The
post World War II Zeitgeist of America included anti-Communist and pro-democracy
movements. Notable movements included the McCarthy hearings and the House
Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). In particular, HUAC targeted members
of Hollywood as communist sympathizers. Those who did not cooperate by giving
additional names to the committee were blacklisted. In this context, how
did Hollywood handle science fiction films in light of anti-Communist fears?
Of course, Hollywood capitalized upon the fears of communist takeover. At
the same time, some films critique conformity and xenophobia. Science fiction
films of the 1950's often equated aliens with communists. The aliens are
so different from humans, suggesting that communists differ from Americans
in a significant manner. An alien invasion, either violent or subtle, equates
to a communist takeover. Several science fiction films displayed the fear
of brainwashing. The fear of brainwashing stemmed from "a general fear of
national takeover through the use of much publicized 'brainwashing' techniques"
(Katovich and Kinkade 629). Though such fears were exaggerated, they attracted
audiences to the theater.
Why
did Hollywood feel the need to resort to fear as a tactic to gaining audiences?
On a tangential note, television proliferated throughout America during
the 1950's. Many Americans stayed home to watch television. In addition,
Americans were spending their disposable income on newly affordable items
such as automobiles and home appliances. In the 1950's, Hollywood studios
produced science fiction and horror films that maximized the dark theater
environment. In addition, the studios created 3D movies in order to entice
theatergoers.
Plots that involve
brainwashing in science fiction films encapsulate the American fear of communist
takeover. For example, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) reveals itself
as film about brainwashing by painting an atmosphere of paranoia. In this
film, citizens of a town are being transformed into "pod people," emotionless
beings that look like normal people. In the equation, Americans associate
communists with those that lack individuality and emotion. This film may
be viewed as an anti-Communist narrative in this light. However, the film
can be viewed as a critique of McCarthyism. In this light, Invasion of the
Body Snatchers suggests that the pod people are conformists who believe
in McCarthyism. Such people have lost their humanity and those who fight
the conformity are heroes. As mentioned before, the House Un-American Activities
Committee (HUAC) blacklisted many members of Hollywood. Thus, some writers
and directors may depict McCarthyism in a negative manner. Because of the
anti-McCarthy tone, the studio imposed a prologue and epilogue to sway the
film into the pro-McCarthy camp.
