their corresponding performances, with Neal refreshingly given a female person role that doesn't resort to her being token sex appeal or a shrieking harpy. Herrmann's understated score is dynamite, and pretty much imitated wholesale from this point onwards, and the flick is laced with poignant and frightening scenes that keep the viewer firmly glued to the tale unfolding. The sit-in of the visitors power gives the moving picture its title and information technology's a glorious piece of celluloid, and in Gort the robot (Lock Martin) we take 1 of the biggest icons in sci-fi movie theatre.
Once viewed i tin can never forget The Day The Earth Stood All the same, its message, its structured precision and its technical smarts ensure you lot volition remember this film always. One of the most important science fiction movies of all fourth dimension, a game changer in the critical twelvemonth for the sci-fi genre. All told it's magic movie theatre still standing the examination of time. 10/10
12 out of 16 institute this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Axle me up
I only saw this yesterday for the first time and male child practice I feel stupid! Its not my mistake though, its rarely on television, but was it worth the wait!
The plot is adequately unproblematic and direct. Visitor from another planet has come to warn us that we are aggressive, paranoid and dangerous to ourselves and the other planets if we go along with diminutive bombs. Klaatu does not care if we impale each other, but cannot tolerate what atomic bombs tin can do to the other planets.
Naturally he is non welcomed with open arms, merely in our defense, he was non exactly invited. The most disturbing part is that this flick is more timely than ever right now. When Klaatu mentions, 'levelling New York', I got a chill.
One or two moments were slightly puzzling - why does Klaatu allow himself to be interviewed on tv, when he knows he is beingness tracked down? Why is he beingness pursued at the end then vigorously when he was scheduled to accost the world? And why did Patricia Neal have to exist brought onto the spaceship at the terminate? It seems to serve no purpose.
No matter, this is withal a great pic that I would be thrilled to see again. nine/10.
49 out of 76 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
sci-fi icon
A UFO lands on the Washington Mall which is speedily surrounded past the military. Klaatu (Michael Rennie) emerges and tries to make contact. A nervous soldier accidentally shoots him. His robot Gort comes out to defend him. He's brought to Walter Reed infirmary and he asks to meet all of the globe's representatives. International squabbling makes a coming together impossible. Klaatu escapes the hospital and goes to a boarding room where widow Helen Benson (Patricia Neal) and her son Bobby are staying. While Helen has the twenty-four hour period with Tom Stephens, Klaatu babysits Bobby and learns nigh the earth. Bobby leads Klaatu to Helen's boss Professor Jacob Barnhardt. It is an iconic 50s sci-fi. The story is timeless although information technology doesn't take many heady thrills. The 50s mode directions are a little stiff. The staging is somewhat static only information technology is still quite compelling. This is more of a message movie and Gort is i of the great robots of all time.
7 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Classic with surprising (for the fourth dimension) pacifist message
When a space ship lands in the eye of a playing field in Washington, the war machine respond with an immediate shut downwards of the area. The inhabitant of the space ship exits begetting a souvenir, but is shot past soldiers mistaking it for a weapon. Seconds after the shot a big robot exits and destroys all the weapons. The alien, Klaatu, is taken to a infirmary and asks for an audience with all the world leaders. When he is refused, he escapes the hospital and takes a room in a small-scale guest home incognito. The man hunt starts as Klaatu seeks to deliver his message to earth and avoid disaster.
In a sea of 1950'south sci-fi this picture show hands stands out equally a classic that gave and so much to pop culture – the score solitary has been aped (or lifted in the Simpson's case) in many other films. The plot is very different to the others of the period every bit it is a peaceful bulletin information technology sends, rather than a `beware the crimson menace' message of fear and hate. In fact one character even says she thinks the `conflicting' is from globe (ie Russia) merely to be hushed! The pic lacks action but makes up for information technology with a solemn mood and genuine thoughtfulness equally Klaatu learns more nearly humans and tries to reconcile what he sees with what he sees in the wider world as a whole.
In recent hindsight it is impossible non to look at Klaatu'southward warning of `disarm or we'll remove your threat by destroying you' in the same light. Isn't this the same warning and actions that Bush and Blair made recently? I'll go out y'all with that thought but I found it difficult to understand Klaatu's pre-emptive strike, while holding a disquisitional view of Bush's.
