Movies About the (Coming) End of the World
First
of all, don’t mistake these films for “post-apocalyptic”—a whole other
subgenre. These movies are set in the time BEFORE the characters think
their world is about to end. These movies are not about what happens
AFTER a nuclear blast or a devastating war or alien invasion. The
apocalypse has not happened yet in these movies, so for the most part
they are PRE-apocalyptic. I want to explore what humans think and do
with a horrible future in front of them.
I haven’t put together a
list of basic questions about this genre. You’re on your own! But things
to look for are what humans think distinguishes themselves from animals
or inorganic matter as their world is about to end. What is the
greatest thing they’ll lose when this disaster occurs? What is the point
of rescuing themselves from it? Who deserves to stay alive? What values
should we preserve as we try to rescue ourselves? What are the signs
that someone is beyond hope, that it’s too late to save them? What
attitude should we take about this ending of everything we know? Is
there something beyond?
If you’re a person like me who needs to
imagine a worst-case scenario before feeling optimistic, I’m sure the
coronavirus has given you a chance to imagine the world ending via
contagion. Use some of your fears or ideas in thinking about the way
these films address a world that has changed forever.
I’ve started
a list of movies with the theme of the coming end of the world. It’s
definitely not a complete list—suggested additions are welcome. Find it
in Files (also attached here). You could compare these other films with the one we’re focusing on.
Watch Invasion of the Body Snatchers (USA: Philip Kaufman, 1978) (Amazon Prime Video)* This is the second (color) version of the film, not the 1956 black & white original version with Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy DOES appear for a few seconds in the version we’re watching.
[new
as of 4/13/20] If you’ve looked all over and can’t find the 1978
version, you can view and write about the 1956 black-and-white version
directed by Don Siegel and starring Kevin McCarthy. Make sure you tell
us which version you watched at the top of the assignment.
*NOTE:
I was told, and I’ve confirmed, that the 1978 version is not available
on Amazon Prime Video, and alternatives (like Hoopla and Xfinity)
require library or cable memberships. I may assign the 1956 version
after all–it’s on Amazon Prime and can be rented at YouTube–after a
few days. Let me know in Questions for Frako ASAP if the 1978 version is
accessible for you or not.
A) Ask 3 discussion questions
of your own regarding the film. The questions can be about specific
techniques used in specific scenes, the characters, the plotline,
unexpected outcomes, the ending.
B) Answer 3 discussion questions posed by other students.( other student’s post are in the documents)
C)
Respond to at least one other student’s post with polite agreement or
disagreement, giving evidence for your point of view. Answering another
student’s question doesn’t count for this part.( other student’s post
are in the documents)
D) Read: Intro, “Science Fiction.” Also read the Bowen article, https://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/review/invasion-of-the-body-snatchers-1978 (Links to an external site.)
Bring up an interesting issue from each of these writings that would start a discussion—so two comments.
E) Do 300 words on Invasion of the Body Snatchers in the Invasion
300 words discussion,The 300-word paragraph should expand on a
topic/question about some aspect of the film. Instead of any
description, it should be packed with analysis and critical thinking
about Invasion of the Body Snatchers.]
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