We Are Not Alone- thankfully

The Day the Earth Stood Still not only stands the test of time, it's required viewing for any and all who read, watch and want depth to be the factor to great science fiction.

A gigantic saucer descends from the brightly lit sky hanging over a Washington DC day. People scramble in wonder as they watch it land in an open park in the heart of the city. The army rushes to the scene with lightening speed, forming a circular wall of defense and containment around the alien ship. The public gather behind them- all the faces of humanity gathered with wonder and with surprise.

Suddenly a sliver of a ramp is produced from the seemingly sleek and line-less surface of the side of this ship. A doorway opens and a lone figure descends down this newly formed ramp. The figure is human in shape but wears a strange helmet that conceals features. The crowded response is silent wonder. As the figure produces a strange object from his side and into his hand- a soldier, nervous and on edge, fires a single shot, dropping the alien to his side on the field below. A gasp is collectively produced from all who watch when, suddenly from the opening beyond, a gigantic, metalic robot also exits the ship. It slowly moves down the ramp and standing over its fallen comrade, suddenly emits a ray that begins to destroy the tanks, weapons and the vehicles the army has stationed nearby. In panic and in horror- the civilians break and run, sensing the worst is yet to come. The wounded alien calls out a set command in his foreign language and the robot ceases its defence, becoming stationary and statue like in presence. Rising to his feet as as the army commander approaches, the alien, picking up and handing the broken object he was about to offer, says " it was simply a gift to your President. "

This is the story of the alien who comes to address the leaders of humanity. All of humanity. When he is told, matter-of-factly by a representative of the United States government that- even as fantastic as his appearance and the significance of that is, all the leaders from the planet Earth could never be assembled in one room to jointly listen to the message he has been sent to bring, due to the internal conflicts the human race has amongst themselves. Amazed, confused and somewhat disillusioned, the alien- choosing the name John Carpenter (JC), decides to escape from the hospital and guard he has been deposited to, and to step out into the streets, meet the people on his own and move among them to gain some sense of life on Earth.

Robert Wise, with this film, offered one of the first glimpses of intelligent science fiction. His handling of the material and the performance he was able to get from the cast- and most notably, from Michael Rennie as Klauttu (aka John Carpenter), is text book. Wise was Orson Welles editor on Citizen Kane before becoming the incredible director he himself became (Sound of Music, West Side Story, Sand Pebbles, Star Trek The Motion Picture etc). He uses his special effects sparingly but with great effect- and concentrates more heavily on the learning experience of an alien in a foreign land of humanity.

Enough can't be said also about the importance of Bernard Herrmanns music in this film. Herrmann was/remains the grandfather of what great film music was/is all about. And his score and use of organ and heavy percussion here, creates the mood and atmosphere needed to keep you on edge as to the real purpose of Klauttu's visit.

Carpenter learns through a simple stay at a boarding house, with its rich combination of differing opinions around a breakfast table the next morning- then with a surprise visit to one of the worlds most noted scientists, next day, humanity has some hope within its ranks. He also learns how frightened and dangerous the human races reactions can be.

The message of this film was and, more importantly, remains profound. Stop engaging in the bloodshed of war. More importantly- do not think that you can extend the pettiness, misery and violence of it past planetary borders for there are powers that be that will silence it.

The true mark of a great film, regardless of genre, is its capacity to touch, test and teach its audience something- whether that be to consider, to feel, to act etc.

This film will continue to impact on audiences (and always has) because its message is sincere, pointed, honest and true. And it's a message that, unfortunately, constantly has to be reinforced.