War of the Worlds
... The movie however, was made in the midst of 1950s Cold War paranoia in America, and as such reflects the political climate of that period. 1950S COLD WAR PARANOIA When the film was made, America had a climate of distrust and paranoia. The end of World War II did not answer all foreign policy questions and America viewed the Soviet with suspicion, accusing the country of not disarming, of violating charters, and of spreading communism by installing their governments in other countries. On the other side, the Soviet felt that the Allies kept secrets from them, violated war-time treaties, and also did not disarm (Haigh, T & M). America’s tension created strong paranoia within its people, as they wondered what the Soviets were actually doing. Fear of an attack from outside was high, and after the Soviet development of the atomic bomb, many thought that this would come from the skies. USE OF THE SCI FI FILM TO DEAL WITH SCANDAL In understanding and dealing with scandals of a large scale, Sci-Fi is used as a ground in which to play with the idea of possible events and outcomes. War of the Worlds was one film vehicle used for the “play out” of a possible invasion of America by the Soviet Union. Typically, it has been said that one could replace the concept of “aliens” for “Soviets,” and the movie version of War of the Worlds can be seen as a Cold War propaganda piece (“Wildcard” 2004). The Americans did not know what the Soviets were up to, and this concept of the unknown and “otherness” tempted Americans to think the worst of the Soviets. The aliens in the movie mirrored the American perception of the Soviet; ruthless in their pursuit of victory, possibly technologically superior to America, and most importantly, destructive to the American way of life. In the film, to highlight the immorality of these “aliens,” and to underline America’s own “moral” self-perception, the invaded society was portrayed as placing religion in high regard. HOW RELIGION WAS USED TO CREATE PARALLEL Throughout the film references are made to religion, with a pastor one of the first people vaporized by the alien machines, and the lead female character mentioning that her “safe” place is a church (Hildebrand). Christianity is placed in the light of the “right and good thing to do,” and can be seen as a linkage to America thinking of itself as “right and good.” The evil aliens (Soviets, unknown and dangerous in America’s eyes) attempt to invade the blissful, happy earth (America), whose inherently good people are initially unwilling and unprepared to fight them. The aliens (Soviet) take over the earth (America), with superior weaponry and...