That aside the film'south production is very polished. The score is excellent and really gives the film an conflicting feel to information technology. The direction makes use of ordinary sets to good outcome – the very idea of the space transport landing in Washington is obvious, but to have it land on a baseball game field is a clever way to show it striking (sorry – accidental pun) at the center of ordinary America. The cast practice well and mostly rise above the clichés set by the genre. Rennie does expert work as Klaatu and Neal is more than than merely a screamer as Helen. Of course we accept to accept a wide-eyed all American male child (Bobby, but it could easily be Johnny or Jimmy) to see the whole matter, simply he does OK.
Overall this is a classic of the genre that has passed on so much to modern audiences. The pacifist message is refreshing when viewed along side so many other of the period which used the aliens to warn against the spread of communism, but the ease with which you now accept Klaatu'due south threat of a pre-emptive strike will depend on your political views over the past few months.
xiv out of 21 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Klaatu Barada Nikto... Hey, Didn't They Steal That Line From "Ground forces of Darkness"?
Warning: Spoilers
THE Twenty-four hours THE EARTH STOOD STILL (4 outta five stars) Wow... a classic science fiction movie that I had never seen until now! Sure, some of the acting and stuff may expect a little hokey to jaded modern audiences... but this flick is still extremely well-washed... like a movie-length episode of "The Twilight Zone" (ane of the better ones). A spaceship lands in Washington and a traveler steps forth... before he fifty-fifty has a chance to get a word out, the US Army takes a shot at him... causing his robot companion to destroy some war machine hardware. The alien, Klaatu (Michael Rennie) tries to reason with the US government only, of course, gets nowhere. So he escapes and travels among humankind to try and go a handle on why people are so suspicious and untrusting. He gets a room in a boarding firm and makes friends with a pretty widow (Patricia Neal) and her young son. Mankind has merely come upon the ways of using atomic energy as a weapon and Klaatu is here to make sure that humans won't pose a threat to other worlds... or else! Well-written, suspenseful and thought-provoking... even today! (Amazing how so niggling has changed in 54 years.)
34 out of 48 constitute this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Different Alien Movie
While many movies around that time, made sci-fi movies with evil aliens that tried to invade the globe (Danger from higher up stuff), this movie dared to be more philosophical. And it succeeds in doing so. The message is at that place, the acting is proficient (not only for a sci-fi picture show) and it doesn't hammer the bulletin into your head. Information technology's stoic and it's slow moving, it doesn't accept corybantic activeness, but information technology stays with yous, even though it'due south non flawless.
The picture show is really good and it really wasn't necessary to make a Remake ... but the went ahead and fabricated ane in 2008. While they said they'd make an update on the whole affair, the Original is still the ane to look out for!
5 out of half-dozen found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Klaatu, Barada, Nikto."
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this film for the first time simply a few years agone, and information technology immediately became one of my superlative ten films of all time. I would take to say that'south in adept part due to the way Michael Rennie portrays the alien Klaatu, entirely disciplined and intent on completing his mission on his terms. Never once does he get riled or get argumentative with those who oppose him, his is a advisedly reasoned approach, best stated in his chat with Professor Barnhardt (Sam Jaffe) - "I'm impatient with stupidity, my people have learned to live without it." 1 of my favorite scenes has to do with the way Klaatu improves the Professor's math formula, and and then reveals how it was skilful enough to permit travel between planets, very cleverly done.
Having Klaatu integrate into human society past way of the boarding house was an effective way to demonstrate his willingness to learn and understand human being behavior. Information technology's not surprising that his closest ally would become young Bobby Benson (Baton Gray), still uncontaminated past the shortcomings of being an developed. Their human relationship allows Bobby to call him a screwball without disapproval, but I'll admit that line catches me off guard each time I hear information technology.
I have to say, upon repeat viewings the robot Gort leaves something to be desired in the way of costuming. Other sci-fi films of the era did a much ameliorate job in the way of special effects, notably 1953's "War Of The Worlds". Notwithstanding, the accent wasn't so much on Gort, fifty-fifty in his role as protector of planets. Fortunately, he had Klaatu's discipline to return weapons harmless instead of destroying humans.
The movie employs what I like to refer to every bit the 'Twilight Zone' wait in it'south presentation; there's something about it that set that series apart from other black and white shows of the solar day. In it'southward manner, the movie is a bit similar an expanded episode of "The Twilight Zone", only without a twist ending. In that regard, the moving-picture show allows the viewer to come up to his own decision, although based on what I've come to sympathise about human nature, "The Solar day The Globe Stood Nevertheless" would never have a sequel.
