posted on Oct, 7 2003 @ 01:54 AM
"The Day the Earth Stood Still"
It's a must-see classic.
Yes, real aliens won't look like humans... but the fact that the protagonist looks like one adds to one of the themes of the movie -- When donning a
spacesuit which obscures his face, Klaatu is immediately shot by soldiers upon exiting his ship... however, when wearing a new suit, he is, without
question, accepted into a host family at a boarding house. Still, if you're bothered by the lack of bio-accuracy here, you'll be pleased to know
that in the story the movie is based on ("Farewell to the Master"), the robot (Gort in the movie) is the 'real' alien/master, and the humanoid is
the equivalent of his robot.
...But, beyond all that, this is a great movie because it is very stylish and simple -- there are no teknobabblish terms you need to learn. It simply
deals with the very human question of how to end wars (through a force like the UN, the movie posits, indirectly)... and, essentially, brings up the
question of whether or not humans would give up some of their authority to an older and more advanced civilization for the sake of peace. In short,
the movie is about the Peacekeeper's Dilemma.
Take note of how, instead of bringing Klaatu to the UN like asked, the US gov tries to, on its own, form a relationship with Klaatu's
civilization.
Also, Gort is a mean-ass looking robot.