The Day the Earth Stood Still is fascinating to watch because its narrative broods over very 1950s fears and worries. It works not only as cautionary tale of the then very hot topic of atomic power but it is also a valid critique of McCarthyism. The point of view of the film is decidedly leftist but the story does raise some questions that many viewers will very attractive.
Director Robert Wise milks the mass hysteria of the era outstandingly. I also liked how he approaches the story in a matter-of-fact manner. Despite the fantastic elements of the narrative, the film is almost documentary-like. It deals with religion too – an alien creature so powerful and wise that common morality does not apply to him. In that regard, the alien Klaatu assumes the role of God (or Jesus Christ) in what is essentially a morality fable.
The cast is brilliant. Michael Rennie is excellent as the visitor from another planet. Rennie’s performance is a clever piece of work that (probably) influenced Leonard Nimoy’s Mr. Spock. His body language is odd enough to suggest someone who is unique. Sam Jaffe is excellent as a brainy professor who helps the visitor from another planet. Patricia Neal is very good too as a different kind of heroine; she’s beautiful, resolute, and brave.
Bernard Herrmann’s music score is justly legendary. The special effects still look convincing. Everything about this film is top class. The Day the Earth Stood Still was sold as a ‘B’ movie about aliens but the movie is more than that – it is one of the most intelligent fantasy films of the 1950s.
