The War Of The Worlds Analysis

The War of the Worlds The War of the Worlds is a phenomenal story, written by H.G. Wells, about a group of Martians who invade Earth after spending thousands of years investigating its inhabitants. The melodrama was radio broadcasted in 1938 by George Orson Welles, and was developed into two films, which premiered in 1953 and 2005. Although each depiction of the story is wonderfully executed, each one has unique aspects of realism, audience involvement, and storyline. George Orson Welles, along with the Mercury Theater, preformed a radio dramatization of The War of the Worlds with an unprecedented nationwide reaction. Due to the Welles’ ineffable attention to detail, and the actors’ flawless performances, most citizens thought that the show …show more content…
Both follow the same basic plot: invaders come to Earth in what appears to be a terrible storm, destroy thousands of humans and towns, and eventually die due to a bacterial infection. However, both stories follow two very different characters. George Welles’ version follows a professor at Princeton University who attempted to explain the alleged meteor shower caused by the aliens. After being the only survivor of an alien attack, he remains inside of a building and becomes obsessed with the idea that he might be the last human on Earth. He finds a way to leave the building he is in and look for other survivors. Eventually he finds a veteran of the American militia, and they discuss their ideas about the invasion and the fate of mankind. The veteran explains that the aliens have been watching humans for millions of years, and that they will continue to kill the weakest of mankind. He claims that the smartest and strongest humans will be held as prisoners and experimented on. This scene is pivotal to the story, as it gives the audience insight into what is actually happening outside of the main character’s knowledge. While the veteran’s opinion is extreme, it still serves the purpose of broadening the audiences’ imagination. Steven Spielberg’s version also invokes imagination through its unique characters and intense scenes. This version follows a single dad, Ray Ferrier, is taking care of his children for the weekend. Ray is clever and resourceful during the attacks, and attempts to take bring his children back to their mother, where he knows they will be safe. Along the way, Ray’s son nobly joins the military, while he and his daughter find refuge in a cellar with a