``They Live'' We are trapped in something... A collection of condensed themes from the genius John Carpenter

*Information at the time of article publication in June 2018.

“They Live” synopsis

You can't trust anyone anymore. The invasion of Earth by Alien was proceeding without anyone knowing! The protagonist accidentally acquires special sunglasses that allow him to identify the true identity of Alien, and ends up joining the resistance movement.

Index

• Battle of trapped humans
• Origin: Howard Hawks' western drama
• Carpenter, heir to the classic American film industry

Battle of trapped humans

The science fiction thriller ``They Live'' depicts men who fight against Alien who unwittingly infiltrate the ruling class of society and try to brainwash and control humanity. There are several previous works with similar stories, but the most famous one is ` `Body Snatchers '' (1956). This is a work that pioneered the ``takeover-type invasion science fiction'' in which Alien gradually replace humans in the city and eventually try to control humanity.

It is said that the film depicts the fear of communism that was prevalent in America at the time, but the theme of ``They Live'' is ironic about the excesses of the capitalist economy. ``They Live'' depicts the fear of consuming money and materials without purpose. "We're in a prison where money rules," Carpenter insists. And this is his main theme as a writer.

“They Live” (c)1988 StudioCanal. All Rights Reserved.

"We're all trapped in some way, in our past, in our genetic sequence, in our culture, in our parents."

director john carpenter

The theme that Carpenter has pursued over his 40-year career is the human struggle to break free from a trapped state, and ``They Live'' is perhaps the culmination of that work.