The unique film, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, is simply a film about conformity by the invasion of “the other.” Some critics give other interpretations of the classic movie. These interpretations are that the film is an allegory for the loss of personal autonomy in the Soviet Union and that it is an indictment of McCarthyism, which is paranoia about Communism during the early stages of the Cold War: “The mob hysteria, the sense of paranoia, the fascist police, the witch hunt atmosphere of the picture certainly mirrors the ills of McCarthy’s America” (Whitehead).
Despite political connotations of the film, lead actor Kevin McCarthy said in an interview included on the 1998 DVD release that he felt no political allegory was intended (Parks). Some, including Tim Dirks, agree that Invasion of the Body Snatchers contains the theme of paranoia toward socialistic Communism. Though Invasion of the Body Snatchers is viewed as a thrilling movie, it will rise above the “just another big hit movie” reputation because it represents the permanent theme of individuality. This takeover is almost always determined as evil in the belief that group-think and conformity are wrong. When “the-other” influences one to be something different than what they truly are, conformity has taken place.
In reference to Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the idea of conformity is vividly portrayed as wickedness. The film can be looked at as a philosophical exploration of personal identity. Just what does it take for people to be themselves? Is it how they look, act, the things they say? Is it not the case that people are constantly transformed into something they weren't just hours ago, or even moments ago? Among the many ways that these kinds of ideas are worked into the script is that sleep is a metaphor for unconscious physical change over time. Moreover, this classic picture depicts the idea of compliance which was deeply controversial in the 1950’s. BBC News of the United Kingdom referred to the 1950's as “a fearful time for Americans in that they [were] paranoid about the threat of Communism. In today’s society, the argument between individuality and conformity is still apparent, making this film more than just another horror movie.
Likewise, Invasion of the Body Snatchers portrays group-think as deathly immoral. The highly regarded psychologist, Janis, defines group-think as "a way of deliberating that group members use when their desire for unanimity overrides their motivation to assess all available plans of action." Some primary symptoms of group-think are: unquestioned belief in the moral correctness of the group, stereotyped views of the out-group, pressure to conform, protecting the group from contrary viewpoints, by self-appointed ‘mind-guards’ (Schafer and Crichlow: 1996). The group of pod people in the film clearly believe they are morally correct, have stereotypes of people not like them, and protect each other. Under this mentality of group-think, the pod people believe they live in an untroubled world where everyone and everything is the same. Similarly, they see life without love, faith, and ambition, as simple.
The hero of the film, Miles, warns the world of “the other,” or imposters. Whether it is an idea, an item, or even a person that overtakes our mind and spirit, this invasion is evident. One invasion leads to another. We morph to be like others and are faked onto thinking this problem of non-individuality cannot be too serious. Is more at stake other than individuality? In the movie, Miles states multiple losses in those who fall to conformity and group-think: “The special looks in our eyes” are gone when we conform; we show “no emotion or feeling.” Miles’ friend Jack Belicec shows him a strange, corpse-like cadaver lying on his pool table - with an unfinished, half-formed, mannequin-like humanoid face and no fingerprints (Dirks). “The face is vague, all the features, but no details” Miles comments. It is the mass hysteria of uniformity that leaves no room for distinctiveness.
At the conclusion of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, with the pod people close behind, a seemingly crazed Miles runs onto the highway frantically screaming of the force which has overrun the town to the passing motorists and yells, "They're here already! You're next!" We are all in danger of the invasion of “the other.” People will always deal with the idea of someone or something taking over. This classic film illustrates an identifiable theme that pertains to not only the twentieth century, but also the centuries to come.
Despite the preconceptions of direction towards Communism, this is a gem of a film, not just for sci-fi and horror fans, and not just for its era. It's worth seeing by anyone with a serious interest in film, and can be enjoyed either on its suspenseful surface level, or more in-depth by those who want to look at the film as more metaphorical material for societal and philosophical concerns.
Works Cited
Janis (1972), and Schafer and Crichlow (1996). "Groupthink." ChangingMinds. 2007. Syque. 10 Oct. 2007. .
Dirks, Tim. “Invasion of The Body Snatchers (1956).” 1996. 26 September 2007.
Parks, Kelly. "INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS -1956." FeoAmanteFeo Amante’s Horror Home Page. 1997. E.C. McMullen Jr. 10 Oct. 2007. .
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