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The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
As one of the best and most important Sci-Fi films ever made, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is getting the re-release treatment from the folks at 20th Century Fox to be timed with the release of the remake of the same film. The good thing about this is that they are pulling out all of the stops with this wonderful two disc release of the film. It has director commentary, commentary from film historians, an isolated score track, all new featurettes, and more. Therefore making this the essential edition of the movie that fans will certainly not want to have missing from their collection.
"The Day the Earth Stood Still" is actually based on the Harry Bates' story titled "Farewell to the Master" and is directed by the legendary Robert Wise. In the film a UFO lands on earth much to the earthlings surprise and a creature comes from said UFO as a representative from another planet. To ensure his safety he has a giant robot with him named Gort who is completely indestructible. After landing in the nations capital Klatuu (the representative) wants to speak with the leaders of the world because of a message he wants to deliver to ALL mankind. Of course world politics and what have you come into play, which drives the film as it delivers boatloads of social commentary. It's not heavy handed however and can simply be enjoyed for what it is. Upon showing up on Earth Klatuu befriends a young boy where he is staying, teaching him about himself, as the boy teaches him about life on earth. All of this comes down to a conclusion that could totally destroy life on planet earth as it is known!
I remember seeing this movie as a child but I didn't remember too much from it. After watching though I have to say it's easily one of the best Sci-Fi films ever made. It's really an interesting movie that for 1951 is incredibly ahead of it's time. Also the fact that it was made in the 50s adds something to the look and feel of the movie that make an excellent fit to the story.
The acting in the film is also noteworthy, especially the performance of Michael Rennie as Klatuu. He does a wonderful job in the movie playing the human like alien and the interaction between him and young actor Billy Gray (who actually shows up in the 1971 cult film Werewolves on Wheels) is exceptional and is one of the best reasons to see this one.
The thing I noticed about the film though is that unlike many films of the time it's not a pro American film at all. Not that it's anti-American, but it manages to give a message of peace more so than a message of search and destroy like many other Sci-Fi flicks of the time. It's an incredibly intelligent piece of cinema that's certainly not as pulpy as one might be thinking going into it.
Overall I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND "The Day the Earth Stood Still" as one of the greatest Sci-Fi films ever created. It's an important film that will surprise many on just how ahead of it's time it was as well as how intelligently done the film was made in the first place. This one is a must see flick people....so pick this one up before Klutuu and his crew blow us all to kingdom come!
Rating - ***1/2
-Ed Demko
