Day The Earth Stood Still
This week marks the release of 20th Century Fox’s contemporary reinvention of its 1951 classic, “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” Keanu Reeves portrays Klaatu, an alien whose arrival on our planet triggers a global upheaval. Because the original is still considered a film that changed the way sci-fi movies are perceived and made, comparisons seem inevitable.
Based on the Harry Bates short story “Farewell to the Master,” the original film version of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” opened in 1951, and immediately transcended the typical, black and white sci-fi B-movie format to become an iconic classic. Made during the cold war, when Americans were obsessed with the destructive capabilities of the atomic bomb, the film boasted an impressive cast, including Michael Rennie, as the stylish and enigmatic alien ambassador, Klaatu, who comes to warn earthlings that they must stop waging wars, else their vicious behavior will not only destroy the planet, but also the cosmos. Leading lady, Patricia Neal, solid direction by Robert Wise, a smart screenplay and a haunting score sealed the deal. It also introduced the snappy, infamous quote, “Klaatu Barada Nikto” still uttered by sci-fi fans everywhere.
Flash forward 57 years, and we have a new, greener incarnation of “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” The cold war is long past, but humans have something to fear as much as atomic power and war; our own ecological destruction of the planet, and ultimately, the universe. Though the message is timely, the cinematography impressive, and the CGI effects stunning, the remake just never quite takes off.
Casting Reeves as Klaatu probably made sense on paper; there has always been a sort of other worldly quality to his acting. But therein lies the problem; Klaatu must look like a stranger in a strange land, with the wisdom of the universe veiled behind his calm demeanor. With Reeves, there simply is no there – there. Jennifer Connelly as Helen Benson, the Princeton University astrobiologist who aids him, is as beautiful as ever, but her considerable acting talent is simply wasted. Although the two characters do not have a romantic relationship, there should be some small, unspoken spark between them. Sadly, Reeves and Connelly can’t generate enough heat to start a small compost heap.
The lone standout in “Day” is young Jaden Christopher Smith, as Helen’s rebellious eight-year old stepson. Smith, the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, proves that his moving performance in last year’s “The Pursuit of Happyness” was no fluke. Keep an eye on this kid; he’s going places.
The 2008 version of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” cost between 80-100 million dollars to make, while the 1951 version was made for $960,000. Even accounting for inflation, the math just doesn’t justify the remake.
New special edition, 2-disc, pan-and-scan and Blu-ray versions of the original “Day the Earth Stood Still” were released last week, with lots of nice extras including commentary by director, Robert Wise and Nicolas Meyer, spaceship construction blueprints, the shooting script, and an interactive press kit. Do yourself a favor, skip the remake, rent or purchase the DVD set, and repeat after me, “Klaatu Barada Nikto.” (Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sci-fi disaster images and violence.)
Big Fat Rating: ★ 1/2