Invasion of The Body Snatchers, Dir.Don Siegel, 1956

Wednesday 2 December 2009

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is a thrilling, disturbing classic science fiction/alien film based on the novel The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney (originally serialized in Colliers Magazine in 1954).
The plot of this film covers psychological and social problems. An allegory for Communism and McCarthyism; the traits of being "one of them" is being cold, unable to express emotion or closeness
McCarthyism is the politically motivated practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper regard for evidence.

Communism is a social structure and political ideology in which property is commonly controlled.

In the period of Cold War (1945–1991) American people suffered and experienced unpleasant times. The propaganda of communism, economical and social crises… have impact on the American citizens.

The film brilliantly plays with fears of American people. In those times people have fears that their sweet home is now unsafe for them. They can not sleep well, because thoughts, that every moment someone can break in to your house and take everything you loved and even you, keeps on the alert. The fears of Miles and Becky to fell asleep, the helplessness before the situation and feelings that everything that was familiar and safe to you now unfamiliar and unsafe – all of this is shocking and frightening. I can only imagine what impact had this film on American people in that period.

“The Uncanny” element, definitely, added to this film horror. It is hard to imagine this situation when someday you realize that familiar to you places or people become unfamiliar you are realized that they are different and this stunning you and you slowly start going out of your mind.

Also, the fact living without emotions is very interesting and frightening. We must understand that without feelings, we are nothing more than just animals, who breed and eat and rule by instinct. The brilliant quote “I want to love and be loved. I want your children. I don't want a world without love or grief or beauty. I'd rather die.” touched me.

Overall, the film is catching and interesting. The story is tremendous and will not leave you indifferent.

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