Invasion of the Body Snatchers

The body snatchers already paid us a little visit in the great classic “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956) directed by Don Siegel and inspired by the fine Jack Finney novel (1954). Now they’re back in action in this successful remake directed by Philip Kaufman and featuring a top-notch cast – there’s even an amusing cameo by Kevin McCarthy, who starred in the earlier film version.

Among the many recognizable faces, we’d mention the presence of a Spock-like Leonard Nimoy (“You’ll be born again into an untroubled world“) in the role of an icy psychoanalytic-type psychiatrist: (“You’re jumping to a very bizarre conclusion that this man you live with has been replaced by somebody else. Isn’t it more likely that you want to believe that he’s changed because you’re really looking for an excuse to get out?“).

Overall, the film maintains the sociopolitical perspective that characterizes Siegel’s work. However, the concept of transferring the action from a sleepy town out in the boondocks to a metropolis such as San Francisco shifts the spotlight to topics such as lack of communication, the breakdown of the traditional family, and substandard healthcare. On the other hand, the McCarthyist paranoia typical of the 1950s is understandably toned down here.

The special effects are quite good.