Sci-Fi Classic Review: THINGS TO COME (1936)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ค. 2024
- This movie represents H.G. Wells' most earnest attempt to show the world his vision of the future as the world was gearing up for a new World War, but the behind-the-scenes drama and unconventional script made Things to Come a disappointment in its day.
If you're looking for a "review" in the traditional sense, then let me just say I aapreciate this movie. This video, however, is a "review" in the literal sense (using the Miriam-Webster definition "a retrospective view or survey"), in that I'm going over the history of the film and its place in sci-fi cinema history.
In other words, please stop commenting on how my videos aren't what you consider "reviews."
#ThingsToCome #HGWells #futurism
00:00 Intro
02:54 Synopsis
03:59 Production Background & Design
05:46 Music
07:02 Casting
09:46 Filming
11:10 Shameless Self-Promotion
11:50 Release & Legacy
13:28 Opinion & Analysis
16:58 Outro
www.emagill.com/
/ emagill
/ writeremagill
/ e_magill
PARADOX
www.amazon.com/dp/150321978X
THE STREAMING HEAP
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5UMysxa...
FROM HERE TO PATERNITY
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/77qxdR1...
MY DISCORD SERVER
/ discord
Related video reviews:
2001: A Space Odyssey - • Sci-Fi Classic Review:...
Bride of Frankenstein - • Horror Classic Review:...
Destination Moon - • Sci-Fi Classic Review:...
Logan's Run - • Sci-Fi Classic Review:...
Metropolis - • Sci-Fi Classic Review:...
Time After Time - • Sci-Fi Classic Review:...
-----------
"La Cathédrale engloutie" by Claude Debussy, as performed by Ivan Ilic, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license (creativecommons.org/licenses/.... The file's sound was compressed for more consistent background volume. - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
![Sci-Fi Classic Review: FRANKENSTEIN (1931) [REMASTERED]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ua8SLHqlyD4/mqdefault.jpg)
![Sci-Fi Classic Review: FRANKENSTEIN (1931) [REMASTERED]](/img/tr.png)
![[UNCUT] ที่นี่ที่แรก ปู - หาญส์ พูดถึงมหากาพย์หนี้สิ้น I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ I 10 ก.ค.67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KDNA9DZ0p4U/mqdefault.jpg)
Really enjoyed this. My grandmother saw this (she would have been 16 at the time), and it really left an impression on her.
In the 80s, she talked of that final future Everytown, and the technology and how it felt it was coming alive around us. We weren't long from many radios and TVs on our wrist. She'd said it was the segment which in some ways scared her the most - a future of things she couldn't image, and wasn't sure what it would mean to be a human among such wonders.
I always appreciate her telling me this and I think of her every time I watch.
I love Things to Come. Massey's final speech has actually brought me to tears, but I'm a sucker for the "Mankind will keep striving! Onward and upward toward a bright new future!" routine. I know it's corny, but it's beautiful, too. It beats the pessimistic science fiction of my youth (mostly starring Charlton Heston).
Where is this so-called peace movement
"What shall it be, Passworthy? What shall it be?"
That guy sure gives a great speech.
He reminds me a lot of Abraham Lincoln...
@@Larkinchance- That kind of peace movement is nowhere to be found, since Wells' vision required a benign dictator. That's an oxymoron. Whatever else he was, he wasn't a sociologist or psychologist. We'd have a better chance of building a benign AI.
@@racookster All due respect, I was not commenting on Well's philosophy, I was commenting on today.... People have no idea how dangerous this conflict is. It is not a f*cking football game...
@@indyspotes3310 Well, he should: Raymond Massey played Lincoln many times. In fact, when he was cast in the film version of Arsenic and Old Lace, they made him up to resemble Boris Karloff (the producers of the play refused to release Karloff because they thought his presence was essential, so Frank Capra cast Massey instead). Uncomfortable with the makeup, he tried to convinced Capra to let him resemble Lincoln instead. Understandably, Capra refused since the revelation was one of the biggest laughs of the play, and it might not have worked as well otherwise. IMO, it didn't work, and I felt they should have just hired Bela Lugosi - the gag still would have worked with him.
Thank you for all the good background on this film. I did not know Wells was so involved.
Very incisive analysis. I particularly liked your lineup and rationale for a 4-picture marathon. I own copies of all four, and was aware of each arising out of disparaging views on its predecessor. I think that I would add a 5th (Interstellar) although I do not think Nolan has made any major criticism of Solaris. The flaws in TTC are certainly there, but I agree it is a classic! Keep 'em coming TUG...
