"That's a nice-a donut."
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Director Don Siegel's Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a classic work of science fiction, a prototype for countless other movies and television programs, including being a precursor to eerie sci-fi shows like The Twilight Zone and The X-Files.
The Invasion starts with a hysterical man, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy), screaming and complaining that he is not crazy and that nobody believes him, so he tells the story and the heart of the movie rolls. Something is amiss in a small town in Middle America. Miles needs to return home early from a conference because numerous people around town are concerned that their friends and family aren't who they are. It is just a "curious, unexplainable epidemic mass hysteria" though, as another doctor explains it, probably because people are worried about what's going on in the world. It's a silly explanation and soon enough, Miles and his friend Becky (Dana Wynter) learn the awful truth: that suspiciously extraterrestrial plant-like pods have been replicating all living beings. Things begin to get out of hand and the film makes a not-so-subtle commentary on the Red Scare era of the time.
It is interesting to note that Siegel did not like the prologue of the film, or the tacked on ending, though I don't think the ending is wholly unsatisfying. One problem I do have, given the flashback nature of much of the film, is that one short crucial scene which reveals a twist is not told from Miles' point of view. I think it could have been revealed later and would have been more stirring and effective (while maintaining the movie's structure). However, the film makes excellent use of music, with spot-on cues for suspense and terror shots. There are several great chills, which I'm sure sent many women into the arms of their man at the local drive-in theater back in the day. None of them deserved any awards, but the actors all do a credible job. The story in general is very compelling, but the script falters a little bit during a couple sappy, melodramatic scenes that were typical of the period.
Siegel and the filmmakers do a great job of showing that what should be normal - or at least what seems like normal - may not be. It may be cliched, but nothing is as it seems. Paranoia is paramount. This is a well-done picture that transcends the B-movie stigma and easily stands the test of time.
The Verdict: B+.
Michael Bentley 3:22 PM
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