The Day the Earth Stood Still

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a 1951 science fiction film which tells the story of a humanoid spaceman who comes to Earth to convince its leaders to learn how to live in peace.

Critical reaction

The Day the Earth Stood Still has been interpreted to contain religious symbolism, especially because of Klaatu's death and subsequent resurrection, and his chosen name "Carpenter". Further, Mr. Carpenter's initials are "J.C.", perhaps another allusion to Jesus Christ. Klaatu does explicitly refer to the "almighty spirit" when asked whether Gort has the power over life and death.

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The surprise ending of the short story "Farewell To The Master" by Harry Bates (where it is revealed that the robot – originally called Gnut rather than Gort – is the master and the alien man, Klaatu, the servant) was not used in the movie, where this remains an open question. The film has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. In spite of the undeniable cliches of the movie (a race of killer robots, a spaceman in a silver suit and a flying saucer, etc.), its message of peace and dark outlook regarding human society separates it from the fray of 1950s science fiction and has made it a classic. Filmed in black and white with minimal, but effective special effects, the movie is a model of brisk, economical storytelling and direction.

Related Topics:
National Film Registry - 1950s - Special effects

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Interpretations

Many see value in the film's statement of universal moral standing, finding an association with Klaatu as a well-meaning upstart, whose time had not yet come. This interpretation holds that it is the fearful hostility of "the government," not the will of people, that was the sole obstacle to Klaatu's plan. Some speculate that the film and others like it contributed to a popular philosophy that blossomed in the cultural revolution of the 1960s.

Related Topics:
People - Popular philosophy - Cultural revolution - 1960s

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Others find resonance in the themes of the ascribed "uselessness" of the United Nations and of the assembling of the world's scientists to hear a message of peace. This view tends to see Klaatu as a misinformed or naïve idealist, unfamiliar with the nuances of world conflict.

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Still others see spiritual implications. The ultimatum given by Klaatu smacks of totalitarianism. There is real tension here as one gets the feeling that the strong admonition of Klaatu for earth to "join us" may very well be masking much more sinister motives. Perhaps the fate of the world would be worse than if left to its own devices. Perhaps Gort is the master and Klaatu is the servant whose mission it is to deceive one more civilization into slavery. Why should we trust beings simply because they are more advanced than us?

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