[March 20, 2025] In 1953, Orson Wells’ The War of the Worlds hit the big screens across the nation. I would see it in 1964, along with my brother Philip, two years my junior. I remember us both being scared of the Martians in their great machines. Perhaps this is what sparked my interest in Science Fiction.
Our dad didn’t know mom had dropped us off at the Bastrop Theatre. He would have disapproved because “movies are a waste of money.” But, we wanted to see it in living technicolor, and we did.
There’s a saying among adults, as we gave advice to young kids who want to see a scary movie. It is, “watch the hero.” Go to the movie and “just watch the hero.” We do it because the hero wins and although we are scared, we get to see the hero win and to understand the message that triumph wins out over catastrophe.
Later, when our dad discovered that we paid to see the movie, and yes, he asked why we would freely go to a movie to be scared. Dr. Jordan Peterson believes that we are not paying to be scared. In actuality, we are paying for the experience for the mastery over being scared. So, we can voluntarily confront it.
I think we go to movies like “War of the Worlds” or “The Wizard of Oz” to face the unknown because we cannot avoid looking at it. We are driven to look at the poisonous snake, like the Israelites were told to go and look at the bronze snake on Moses’ staff. That is the curative power of voluntarily confronting our fears.
In the Biblical book of Genesis, Adam and Eve’s interaction with the serpent means the end of Paradise, just like in real life. There is the idea that the serpent in the Garden of Eden was Satan, trying to destroy God’s works.
People often look back in their lives and say they were knocked out of their easy, settled ways by a particular event. Looking back, they’ll say that made them grow up. The serpent is the catalyst to improve our lives.
The War of the Worlds remains one of my favorites. It shocked me and helped me realize that there are heroes and that the hero can win.
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True! A truly beautiful movie. And one that is a scary one when I first saw it.
Ed, you’re probably as old as I am and watched War odnthe Worlds in an old movie theater while eating popcorn and drinking soda – all too far expensive and had to get our dad to pay for it. Besides, it was a badge of honor to be able to sit through the entire movie without screaming. Our sisters were allowed, of course, but to be a”man” you had to tough it out. I learned to hold my fears and that was a skill I would later apply while I was in the U.S. Navy.
Sounds like my time as a young kid.
My fav film. 🎥
Talk about fear on another subject, why are Democrats scared of Donald Trump who is now deporting illegals and terrorists. Wow, how can they support criminals and terrorists over American citizens.
It’s an interesting take, sir, that you think we watch these scary movies not to be scared but to learn to contend with being scared. I know you said Dr. Jordan Peterson said it too but the idea is intriguing. I have a sister who loves horror movies and she could watch them all day and not be scared like me. She’s seen so many that it’s like a drug in that she needs more and more horror to achieve the same rush of terror.
Yup, main point. Thanks Tony, my man. Good catch.
One of the best movies from the 20th century.
Great article about why we psychologically watch scary movies.
Roger Ebert review of 2005 War of the Worlds remake was not so good. Two stars of four.
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/war-of-the-worlds-2005
This is why I prefer the original movie to remakes. The remakes are more into improving cinematic views than better acting. Modern actors are not that good And I don’t give a wit about their political opinions.
Same here, Army Capt. The original, which was in technicolor was the best. The color was a great addition. But, unlike Gen. Satterfield, I saw it on my parent’s black and white television set. And I still was scared.
Great movie, War of the Worlds. 🧐😁😇🥲😜😝🥳🥹🥰🤨😀🤩