[8]
The War of the Worlds, based on H.G. Wells classic sci-fi novel, hits the ground running with Martians invading the world! We experience the invasion through an ensemble of characters in a quaint California community where one of the Martian ‘war machines’ has landed. At first, it’s thought to be a meteor, but when the meteor opens up and releases a giant, spooky space vessel, several curious townspeople become the first victims in the violent Martian conquest of Earth. Even the town’s preacher meets a grizzly demise when the Martians disintegrate him with their laser beams.
Prior to The War of the Worlds, the vast majority of science-fiction, fantasy, and horror films were relegated to B-movie status with low budgets and low production values. But with this film, Hollywood decided to experiment by giving a genre movie their very best efforts. It was an excellent choice to take a chance on, because the film holds up remarkably well as a survivalist thriller over 75 years later. The tension and impending doom are palpable to the very end.
Directed by Byron Haskin and produced by George Pal (The Time Machine), the film is more of a ‘ride’ or ‘experience’ than a character-centered drama, but the ensemble of actors are serviceable in a fast-paced action story. Leading man Gene Barry, as a scientist exploring ways to defeat the Martian technology, is so macho he’s almost a parody of the ’50s masculine ideal. Ann Robinson, as his romantic interest, further accentuates the film’s outdated gender notions, screaming through many tense moments and clutching at Barry’s chest whenever she can possibly find a justification to do so. Young audiences may roll their eyes at these depictions, but in the context of time and changing social norms, The War of the Worlds is widely representative of our aspirations in the 1950s. While the two leads are over the top by today’s standards, there’s charm in the sense of community depicted in the movie — something sorely disappearing today.
As a visceral experience, the film also benefits from vibrant Technicolor photography and groundbreaking sound design — one of the earliest experiments in stereo presentation. (Ben Burtt, the sound designer of WALL-E and Star Wars, has updated this soundtrack to a compelling 5.1 surround mix on the Criterion Blu-ray release.)
With Les Tremayne, Lewis Martin, and Cedric Hardwicke.
Academy Award: Best Special Effects
Oscar Nominations: Best Film Editing, Sound