I have a bunch of movie posters on the walls in my office. I spend so much time in this little white box that it’s nice to look up, from time to time, and see pictures of stuff that bring me joy. (Yes. I also have pictures of my wife and children. Shut up.) One of the posters is for Don Siegel’s science fiction-horror classic “INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS”. It’s a really nice poster.
The film is based on a Jack Finney novel of the same name (that I swear I plan to read one day). It’s one of the great science fiction concepts that seems to always feel relevant. It’s also one of the best horror archetypes out there. Seeing something familiar that you see every day and one day suddenly knowing, deep in your gut, today it’s different.
There have been 4 direct adaptations of the novel (and it’s inspired probably dozens of other novels, shows and films):
The first, the aforementioned 1956 version that starred Kevin McCarthy.
Second, a 1978 remake directed by Philip Kaufman which in some ways is even greater than the original.
In 1993 Abel Ferrara directed “Body Snatcher” which is a pretty good pulp sci-fi horror that pales in comparison to the all-time classics it succeeds.
Finally in 2007 we have “The Invasion” directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel but it’s dogshit and the less said about it the better.
1956, 1978, 1993, 2007.
22 years between 1956 and 1978
15 years between 1978 and 1993
14 years between 1993 and 2007
13 years between 2007 and 2020
According to my calculations? We’re due for another Invasion of the Body Snatchers movie.
This is the first of a category of blog posts I’m calling “Brain Droppings” (in honor of the late, great George Carlin) in which to file these sort of stupid, unfinished thoughts that are of no value to anyone but I don’t need cluttering up my head.
Currently Playing: Kannibal – “(final)FANTASYWAVE(vii)”
Currently (still) Reading: ORIGAMY, Rachel Armstrong (CA) (US)
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