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Summary: The Other Side of Stood Still
Review: Most reviewers capture the essence of this outstanding movie by describing the technical aspects and their emotional response. One hidden area of fundamental intellectual thought in The Day the Earth Stood Still is hinted at in a very subtle manner by Michael Rennie's character. It seems the "space man" uses diamonds for money (showing that even advanced races need a store of value and a means of exchange unlike the impossible premise of Star Trek that eliminates such currency), and that the fundamental programming of GORT is to punish those that initiate force. Further, the hero is able to judge each individual while, at the same time, commenting on the collective state of humanity (without describing the actual cause of humanities shortcomings). The spaceman, in essence, is telling the people of Earth that once they step into the populated regions of space, they must not initiate force, and they can trade peacefully using a means of exchange that holds value. Failure to do so on Earth results in our own destruction at our own hand. Failure to do so in space results in our own destruction by a "race of robots". He didn't leave a bible for us to follow. Just an example and a warning. What could be more libertarian?
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Summary: The Day the Earth Stood Still
Review: This is a classic movie of its time, a copy of which, should be in the libraries of SF lovers everywhere. I view it as a very important sociological work designed to change hostile attitudes toward alien beings. As well, it serves to portray alien beings as being advanced, civilized and capable of the benevolence residence of planet earth consider themselves to have. I realize that transferring this movie to a DVD is a dollar and cents issue. I am a potential sale that votes for producing it.
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Summary: The Best?
Review: This is possibly the best sci-fi film of the fab 50's. Good special effects and believable acting. A spaceman with a message. A+++
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Summary: Use your imagination
Review: This is probably the BEST science fiction movie ever made because of what you DON'T see. Michael Rennie is brilliant(as always) as the alien peace emissary. And I always wanted to smack Hugh Marlowe for ratting him out(or maybe sic Gort on him).Sam Jaffe has an Einsteinesque cameo as the scientest who befriends him.Patricia Neal,in one of her earliest film appearances is excellent as the alien's contact.(Really cant call her a love interest).The reason this film works is because the audience gets to use its imagination when the earth stands still(You dont see blood,gore or anything else,even when Gort vaporizes a tank).
Bravo bravo bravo!
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Summary: Worth watching over and again
Review: Besides being a classic this movie also captures a time. It is intriguing looking at the technology of the time and even the locations before they changed (some have not changed). It is still fun to watch as Klaatu is encountered, detained and the state of the governments (does not look like things have changed much). We all want to say to Gort "Gort! Klaatu barada nikto!" I do not want to go into too much detail as if you did not see this you will be surprised. And if you have seen this than the description will be a repeat. However I will say that this movie was better built than most of its time and rivals some movies of today. The message is still relevant and we sometimes try to apply the solution here also.
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Summary: ~~Time Period~~
Review: This is the best movie of this type ever made. Definite 5 stars.
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Summary: A Unique Movie
Review: Despite being in black and white, and having virtually no special effects, I rate this the best science fiction film ever made. The message may seem a little corny today, but I still find the story thought-provoking and relevant thirty years after having first seen it. It's simplicity is its strength, and carries far greater impact than any recent computer-enhanced extravaganza.
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Summary: A Classic Story of Warning -- and Hope
Review: "The Day the Earth Stood Still" was based on a short story by Harry Bates called "Farewell to the Master". It doesn't take much insight to see that TDTESS is a variation on the Messiah story, complete with a scene of resurrection. Note the name of the alien: Mr. Carpenter. But, the connection is never forced on the viewer, and it forms the basis a very strong story of 1950's paranoia and distrust. For me, TDTESS and "2001, A Space Odyssey" stand as the two finest science-fiction films ever made. With Robert Wise as director -- who also made "The Sound of Music", The Sand Pebbles", "The Andromeda Strain", "West Side Story", and more -- you get the care and attention of a skilled craftsman. The score, by Bernard Herrman is outstanding, one of the first to feature the otherworldly sounds of the Theremin, which later on unfortunately became far overused in far-lesser films. The original soundtrack is available on cd and very worthwhile. Michael Rennie heads a cast of actors, each of whom holds his or her own. Rennie stands out -- literally at a height of 6"4" -- in his dignified and understated portrayal of the messenger from beyond. A good story remains a good story no matter how old it gets. Even though film effects have advanced drastically since 1951, Robert Wise used all the technology and talent available in his time to make an enduring cautionary tale which still speaks to us today. I have enjoyed our laser disc version of TDTESS for a long time now. We look forward to the day when it will finally be released on DVD. Klatu barada nikto.
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Summary: Classic Early Sci-Fi With A Message
Review: In a time when most science fiction movies were Earth versus mean aliens, Earth being invaded by mean aliens, or Earthlings encountering mean aliens during space exploration (all of which were just us civilized people against the ignorant barbarians, with lots of campy effects and shooting), this film was different. It started from a different premise and carried strong social messages. It was a message of peace in an era of hostility and paranoia. Dignified, peaceful humanoid alien Michael Rennie comes to visit Earth and try to instill more peaceful ways on our world. His visit is misinterpreted by paranoid humans and he is shot. He escapes from the hospital where he was being treated for the wound, blends in with average, ordinary people, and finds our underlying good. His faithful robot is also a model of dignity and loyalty. The acting is very good, which separates it from many early sci-fi movies, which were little more than extensions of cartoons or Saturday serials (What's a "Saturday serial"? Ask an older relative). The special effects were okay, but they didn't need to be spectacular, as that was not the focus of the film. The story was meaningful, it flowed, and it had some action mixed with much depth. An early science fiction movie for people who like to think.
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Summary: My favorite movie.
Review: Ever since I was a little guy "The Day The Earth Stood Still" has been my favorite movie. It's full of great lines and universal wizdom, that I have applied all throughout my life. Great movie!
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