Cast
View All
Donald Sutherland
as Matthew Bennell
Brooke Adams
as Elizabeth Driscoll
Leonard Nimoy
as Dr. David Kibner
Jeff Goldblum
as Jack Bellicec
Veronica Cartwright
as Nancy Bellicec
Art Hindle
as Dr. Geoffrey Howell
Lelia Goldoni
as Katherine Hendley
Kevin McCarthy
as Running Man
Don Siegel
as Taxi Driver
Tom Luddy
as Ted Hendley
Stan Ritchie
as Stan
David Fisher
as Mr. Gianni
Tom Dahlgren
as Detective
Garry Goodrow
as Dr. Boccardo
Jerry Walter
as Restaurant Owner
Crew
Director
- Philip Kaufman
Producer
- Robert H. Solo
Reviews
Rob
Still one of the best alien invasion movies that exists. The newer ones tend to be about how many guns and explosions are needed to defeat the invaders, this one is a little different and has a strong cast and many moments of suspense that keep you interested. The dialog is perhaps weak in places and some areas do tend to drag at the start of the movie but thats all overcome later by the convincing characters and ever intriguing plot. It starts slow paced and almost doesn't give you enough information to work out exactly whats going on leaving it up to your paranoia and imagination to fill the void, this begins to change the movie into more of a horror with a scifi plot. The totally unforgettable ending will send chills down your spine and is one of the best cinematic endings I have ever seen. If you're all alone, at midnight and in the dark then stick it on but don't fall asleep...
Aug 9, 2015
Wuchak
When San Francisco is invaded by pod-people
RELEASED IN 1978 and directed by Philip Kaufman, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" stars Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams as friends, Matthew and Elizabeth, who work at the Health Department in San Francisco. They increasingly suspect that people are somehow being duplicated and trace the problem to alien plant pods. Leonard Nimoy plays Matthew’s pop psychologist friend while Jeff Goldblum & Veronica Cartwright are on hand as a couple who run a mudbath parlour.
This could be viewed as a sequel rather than a remake. The entries in the series are as follows: "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956); "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978); "Body Snatchers" (1993); and "The Invasion" (2007).
The first one is in Black & White and is probably too dated and tame for most modern viewers, but it's still worthwhile; it takes place in small town, California. This 1978 sequel switches the setting to the big city. The 1993 movie shifts to an army base in the deep south while the 2007 version switches back to the big city of Washington DC.
This rendition has a peculiar tone with a lot of the events taking place at night. There’s a subdued eerie and dreary air with paranoia morphing into conspiratorial and then ghastly reality. The 70’s atmosphere and cast are highlights, as is the score with its unnerving pieces. Brooke Adam’s has exquisitely sculptured facial features (eyes, nose, lips, teeth, chin, cheeks and forehead). The creepy pod-birthing sequence in the garden is cogently done.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour, 55 minutes and was shot in San Francisco. WRITER: W.D. Richter.
GRADE: B
Aug 1, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This Science Fiction/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Invasion of the Body Snatchers presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Philip Kaufman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Invasion of the Body Snatchers took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 116 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 155 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 406 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Invasion of the Body Snatchers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Candyman, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Invasion of the Body Snatchers subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Red Dragon and Martyrs explore similar territory, Invasion of the Body Snatchers stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 20, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Budget: $3,500,000
- Revenue: $24,946,533
Where to Watch
