Movies
Movie Night_The Day the Earth Stood Still
by Bob Thornton
Questions for discussion:
1) Klaatu has been described as a Christ-like figure. What is the first evidence in the film that this is so?
(Hint: Pay close attention to the suit he “borrows” from the cleaners.)
2) How are the people in authority on Earth portrayed? Is this a fair representation?
3) Klaatu’s home is portrayed as a civilization without wars. Is this a realistic goal for mankind? Did
Christ come to bring this kind of “peace”?
4) What are some of the personality traits that Klaatu exhibits which make him a Christ-like figure?
5) Do you see any Christian parallels in the robot Gort? If so, what are they?
6) Does Klaatu’s final message to mankind have a Christian theme? Why or why not?
It is still shocking to me that director Wise was clueless as to the Messanic theme in this movie. When Klaatu first spoke in exiting the space ship he said that he brought tidings of “peace and good will” to men. And he used the name “Carpenter.” Wise apparently knew absolutely nothing about Christianity or he couldn’t think abstractly.
Very interesting movie, especially being from that era and all that angst and fear I had forgotten about.