The Fly (1958)

2013-17819

                The film piqued my interest right from the beginning because it started in medias res[1]. The story started with a puzzling situation that made more and more sense as one of the main characters recalls the events. Another reason why the film caught my attention is the great mind of the scientist Andre. He was able to create something so genius yet, he does not make wise decisions. A scientist must know what and who NOT to test their experiments with, especially if their inventions are still prototypes.

                The film showcased scientists as the key to helping society have an easier and more efficient life in the future. It is sending a message that scientists mean well. But sometimes, they cross a very thin line when they don’t follow safety rules and laboratory conducts. They could actually harm society (and in the film’s case, even the scientists themselves); the opposite of what they are actually trying to do. The only issue of morality play in the film was if Helen, wife of Andre, is guilty for murdering a part-man, part-fly creature. If the verdict is yes, then the police chief is also guilty of murder for smashing the part-man, part-fly creature.

                Based on the film, people from the 1950s were very imaginative. They were able to think of a device so complicated, that even now in the 2010s seem very far from possible. Aside from being imaginative, they were also innovative. Did you see that teleporting machine? It had lots of knobs to turn as you set it up. It even had different colored neon lights that lit up as the machine processes the disintegration and reintegration of molecules. Now that’s creative!