Movie Remakes Cage Match: Invasion of the Body Snatchers

One of my favourite science-fiction movies of all time is the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers from 1956. I first saw it on TV when I was a kid... I was totally immersed in that creepy and tense tale of little Santa Mira, California. The film relies very little on far-out visual effects, and it doesn't need to, because the story is so compelling and gripping, and the actors relay that frantic fear to us, the viewers, so well.

Kevin McCarthy in an iconic horror film moment

The fact that the movie was shot in black-and-white adds so much to the experience. I know there are younger people out there who turn up their noses at the mere thought of watching a B&W flick. But man, they are missing out on some of the greatest cinematic stories ever told. On occasion, a modern remake can match or surpass an oldie. But not very often. Anyway, my point is that eerie sci-fi and horror films are actually enhanced by the black-and-white treatment. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates an artistic background - or foreground - that complements the characters and the developing tale. And that monochromatic palette suits such visually and thematically dark movies as this one. 

Invasion of the Body Snatchers was a shocker back in the 50's, packed with paranoia and dread of the unknown. The worst (or best, for fans of the fright films) part was that the few remaining "survivors" never felt at ease around friends and loved ones. Because there was always that lingering question: "Are they one of them?" The film's political commentary, neatly disguised in the sci-fi/horror allegory by director Don Siegel (who'd later go on to Dirty Harry fame), was not lost on the grown-up viewers at the time. 

Actors Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter are the pursued, with the pod people hot on their heels at every turn. The movie sort of set the stage for the zombie invasion pictures that would become so popular in a decade or so, if you think about it. Only here, the invaders are from outer space. But the "turning" of the humans, their lifeless stares and monotone speech, their terrifying purpose... yup. Excellent acting from the whole cast and a riveting, tightly-wound script contribute to the success of this classic of the genre.

A couple of decades later, director Philip Kaufman brought his updated version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers to the silver screen. Just as chilling as the original, if not more, the remake naturally was presented in colour, as was the norm by 1978. But that expanded palette did not detract; in fact, that modernized look set the film more firmly in our present reality. At least with the '56 movie, the viewer felt a little detached due to that snapshot of another era, when cars and clothes looked different, and people conducted themselves differently from today. But the remake puts you (and me) firmly in that world, much closer to that bubbling horror in the backyard or basement. In the shadows.

Yes, Ronnie is irritating but she is part of the madness of the '78 remake

The incomparable Donald Sutherland heads the powerhouse cast. This version of Invasion expands the little band of survivors to include seasoned actors Leonard Nimoy, Brooke Adams, Veronica Cartright, and Jeff Goldblum. All of them had some experience in the horror and science-fiction genres, so they were no strangers to the macabre. And to add to the fun, there were cameos by actor McCarthy and director Siegel from the 1956 film. 

Again, a superior - if slightly re-imagined - script forms the basis for this chiller. The music and sound design play no small part in establishing the uncomfortable atmosphere. Ickier and weirder images add to the unnatural experience. Considered one of the greatest film remakes of all time, this version is a must for fans of the frightful and otherworldly. It's an extremely close second to the original, in my opinion, so don't miss it!

Fast-forward to 1993 for another re-telling of the famous Earth-invasion story. This adaptation is only very loosely based on the literary source, a 1955 novel from which this version directly lifts its title, Body Snatchers. Here, the story centres around the children of families living on a military base... and their encounters with the pod people. This one is more explicit, with even yuckier creature effects and a little nudity. It's a decent movie, but the lesser of the three films so far. I haven't watched Body Snatchers in a long time, so maybe a re-watch soon would yield more appreciation for it. 

Over a decade later, Hollywood superstars Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig team up for yet another remake, 2007's The Invasion. I thought it was fine when I watched it years ago, but it was forgettable. The story is so far from the original or any of the other adaptations that it is unrecognizable. The weak script is full of holes and loose ends. Not even the big stars (including the cameo appearance of Veronica Cartright from the '78 version) can save this dog. I don't even want to own this movie; it would only tarnish the integrity of my collection. No shelf space for such dreck. 

Another decade has passed, and there are again whisperings in the industry of another re-telling of the alien invasion. Hmm, maybe they should just kill this idea before anything starts growing.... in the cellar. Fingers crossed. 

Not many films in cinematic history have received so much attention by directors looking to mine the past in order to create re-imagined motion pictures for the modern public. Invasion of the Body Snatchers is still recognized as one of the best in Hollywood history, thanks to its first two celluloid outings. As for the second and third remakes, well, give the '93 Body Snatchers a look (it has its merits) and avoid the fourth. 

Now watch out... they're coming! You're next! They're already here!