I have always been a fan of this movie, and I watch it all the time. There's a DVD release of Things to Come with a "virtual" version of the film in which they add plate cards with dialogue that was cut out ... and almost certainly long lost. With these plate cards, the film runs about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Unfortunately, it's Region 2, so you need a multiregion DVD player, but I was able to copy this version onto my portable video player. There is a completely lost scene with Marguerita Scott playing a second role, Rowena, in the 2036 segment, which she is still credited for in the film, that focuses on her place in this new society -- and presumably reflecting how Wells himself saw the role of women in the future. Without these scenes, however, Things to Come comes across as far more sexist then Wells almost certainly intended. But then, in the lost scenes, Rowena comes across as particularly self-centered and more concerned with her own self-pleasure, which isn't exactly a flattering image of women.
Still, it is fascinating what Welles intended for the film, and how it was ultimately sabotaged by pretty much everyone -- particularly Wells -- leaving us with barely more than an hour and a half. Of course, if any part of the lost footage still exists, which it probably doesn't, you get an even more talky film than the version we are left with. I still find what we got to be an extraordinary film, but I am glad we have some idea of what Wells actually wanted.
One more point of interest. Ever since I first heard how Wells used his interpretation of the Hindu Trinity in planning the film, I've maintained that, in a way, the Cabals embody each aspect in turn: John Cabal is the Preserver at the start of the film (arguing against the coming war), then the Destroyer in the middle section (destroying the status quo of Ralph Richardson's Boss Rudolph), while Oswald Cabal is the Creator at the end (championing progress and the "space gun" to the moon). That does make Rudolph the Preserver, which, technically, he is, even though it's just preserving HIS tiny piece of the ruin that Everytown has become, despite knowing he's completely over his head -- and he is obsessed with continuing a war he himself recognizes he is incapable of winning.
Perhaps in the end, what makes Things to Come still relevant today is not the view of future history -- long proven false and even less believable now that we are far closer to 2036 -- but the character studies within the film, particularly the Cabals, Rudolph, and Roxanna (Marguerita Scott's remaining role in the film). And that still makes Things to Come worth watching.
Your content is very good...
"Progress! Is there no end to this progress?"
Or something like that... In the New York area around 1950, they had 3 channels on the TV. For want of content, they would show "Things to Come" over and over.. I was 4or 5 and I watched it over and over. It made a life long impression on me.
Two words, Raymond Massey. Right there you know it will be EPIC!
Great review as usual! No need to rush the self-promotion. We love you!
My guess for the next review:
We're going to Venus Ville!
Yes, it is a bit dull, but it is still very memorable. It must be nearly 40 years since I saw it for the second time (as a young teen). I could still remember much of the plot, before watching your overview. The main theme by Bliss is impressive.
Well's hard-sell of a 'Benevolent Dictatorship' is a tad unsettling... But then as a kid I always identified with the Boss! & thanks for referring to the Wandering Sickness as the Proto-Zombie Disease!
I knew you’d have words with me if I didn’t at least mention it! 😎
Hope you quickly get over that cold, even though, as your end clip shows, we all get them.
I've had Things to Come on Region 4 DVD for years, and watch it occasionally. My DVD however doesn't have the extras that the Criterion copy or other DVDs have. Now that I know about them I seriously wish they were on it.
As for my favourite Wells adaption, definitely Island of Lost Souls (the best adaptation to date of Dr Moreau), even though I know Wells himself hated it. Second is a tossup between the 1953 War of the Worlds, the 1964 First Men in the Moon (very funny), and the 1960 The Time Machine (partly due to it being one of Rod Taylor's best roles).
This movie made me fan of the Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic genera when I first saw this as a kid back in the 60's.
This movie set the template for future apocalyptic films where a decades long world war sets civilization back to the dark ages and a plague that turns people zombie like and the rise of regional warlords.
Love the Streamline Moderne tanks. The next generation of tanks should be designed by movie art directors.
I liked the montage that started with stock footage of current 1930s British tank. Then transitioned into an art deco sleek futuristic super tank. Or the troop dying on the wire obstacle and showing his rags hanging there apparently after a long period of time
A different slow burn / dry vision of tomorrow & beyond. An unique watch with patience.
I'm with you on HG Wells in general. While he is my favorite SF author of all time, thanks to War of the Worlds, First Men in the Moon, The Invisible Man, etc, I was aware of his socialist leanings, and disagree wholeheartedly with his worldview. I wasn't really aware of his moral issues, but again, that seems common even among my favorite authors. I can say similar things about Lovecraft, Arthur C Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Poe, etc. I loved all their works, but had issues with either their worldview or their personal behavior, or both. I guess that's why I've always been able to separate the writer as a person from his/her work. I can admire the work, even if their personal life and/or beliefs bother me. If that seems hypocritical, the way I look at it, I don't care what the worldview of my mechanic is, as long as he fixes my car.
I’m with you 100%, and I don’t think it’s hypocritical at all. The value of a thing should never be dependent on the beliefs or even behaviors of its creator. That kind of thinking leads to madness and intolerance. Imho.
I’ve never heard of this film, and the more you tell about it, the most I’m shocked.
I saw it years ago, on the Primary British Service.
