Review of The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) by Amanda C — 21 May 2011

This is a very gentle science fiction film, placing the focus on ideas and communication over technological wonders. Beautifully shot with a great use of noir lighting, the black and white cinematography adds to the films seriousness and gravity as not just another spectacle film of the '50s. Michael Rennie is fantastic, presenting on of the most sympathetic alien invaders to grace the screen, but also playing Klaatu with a slight edge of danger and malice. The beginning is a touch slow and initially Patricia Neal's performance is a bit flat, but both pick up nicely about half way through.

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a wonderful examination of how humans react to the strange and unknown, and it seems to mirror pretty accurately what would happen if aliens were to land on earth.