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The film ‘The War of the Worlds’ is based on the famous novel by H.G. Wells writing from 1898 (Paramount 2005).There are two versions,Byron Haskin’s 1953 and Steven Spielberg’s 2005.    The following paragraphs will make a comparison between different versions. The historical and political components of making those two films will be considered.

At the beginning of the 1953 version, the film uses black-and-white footage to show the First World War (1914-1918) and Second World War (1939-1945) meanwhile off screen voice mention‘Now, fought with the terrible weapons of superscience menacing all mankind and every creature on earth comes the war of the world.’    (Haskin 1953). Based on this particular period of 20th century 50's,   it is clear to say this beginning was inflected strongly by historical and political reasons. World War II had ended only eight years before and the Cold War was beginning to start between two super nations.The nuclear weapon was very possible to be used during the Cold War time.     Film seems to send a message to the world that is live in peace;     otherwise war (aliens) must be

destroy our beautiful planet that is causing a threat to our existence.

Turn to the new version that time goes into 21^st century. At first scene, the director used a bench of the long shot, full shot and close shot to picture our green planet. She looks so peaceful,but off screen voice that you know the fact was not like you image(Spielberg 2005).             This implies thing may look very safety but you never know what is going to happen next or even it has already been dangerous situation, people just do not recognize that.     These senses have made by film to audiences are also relevant to historical background. So far,Cold War had been terminated long time ago.No one can against American on straight way. But the Terrorism, terrorists never stop their terror attack to nations,    and terrorists are hiding everywhere.   Terrorism is becoming a serious problem.

9 11 event,    for example, a heavy terror attacked to American in 2001. The film has made under this sort of historical environment.

It seems to describe Martians as terrorists and aliens invading as terror attacking    (they both no foretoken and do terrible damage). Consider these situations that is not different to understand why the director put those lines at beginning of the film.

When movie goes on to show aliens to start the first truly global invasion of Earth. Their spacecrafts are landing all over the globe, attacking and destroying major cities. In 1953 version, the film mentioned how the people in England, they made a great showing against the Martians. But film did not cover every country in world, especially Red Scare countries (Mirror 2001), such as Russian, china or North Korea. Based on historical considerations, at the 20th century 50's, Capitalism countries and Socialism countries, they did not have one thing in common. American film, of course did not want to show a picture of their enemies in positive way. Even if there was a frame to show China in this film, China was very possible to play a role as partner of Martians. It could be a political consideration as well, the Red Scare countries was going pretty well at 1950s. Film seemed to imply that under any situation, American would not league with any socialism countries, Even if aliens invaded our planet.

But in 2005 version, the film has Frequently appeared Chinese face. In the scene Tom Cruise was arrested by aliens and was imprisoned in the iron basket, for example, there was a Chinese people were trying to help him to get away. This changing is not only caused by time, but political environment as well. For some reasons, particular economic reason, American recognized that china is a biggest market. For own benefit purpose must deal with China. Capitalism and Socialism do have something in common. The changing of political attitude leads to the changing of the movie (Rosenbaum 1997).

At the end of this film, 1953 version set up the last exterior at the church and a lot of people prayed over there. There was a father said ‘ in our peril we plead, succour and comfort us in this hour. Please god.’ (Haskin 1953). This scene was also influenced by specific historical factors. Audiences at the 20th century 50's, most of them suffered pain from the Second World War. They surly understood when death was getting closer and closer, how much people need god to comfort and succour their heart. Obviously the religion had a great power during the wartime. Turn back to the film, only at that particular historically moment. Direct arranged that showing as ending of the film could make film more reliable and impressive.

As no world war at today, the war of the world 2005 version did not show picture about religion that much. At the last of the film, it was very Typical American happy ending. The family has been together again, no one dead. But before this scene there was a picture showed the terrible damage of cities on the screen. The direct combined those two scenes at purpose. As before mentioned terrorism as a horrible shadow never clearing up, and it seems not easy to get rid of them. The damage cities implied to us the terrorist did horrible things before and may do it in the future again. On the other hand when the father hugged his children and smiled. It seems to send a confidence to public and make an announcement whatever it happened before or it will be happening. The important thing is people still here and we are unity. People are together now, nothing to be afraid. People together can defeat any enemy. This sense is also government wants give to public. Therefore this ending related to today’s situation was very suitable.

In generally there are number of comparison between two films. Such as identify of the main actor. One is a scientist of astrophysics and nuclear physics (1953); another is normal employee (2005). They are totally different social position and function. To Determinate the main actor’s status still has to considerer the historical and political needs. Cold War timing, as a professional scientist to play in a film is a very smart idea, it is an attractive role. But now days, world do not need weapon experts as before. Everyone is individual and living in the independent life, small role definitely more convincible. It is clear to see, although Steven Spielberg has always stated to be highly influenced by the 1953 version of The War of the Worlds (Welles 2005). Comparison still could be made everywhere between those movies. Even posters, but all comparison should be considered by historical and political factors.