SSC Film Studies

In what ways does Invasion of the body snatchers reflect the time in which it was made?

Invasion of the body snatchers reflects the time in which it was made by commenting on McCarthyism. The opening of the film is the final scene where we see Pivotal character Miles in a panic about as of yet an un-seen force. Then the film cuts to the beginning of the story, which is narrated to the audience through Miles. The entire film is a flashback.  The final scene is at the beginning of the film as Miles is in a state of shock and panic. This reflects the issues in American society, when the nation was in fear of Communism and the McCarthy witch- hunts were are growing concern. Many people were blacklisted if they disagreed with McCarthy, resulting in their livelihoods being destroyed. America also in the midst of the Red Scare, therefore the nation was consumed by fear and fear. McCarthy was most notably feared, as he was an internal threat to the USA. Due to McCarthyism being and internal problem the message of the film is designed to speak to normal Americans and tap into their existing fears.

The intention of the film was to tap into the fear and paranoia’s that the citizens of America felt. From the opening shot it is evident that film is reflecting the panic and paranoia, which instantly informs the audience of the unseen threat challenging Miles and the residents of Santa Mira. Santa Mira is a small, which represents many other small towns of the USA. The equilibrium is established in the first stage of todorov. This is a normal day in the life of these characters. After the prologue the film introduces the beginning of the story where we see Miles returning to his hometown, Santa Mira.  It is unusual for a film to be set in a small town instead of a major city.  The sense of the film being unpredictable throws the audience off creating a un-easy mood. The unpredictability of the setting subverts genre expectation and audience expectations.     

Although Miles becomes aware that something unusual is going on, no further explanation given. Miles encounters two individuals who both argue that there is something ‘different’ about their family members. Miles does not seem too concerned however, and classes the cases as ‘psychological conditions’.

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After the events Miles seems satisfied with the explanation provided given by authority figures. People feared to question the new STATUS QUO as McCarthy forwarded an ideology of which everyone were forced to adapt to. Anyone displaying signs of dissent or went against the status quo were perceived as suspicious. Those who where viewed with suspicion where feared by McCarthy’s followers as a threat or potentially dangerous. As soon as people realised that the people of United States where viewing them as “outsiders” or a potentially threat they immediately changed their views in order to align with McCarthy and his followers.

Miles becomes suspicious of a conspiracy when he uncovers more pods at Jack’s house. Mile’s phones the police (symbolises authority figure), however is rejected when they offer no support. Therefore, he tells his friends to escape as he waits, “If there is no-one hear to answer, they will know we have gone”.  During the mid 50’s McCarthyism and his ideologies had become the status quo, meaning that there was only a minority who dared to oppose society. Even those in any level of the government feared being labelled a communist. This was how great McCarthy’s power became, resulting in all authorities to back him to change policies in order to support him. Freedom of speech was restricted and HUAC hearings judges would openly be biased. People began to fear the government and it’s policies, feeling as though they couldn’t trust their own country.

We see Mile’s be re-positioned as a threat and other when he goes against the majority (the status quo). People feared speaking out against the status quo and becoming the minority, therefore would adopt the status quo-essentially becoming the pod people.

When Mile’s is at the gas station he says, “ I saw Mack checking the trunk of my car. He could have been checking my spare tire, but…I didn’t think so”. Implying that at this point all characters are beginning to perceived as suspicious.