It Came From Outer Space is a Cold War-era parable warning against the dangers of paranoia and xenophobia. The film works in large part because of writer Ray Bradbury's allegorical richness; his story was the basis for Harry J. Essex's screenplay, and it represents aliens as a giant, all-seeing eye. Notable as the first of several 1950s films to have visitors from outer space take human forms, It Came is an effective companion to such paranoia films as Quatermass II (1957) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). Even if it can't be seen its original 3-D form, Clifford Stine's tightly composed cinematography conveys the characters' sense of fear and apprehensive curiosity. Director Jack Arnold allows the story's pace to build gradually, following the careful constructs of Bradbury's tale.
It Came From Outer Space (1953)
Directed by Jack Arnold
Genres - Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller |
Sub-Genres - Alien Film, Sci-Fi Horror |
Release Date - May 25, 1953 (USA - Unknown), Jun 5, 1953 (USA) |
Run Time - 80 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
Share on