The Day the Earth Stood Still: A Movie Review

Note: This article is a rewrite of a Christian, biblical, creationist review of the movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still." The purpose is to make the content more accessible while preserving all original facts and reasoning.

Introduction

"The Day the Earth Stood Still" is a movie remake of the 1951 sci-fi classic with the same name. Starring Keanu Reeves, this film explores the arrival of an alien named Klaatu, who comes to Earth to save it from destruction. While the original movie had strong Christian themes and analogies to Jesus Christ, this modern adaptation focuses more on environmental concerns. In this review, we will delve into key differences between the two films and discuss their underlying messages.

The Alien Arrival

In the original film, Klaatu comes to Earth as an ambassador from an intergalactic federation concerned about humanity's escalating wars and nuclear capability. He warns Earth's leaders that if they do not disarm, a powerful robot named Gort will be left behind as an intergalactic policeman, ready to destroy the Earth at any sign of trouble. Klaatu befriends a young boy and his mother while hiding among humans.

The modern adaptation alters some aspects of Klaatu's character. He no longer goes by the name "Carpenter," and there is no resurrection or direct Christ analogy. However, Klaatu still possesses advanced healing abilities and even resurrects a recently deceased policeman, despite being responsible for his death in the first place.

Sin and Environmentalism

The original movie presented sin as humanity's tendency to hurt and destroy each other through wars and violence. However, the modern adaptation redefines sin to fit today's hyperenvironmentalistic worldview. Instead of focusing on human-to-human harm, it emphasizes the damage humans inflict on the earth itself.

This shift aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental concerns in our society. The movie suggests that humans need to repent for their actions against the earth rather than focusing on interpersonal conflicts. It reflects a worldview where environmental activism takes precedence over other moral considerations.

Judgment Day and Salvation

In the original film, the robot Gort was an eight-foot-tall machine designed to protect Klaatu. If anything were to happen to Klaatu, his robot companion could be commanded with the phrase "Klaatu barada nikto!" to repair him and refrain from retaliation. The modern adaptation expands Gort's role, transforming him into a towering colossus capable of withstanding any attack. However, it is unclear why the plot requires Gort's presence other than to establish a connection with the original film.

Notably, the modern adaptation portrays scenes reminiscent of biblical judgment and destruction. Locust-like creatures emerge from Gort's body, consuming metal structures and even people. These scenes evoke imagery from biblical plagues and Noah's Ark.

In a surprising twist, humanity receives a reprieve in the end, not through mass environmental repentance but through an evolutionary revelation. The movie suggests that crisis situations prompt species to evolve, hinting at the idea that humans could evolve their way out of their destructive behavior towards the earth.

Why This Matters

"The Day the Earth Stood Still" raises important questions about humanity's relationship with the environment and our responsibility for its preservation. While the original film highlighted themes of redemption and salvation through Christ-like analogies, the modern adaptation focuses more on environmentalism and humanity's capacity for evolution.

Understanding these differences helps us engage in conversations about our worldview and its implications for how we view sin, redemption, and our role as stewards of the earth. It prompts us to consider whether our actions align with biblical teachings and how we can balance environmental concerns with other aspects of Christian faith.

Think About It

1. How does the modern adaptation's focus on environmentalism impact the overall message of the movie?
2. Do you think it is possible for humanity to evolve its way out of destructive behavior towards the earth?
3. How can Christians effectively address environmental concerns while staying true to biblical teachings?

As we ponder these questions, let us seek wisdom and discernment in understanding our role as caretakers of God's creation and how to navigate the complex issues surrounding environmentalism in light of our faith.