Essay Questions

What was Klaatu’s objective for visiting Earth and what are the implications of his trip?

Klaatu makes the trip to Earth to deliver a message, or some might even argue, an ultimatum to mankind: make peace with one another or face annihilation. The message he delivers is a mixed bag with interesting implications for the rest of humanity: mankind is now face with the undeniable truth that they are not alone in the universe and that they, compared with the rest of the galaxy, might as well be spear-throwing cavemen. The message also comes across like the warning of a well-meaning but exasperated parent scolding unruly children. The inhabitants of Earth now have much to chew on; either they work much harder than ever to resolve their differences or be wiped out, which makes for an interesting conversation: will man finally achieve peace now that there is a motivation has the capacity to actually unify the world or will the selfishness of a handful of men win out and doom humanity to extinction?

The film features some overt messianic themes, how does it explore this?

The film’s anti-war sentiment and manner of delivery of this message of peace can be seen as a definite Christian allegory: a mysterious, prophet-like character comes from the sky then takes human form to make himself more relatable to humanity. Said character then proceeds to share a message of peace, a peace coupled with the thinly veiled threat of extermination by forces more powerful and more knowing should humanity not live up to the requirements of the agreement. Even Klaatu’s choice of Earth pseudonym, Mr. Carpenter, is a Christian reference. The trend of Christian allusions of a supernatural savior is maintained all throughout the film; Klaatu also resurrected from death and towards the end of the film he eventually returns to his “heavenly home” via his saucer.

Who or what do Klaatu and Gort symbolize?

Klaatu is the herald of intergalactic forces who want, despite the threats, lasting world peace. Gort, on the other hand, represents the ire of these powerful otherworldly beings--a technological angel of death--in a manner of speaking. A viewer may also regard Klaatu as in the in-film representation all the nations of the earth, except perhaps the US and the old Soviet Republic. After the Second World War, these two nations were the first to wield weapons with the ability to literally set the world on fire. While the rest of the Earth’s nations were at relative peace, the nuclear arms race had begun for America and the USSR. Klaatu’s inferred missive is certain: no one else should have to suffer simply because the leaders of America and Russia, with their ability to kill and destroy millions in a heartbeat, could not play nice together. Gort therefore, may represent just that---the very real threat of nuclear annihilation caused by fear, old hatreds, and good old fashioned pointless aggression.