Review of The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) by Daniel K — 24 Apr 2009
3: The film has just the right mix of paranoia, sci-fi, camp, and high-mindedness. It doesn't hurt that Bernard Herrman did the score. The tone is markedly different from the recent re imagining, which is certainly to be expected.
Instead of global warming and environmental degradation we have the paranoia of communism and the fear of nuclear destruction. Comparing the two films is fairly laughable as the style and technology are so vastly different.
It is more instructive to compare the picture with other Sci-Fi and Noir parables of the day. When put in the context of 1950's cinema I'd say it grows in stature somewhat as it seems to have a far more serious message than many B-films of the day.
The issues dealt with here are no laughing matter. Wise, Rennie, and company definitely seems to realize this. The Klaatu barada nikto line is great as well. Good script, good performances, and good execution.
This review of The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) was written by Daniel K on 24 Apr 2009.
The Day the Earth Stood Still has generally received very positive reviews.
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