For better or worse, I still prefer Island of lost Souls but Things to Come is a close second.
Another comment to feed the algorithm 😀
Thanks for the vid - the M8ling and I enjoyed it.
The vision of the utopic future still looks cool today.
First time I saw it on my black and white TV. I remember it board me I was about ten at the time, The next time I saw it might have been a few years later. I liked the music but it still board me. It was only when I went to a uptown theater doing a double bill science fiction series. Things To Come and Transatlantic Tunnel. It was as if I had never seen it before, visually stunning and creative. was this the same film. It was stirring, The film jumped in status in my eyes. The Man who could work Miracles is a wonderful little movie, far smaller in scope and budget. but witty and thought provoking,. Wells may not have been mr personality. but he was a Science Fiction fountain. The Time Machine, War of the Worlds. Invisable Man, More adaptations of his works even today.. (I am doing a follow up novel to his" Food of the G-d's" subtitled, "Retribution")
An excellent review of the film. I read Wells's review of Metropolis. It made Wells look bad. It is interesting that he didn't use atomic bombs in the film. It would have made the post-apocalyptic results more credible. One hosted showing of Things to Come pointed out is Wells looked at the Chief as a necessary intemediate step before the socialist utopia. Wells had his most distain for the Master Craftsman. Wells looked at art as a glorification of the past which served no good purpose.
Nice review. I don't think the movie is really promoting totalitarianism as you say. I think it is more like an architect designing a building or an engineer's attitude to designing and running machinery. They tend to view a problem as having a logical and efficient solution. That would be true of designing and running an oil refinery or a country. Once the "best way" is found, there shouldn't be any real argument or hedging after that unless you have convincing proof the the system's failure and then everything would be turned on a dime to the new "best way". Of course, a country with people is much more complicated and behaves more like a system of contradictory needs and purposes more in tune to the Chinese sense of the Tao. That is why people think representative democracy is better than the alternatives.
And after this, no studio ever gave any one person singular creative control for a film to detrimental box office again...
Thank you. This is my first time to your channel. I really like this film. Ralph Richardson is wonderful! The unabashed anti-war and pro-science message I find very appealing. Well is a fascinating and very important Progressive-Socialist (not Marxist) figure. I found this film to be hopeful about Humanity and that is refreshing.
I need to read the story. Seen the film a couple of times.
I had the novel of The Shape of Things to Come but could never finish it (although still late teens/early 20s then), even though HG was one of my favourite authors. I was particularly taken with The Sleeper Awakes, thinking it would make a great film, notwithstanding its strong racism. TSoTtC was a slog, being evidently based on dreams a (British?) politician/Lord had that he wrote down of the history to 2300 or so. Like the movie it was seriously skewed to white dominance and authoritarianism. It didn't read well to me in the late 70s, let alone nowadays.
I liked the music for this.
I also thought decades of tank and trench warfare was an interesting, if not short sighted view.
Another awesome review! Thank you
Holy moly that adult man smacked that blond child in the face. Different times.
To be fair, that man was being messed with by Martians, though I doubt that excuse would hold up in court anymore.
From a philosophical perspective, I think The Fountainhead would be a perfect
counterpoint companion film to this one.
Plus, it too has Raymond Massey. Pick a lane, Ray! :)
Good movie 😊
I think it's ironic that Wells disliked Invisible Man and Island of Lost Souls and then went on to make ... this.
It's not the worst film ever made, but the only bit that really hit the target was how an enemy bomber pilot attacks Britain, is shot down, and then gives his gas mask to a kid who would otherwise have died from his bombs.
And yes, exhorting the masses to follow an infalliable leader is painfully ironic.
You mentioned Metropolis. I had heard so much about this movie. The iconic robot is its most lasting and striking image. But it is only on the screen for fifteen minutes. The movie is a gigantic bore. If you have reviewed it I'd like to see it.
I did, but it is one of the earliest videos in my catalogue, so the quality is a bit low for my own sense of pride: th-cam.com/video/KY0vZY_IK3g/w-d-xo.html
@@TheUnapologeticGeek I thought your review was very much to your standards. However, I doubt very much I will ever watch the movie again. TY for your efforts.
I would suggest you might try the Moroder cut of Metropolis from the 80s, it tightens the film up by cutting the running time, has an effective use of tinting and a great 80s soundtrack!
I’ve never watched this movie. I should probably give it a try though. Just seems a little to oddball.
Good review that makes me want to re-watch this one. You missed Welles support for Eugenics which makes his politics distasteful nowadays. Still we have prewar socialist thinkers like him to thank for our national health service in the UK so hooray for him
A brilliant film,a bit dated though.
Oh I guess you watched it already...lol
😂😂😂
This film has nasty Fascist overtones, with Black Shirts skydiving out of aircrafts and a peace gas that only kills swarthy people. One of the most arrogant films ever made, with the Elites know best message.
I don t think Is racist what parte you think Is racist?