"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956) - review

A Sci-Fi Classic for Every Body

Director Don Siegel is likely most well-known to modern audiences for such Clint Eastwood action dramas as “Escape from Alcatraz” and “Dirty Harry”, but an early effort of Siegel’s is also famous because it became one of the greatest science fiction thrillers of all time.  “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” has been remade at least three times for succeeding generations, but the original from 1956 still works like gangbusters due to its universal and lasting themes of alienation and paranoia.  The notion of massive seed pods from outer space stripping human minds of their individuality and desires will always have a potent impact, especially in this modern age where so many people feel intense psychological isolation amidst the frigid anonymity of most social media.

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” begins simply in the modest, quiet little town of Santa Mira.  Kevin McCarthy stars as Miles Bennell, a local physician returning home from a medical conference.  His happy reunion with former girlfriend Becky is short-lived as Miles immediately finds himself beset by many of his patients who claim that their relatives have “changed.”  Miles’ pointed questions are met with worryingly vague answers, yet there seems no real cause for alarm until Miles is called to the house of a friend where a strange body lies upon the basement pool table.  It appears to be a copy of Miles’ friend, but it’s missing important details.  After Miles phones the police, the “unfinished” body disappears and more people in town begin to behave as if their own distinct personalities have also disappeared.

From this point forward, the story relentlessly builds toward a frantic finale of fear and torment.  The true horror begins when Miles and Becky discover giant seed pods in his friends’ greenhouse that are repulsively disgorging more nascent human bodies which are already assuming horribly familiar forms.  Realizing that they are now trapped in town because the police are compromised and the phone lines have been cut, Miles and Becky must make a desperate attempt to escape and get urgent word of the invasion to government authorities.  However, as the takeover of the town’s human populace has accelerated exponentially, Miles and Becky are now surrounded in enemy territory.  All they can do is run.  Worst still, Miles and Becky cannot sleep, for if they do, the pods can complete their insidious work and the young lovers will wake up assimilated, never again to know the unique joys of being human.

The acting, cinematography and music are superb.  The score by Carmen Dragon hits short, sharp notes that eerily echo the surges of panic felt by Miles and Becky upon being confronted with yet another aberration of normality and another potential path to freedom blockaded.  The film noir style of lighting enhances the sense of impending doom as the abundant shadows hide potential dangers while the bright lights threaten to reveal our heroes to their multiplying pursuers.  Kevin McCarthy’s performance as Miles is agonizing as we bear witness to the good doctor’s analytical approach and cool reserve slowly eroding as the circle of aliens closes around him and Becky.  Dana Wynter as Becky presents the usual domestic fifties façade, but her sultry stares and saucy repartee with Miles hint at an inner sexual tension eagerly waiting for release.

However, there is no time for trysts in this tragic tale of former flames thrown together in turmoil, and the fact that Miles and Becky’s rekindled affections are threatened by the pod people is a perfect reflection of the narrative’s haunting and primal threat of pleasure replaced by placidity.  Miles and Becky cannot safely hide or rest anywhere, and though their fervor for each other is likely eternal physical strength is faltering fast while the clock counts down the bone-weary couple’s last moments together as real human beings.  “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is a timeless classic, and its visceral message will always be celebrated by those who cherish the essential values of personal autonomy and private intimacy.   Love is as important as life.