How far do the American films you have studied convey key themes in similar ways?

Both films I have studied , War of the Worlds (2005) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), show the threat of an outsider in similar ways.

Society in 1950s USA was rather similar to the post 9/11 society on its view of outsiders, but at the same time, it was very different. One way in which it was similar, is the threat from outsiders. Both in the 1950s and in post 9/11 feared the outsiders coming in and destroying the 'American way of life.' In the 50s, the threat of communism and McCarthyism infested itself in society, whilst in post 9/11 society, the threat was from the terrorists and the fear of annihilation rather than assimilation. Another way in which it was similar, was the influence the media had on the paranoia aspect of the USA In the 50s, McCarthy was mentioned on every channel, all day every day. Whether it was a speech, a trial, or a witch hunt, the public were constantly living in fear to the point were they had to whisper incase they were wrongly accused of disrespecting McCarthy. And in the post 9/11 society, the terrorist threat warning as the front for the media causing paranoia the way it popped up randomly telling the public that the warning has gone from high to severe this kept the public on edge. Also the constant showings of the 9/11 crash was constantly shown on every news channel, leaving it scarred in the peoples minds to the point where they see it everywhere.

One difference was the ideologies behind the threats in both time periods. In the 50s, the communists wanted to convert people to their was of life, to assimilate America supposedly. Whilst the terrorists wanted to cause destruction, and destroy everything, including people and their way of lives along the way.
The representation of both of the extreme parties are shown by extreme threats, aliens. One set of aliens, in IOTBS seem relatively peaceful, growing in society gradually before taking over, inflicting their way of life upon the Americans. Whilst in WOTW the aliens come from under earth, showing that terrorists are inside our community, and just waiting for the right moment to strike and wreck America and exterminate the 'American way of life' through destroying people.
Both films portray the key theme of paranoia dominantly through an outside threat. Both films shown how the people were under threat along with their way of life and came very close to being destroyed, whether it be exterminated or assimilated. An example of paranoia in IOTBS is the the fact Dr. Miles is seemingly the only one left, against a whole town of aliens, and he knows no one will believe him if he gets out of the town, and he is right because the doctors and police think he is crazy.
Another huge key theme in both films are just how successful the 'true' Americans can be victorious by sticking together and conquering the enemy. This is shown by Tom Cruise in WOTW, the stereotypical American, living in the suburbs, playing baseball, and trying to care for his kids. He represents the American, and he defeats an Alien, showing that the American people can hold out and defeat the threat of terrorism together. Both films also share the passive role women play in the narrative. In IOTBS, in the scene where Dr Miles is outside with Jack, both women are in household positions. One is preparing food and the other is making drinks, bearing in mind they know aliens are trying to take over the world, they still manage to fulfil their roles in society. Another example of this in WOTW is the sheer lack of women in it altogether. The film doesn't pass the Bechdel test for one, and the mum is the only significant female character who forgets about her kids and doesn't see them until the end.