Communists and Terrorists
At the time of the 1950's film version of War of the Worlds the thought of "reds under the bed" was a frightening one. Therefore it was appropriate when the film was released, reflecting the current day's anxieties over communism. The aliens coming to destroy the earth and take over the world was an almost exact replica of the fear that communism would take over America. The martians were jealous of our planet and so they attempted to take it over. Thankfully though the martians were destroyed, not by man but by God in his provision of tiny bacteria which eventually killed the creatures. In this light, communism would not take over America for it went against the natural order of things. In this manner this supposedly frightening reflection of communism was actually a comforting one.
Now time has past a new international fear has arisen and it isn't just America in danger. This is the fear of terrorism. Ever since the devastating events surrounding September 11 the thought of terrorism has struck the hearts of the entire western world. Therefore, says Hollywood, lets comfort our audiences once more with the War of the Worlds message. So, the new installment of The War of the Worlds is made with its comforting message that the terrorists will not prevail for naturally they will be defeated. It's an interesting thought that film can be used to address international issues such as terrorism and communism. And you thought it was just a film about alien invaders!
Now time has past a new international fear has arisen and it isn't just America in danger. This is the fear of terrorism. Ever since the devastating events surrounding September 11 the thought of terrorism has struck the hearts of the entire western world. Therefore, says Hollywood, lets comfort our audiences once more with the War of the Worlds message. So, the new installment of The War of the Worlds is made with its comforting message that the terrorists will not prevail for naturally they will be defeated. It's an interesting thought that film can be used to address international issues such as terrorism and communism. And you thought it was just a film about alien invaders!
