The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 film)

67 Ratings: 3.0

1951 science fiction film about an alien visitor who comes to Earth with a message.

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a 1951 black-and-white science fiction film that tells the story of a humanoid alien visitor who comes to Earth with a warning. The film stars Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Sam Jaffe, and Hugh Marlowe, under … see full wiki

Tags: Movies, Drama Movies, Science Fiction Movies, Science Fiction

Cast: Dorothy Neumann, Wheaton Chambers, Billy Gray, Freeman Lusk, Harry Harvey, John Burton, see all

Director: Robert Wise

Genre: Classics, Drama, Sci-Fi

Release Date: January 1, 1951

MPAA Rating: G

1 review about The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 film)

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A friendly warning from outer space

Mar 2, 2011

by Scotoma
posted in Forbidden Planet - Sci-Fi Books & Films!

Rating:

The biggest stumbling block for me, when watching old movies, are rarely outdated special effects. What's much more distracting is pacing. Modern viewers have been conditioned to expect a non-stop stream of stuff happening. That doesn't always mean relentless action sequences, even dramas these days feels fast-paced compared to old movies.

Despite not being the most patient viewer, I was pleasantly surprised by TDTESS . It's unique mix of cold war paranoia and alien visitation became utterly enthralling once Klaatu left his space ship. Michael Rennie as the alien visitor is phenomenal: charming but also subtly menacing, projecting superiority without appearing arrogant or too judgmental. He's genuinely curious about humanity and wants to help, but he's not playing our little power games. Without Rennie, the movie might have lacked the strong focus to get you through without becoming bored.

Since I watched the remake, I wasn't expecting something surprising at the ending. But the reason for Klaatu visiting Earth was a welcome twist. This wasn't about a morally superior culture passing judgment on Earth (like in the remake), this was a practical warning concerning the executive branch of the local galactic civilization. Not that I actually think the solution for governing peace was good (every automated system can be corrupted), but it was an interesting approach.

So, if you saw the remake and wonder just why anyone thought this was a good idea, try the original. Once you get past the outdated look, it may surprise you.

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Crotchetyoldfan March 05, 2011

I've seen this film like 50+ times. There is no "stock footage" the military were fully engaged in it's making. Neal has I think, one scream scene (or is it just a faint?) I am glad that you pointed out pacing. Movies today are frenetic, MTV generation 1/10th second cut scenes that give the illusion the director is doing something, when usually they aren't. I'd go watch it again. Use of light and shadow in this film is just about perfect; pay attention to the wet street scene (when Billy follows Klaatu), the angles chosen when we're looking at the ship parked on the ground. It's just about the perfect film and if you mentally substitute "war on terrorism" for "cold war", I think you'll find that it is extremely relevant

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devora March 02, 2011

I saw the remake and actually quite liked it (check out my review). I know, I know, I can feel all the folks who saw the original shunning me now! j/k :P I thought your comparison of modern and classic films is really interesting and I like your comparison of the original vs the remake. I really need to check this out. Thanks so much for sharing, Scotoma!

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Scotman March 02, 2011

Thanks for this review. It seems any reviewer under 25 seems to think the remake is an act of God or something, LOL.

The original does have its problems, like the stock footage reruns itself a couple of times and Patricia Neil does tend to scream a bit, overall its presence of mind where it maintains suspense and even some betrayal and "things are not what they seem" mentality made the film very attractive to me.

I've seen it several times and always find something to love about it.

Scotman March 02, 2011

This year is the 60th Anniversary of the film too. :)