5 out of half dozen institute this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
You just can't find better 50s sci-fi
Warning: Spoilers
A very very minor number of 50s sci-fi films are truly perfect films and this is one of them--along with INVASION OF THE Torso SNATCHERS. Not only does this have wonderful production values and acting, but the story itself transcends the "bug-eyed monster" aspect of sci-fi and is metaphorical because information technology provides ample material we can apply to our own lives today. The aliens in this instance are not mindless destroyers, beings intent on inseminating our women or out to exercise us serious harm--but they are also far from perfect themselves and I similar this nigh the movie.
Michael Rennie ("Klaatu") lands on the Mall in Washington, DC. And, humans beingness distrustful and stupid, take a friendly gesture on his part equally an act of aggression and shoot him! Afterward, later on escaping and hiding out among the humans to recuperate, Klaatu returns to warn humans to shape up or face anything by his planet considering they are afraid of how dangerous humans are now that nosotros have the bomb! Frankly, I recall the writers of the moving picture have adept points--people ARE stupid and we came pretty darn close to destroying ourselves in the 1950s. Insightful, intelligent and with lasting entreatment.
9 out of 13 establish this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
I of the ten best Sci-Fi movies of all fourth dimension!
This was one of the commencement sci-fi movies I ever saw and one by which I cuff all others. Earlier at that place was 'Star Wars' there was 'The Twenty-four hour period The World Stood Nonetheless'. Information technology brought together all that later sci-fi movies strive for. A solid story, believable characters and, for the mean solar day, corking special FX. It was an exam of order at the time and the racial prejudice that permeated all levels of life. It studies mans fearfulness of the unknown and the violent reaction it produces even today, and how the dear of one person can alter the course of events for the better. It'south a movie that can still stand up on its own fifty-fifty by today'due south standards and should never be remade.
But that'south just my stance.
154 out of 195 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
"I like yous, Mr Carpenter, you're a real screwball!" Bobby
Warning: Spoilers
Even though I was around back in 1951 when this film came out, I don't recall ever seeing fifty-fifty function of it. And, I didn't really know anything about it when the DVD of the restored film came out recently. But I bought my ain copy anyhow for ii reasons - outset it seems like a smashing addition to my DVD collection and second, it was only $nine.99 which is quite a bargain. I watched it today, and I am not disappointed. Information technology is historical, it has a proficient script with good acting, and it is the kind of movie that you can observe dissimilar things each time you view it. The black and white image is superb, with inappreciably any defects, and it has interesting extras, including a special THX Optimode extra which allows you to adjust your TV for the all-time B&W picture.
some SPOILERS follow, please don't read whatsoever further if you have not seen the motion-picture show yet and want to be totally surprised.
Klaatu and his robot arrive in a flying saucer and land on the Washington, DC mall. He comes out, announces that he comes in peace, and is promptly shot by a nervous military machine man. He looks mid-30s, is actually 78 years old, and his wound heals in a day, plain from an advanced race some 250 million miles away. His planet has been monitoring Earth, they are a peaceful people who built robots to monitor them and destroy any signs of aggression. They sent Klaatu to World to warn united states of america, if we don't solve our multi-nation conflicts, they would destroy Earth. Afterwards WW Two and the diminutive bomb, they have become concerned that an Earth nation would eventually threaten their civilisation and peace.
Of grade at that place had to be a demonstration that Klaatu and his robot could really do this, so he did this at apex the next day, all over the Earth electricity was "neutralized" for exactly one half hour. Even batteries did not work, so cars and motorcycles or lawnmowers wouldn't run, no phone, elevators, associates line, etc. All except planes in the air and hospitals.
To appreciate this film you lot have to realize WW II with the atomic bomb had ended simply a few years earlier. The "cold war" was in full swing, with world-broad fear of the spread of Communism. And then this was really a motion-picture show with a message, to make a statement, that our nations need to effigy out a way to live in peace or our World may exist destroyed.
It is curious watching the film'south message today, merely a calendar month after President Bush gave Saddam Hussein of Iraq essentially the same message that Klaatu gave in the movie - disarm or we'll destroy y'all. That's the almost eerie part of this movie.
7 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
One of the pinnacle Sci-Fi movies e'er made.
The cast, story,and directing all combine to brand this ane of the best all time science fiction movies always made. Seamless amusement and a hold-your-breath climax will continue you on the border of you seat until the last moment. A benevolent space man comes to earth to deliver the message,"learn to live together or else..." What can the consequences possibly be? This is a must-see and is suitable for all ages. Don't forget what to say to prevent the annihilation of earth.
69 out of 93 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043456/reviews
Post a Comment for "The Day the Earth Stood Still 1951 Review"