Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Director: Don Siegel
Starring: Kevin McCarthy, Dan Wynter, Larry Gates

Synopsis:
A small town doctor tries to get to the bottom of a rash of strange behavior among the locals and uncovers a threat greater than anything he could imagine.

Impressions:
It's interesting. I actually saw the 90s version first and worked my way backwards, so the original is actually the last of the three I saw. Each one brings something interesting to the table based on the era they were created in. I would argue that this is one movie that actually warrants remaking every 20 years or so. Personally, I like the fan theory that the '56 version and the '78 version actually take place in the same universe. Anyway, on to the movie itself. It's really good. The whole body snatcher concept has long fascinated me, so I was completely on board before it even began. Now, if you've already done any research on this movie, you've heard the competing interpretations that the body snatchers are a metaphor for Communism or for McCarthyism. I'd say both and neither personally. It's all about conformism and it doesn't matter to what. It's about you and what you think, what you believe in, being isolated from the group and you can either be a pariah on the run or you can become a hollowed-out soulless husk like all the other drones around you.

The performances are quite good and there's a persistent tension and sense of paranoia. You're always on the edge of your seat wondering who's next. This is great thriller material. Definitely watch this one.

Rating:
Watch It