“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” 1950s American science fiction nightmare *Note! Contains spoilers.

The protagonist as a “rebel of society”

Action movies such as ` `Madigan '' (1968) and `` Dirty Harry '' (1971), and Western movies such as ``The Burning Plainsman'' (1960) and `` Two Mules for Sister Sara '' (1970). Don Siegel has continued to make masculine action films as a craftsman director, crossing various genres. Science fiction thrillers like ``The Body Snatchers'' hold a unique place in his filmography.

However, in reality, this film can also be said to be a movie in which the character is very Don Siegel-like. In his works, the male protagonists do not belong to any social community and have no wives or children. He tries to be free from all norms and appears on screen as a typical Jack Reacher. In other words, they are the rebels of society.

In the town of Santa Mira, which has been taken over by Pod People, he and his girlfriend Becky (Dana Winter) struggle alone as the only humans, refusing to accept their appeasement and firmly refuse to be incorporated into the social system. do. Even when Becky is taken over by the Pod People, he does not fulfill his love for her and instead chooses to face the group alone. Before calling it an anti-communist film or an anti-Red Scare film, the Jack Reacher-like behavior is very Don Siegel-like in the first place.

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (c) Photofest / Getty Images

Clint Eastwood, who studied directing with him, said:

"The truth is, he always needed enemies, the movie companies, the producers... Don hated the production people. He thought of them as assistants or secretaries; That was the only thing he treated it with...Don hated the old studio system.'' (*2)

Don Siegel also rebelled against the studio system and pursued a film career as an Jack Reacher. Filled with noir-style shots with beautiful contrasts between black and white, and using Dutch angles to tilt the camera, ``Bodysnatchers'' gives off an impression of being more stylish than masculine, but its structure is confusing. It's a Don Siegel film without one.

*1 “ Science Fiction Film Techniques: A Science Fiction Creation Course Told by James Cameron and Six Masters ” (DU BOOKS)

*2 “ The Solitary Knight Clint Eastwood ” (Film Art)

Text: Rui Takeshima

A pop culture writer who wants to be kicked by Hit Girl. Host of the web magazine "POP MASTER".

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(c) Photofest / Getty Images