So, we often hear about how there are too many cookie cutter films out there. That there aren't enough films that attempt to do something different. Well brother... Have I got two films for you here. First a little cultural background. During the immediate post WWII years the U.S. became obsessed with the threat of Russian aggression and influence in the world, and especially with the possibility of Communist subversion on the home front of the Cold War. As with so many issues in society at large, art becomes a way to digest larger cultural, social, and political forces that batter the psyche of the masses. This was apparent in films that mined Sci Fi during that era, with many a classic being churned out as this period progressed, as well as a lot of schlock. Thus in 1953 was released INVADERS FROM MARS, a film that had quite a bit of influence on the aesthetics at least, of many film makers. The film is the story of a boy that witnesses the landing of a prototypical Flying Saucer near home by a sand quarry. Soon, the boy's father begin's acting strangely as do others and it becomes clear to him that alien influences are guiding people to act in malevolent ways.
The film is, for me, a bit of a mixed bag. It has a lot of care taken in some scenes and then it seems like a much cheaper film in others. This could well be due to the fact that it's production was rushed when it was found out that WAR OF THE WORLDS was to be released the soon and it seems the producers wanted to beat that film's release to theaters. There is a very interesting style of old school film making in many scenes, with some interesting effects and cinematography. It gives off a vibe sometimes like a pulp story brought to the big screen or a very twisted children's tale. And that is something that should be noted. It is a story of a very young person and their view of things as a world of adults around them starts to spin out of control. No doubt many a film maker that came to prominence in the late 70's and early 80's would have seen and imbibed this film's visuals and story. And that's something I won't ruin as the film has a strange and open ended twist, shall we say.
This brings us to the re-make, directed in 1986 by Tobe Hooper of LIFEFORCE, POLTERGEIST and TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE fame (or infamy for some). In this remake he doesn't stray too far from the basics of the original. Indeed, it plays off as an almost anti-E.T. in a sense. It's shot quite well and it's production values are very good. Like it's predecessor it too contains an unsettled climax. What I find interesting is that the film seems to share the DNA, at least visually, with many of the kid friendly blockbusters of the era, but this isn't a film that most children would appreciate. It's interesting to see that Hooper didn't feel the need to change up things to play to the expectations of a 1980's audience. Whether that was the right choice I leave up to any who decide to see it with modern eyes. As always... give this it's day in court and don't just go by a RT percentage.
Invaders From Mars (1953):[YT]4p7CRVnL0a8[/YT]
Invaders From Mars (1986):[YT]_Z1Z-Ul0qLw[/YT]
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