They Live (1988)
You still don't get it, do you boys? There ain't no countries anymore - no more good guys. They're running the whole show!
THE SUMMARY: A strangely jacked hobo discovers the truth through the lenses of a secret society’s specially-equipped sunglasses: overlords in plain sight run everything and will have us dead if we dare any resistance. Do I just love this movie for its current relevance, or has it always been relevant, it’s just, ironically, we haven’t had the glasses to see it? Either way, it’s an excellent watch.
THE BEST:
Great writing: Highly memorable lines like ‘I’m here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I’m all out of bubblegum,’ ‘life’s a bitch and she’s back in heat,’ etc. Are these cheesy? Yes, but it’s not just catchy one-liners - the themes of the writing are also excellent.
Better themes: What I loved most about this movie is the way it represents current social and political struggles, and the questions we ask ourselves every day. Should I cave to the power structure so I can get by and provide for my family? Should I open my eyes and resist with everything I have, even if it means my death? The dynamic between Nada and Frank is a battle between these interests, with Nada fighting to get Frank to see the truth, and Frank wanting to protect his family in comfortable ignorance. Ultimately though, the power structure comes for both of them. Even if you don’t want the fight, you still get the fight.
That struggle is summarized perfectly by this exchange:
Frank: I have a job now, and I plan on keeping it. I'm walking a white line all the time. I don't bother nobody - nobody bothers me. You better start doing the same.
Nada: White line's in the middle of the road. That's the worst place to drive.
Isn’t that what we all want - to build a livelihood and a family and be left alone? But what happens if the powers-that-be refuse to leave us alone? Should we accept the system if the system is abuse - is accepting that abuse actually protecting ourselves and our families? And even if we don’t want the fight, what happens when the fight wants us?
At the end of the movie, the power alliance said it will have dominion by 2025 - is the prophecy nearing completion?
A man who died for his principles: In addition to the respectable death, the ending was great - I love a good shocker before the credit roll. When I die, I hope it is with such honor.
Iconic art style: Yeah, I know I’ll get shit for being so critical of Tremors for its effects while giving this movie praise for it. But it’s not just about realism or believability. It’s about the art style. It’s about memorability. The style of the alien faces was bold, unique, and just plain cool. Is that subjective? Sure. But when you think of They Live you’ll immediately remember what those faces look like. Not so with other movie monsters.
THE WORST: I have very little negative to say about this movie, only nitpicks.
It was strange that ‘marry and reproduce’ was one of the ‘control’ messages like ‘obey’ and ‘consume.’ Marriage and reproduction are strong paths to independence and freedom, not slavery.
It was also strange that a man could shoot two police officers in broad daylight and just walk away from it, but then I remembered this is LA, so it’s actually pretty realistic.
The fight between Nada and Frank was quite long. At first I thought it was just a gratuitous showcase of wrestling moves, but after thinking about it, I can still appreciate the metaphor for trying to open someone’s eyes. That fight is exactly what it feels like to debate a true believer about the wage gap. Just put on the damn glasses! Open your eyes!
Infinite ammunition - I don’t think I saw anybody reload a weapon once, yet hundreds of rounds are fired. Don’t let Joe Biden see those magical high capacity mags!
THE RATING: 5/5 Wickies - I thoroughly love this movie.
YOUR RATING: Vote here ⬇
NEXT WEEK: ALIEN (1979)
AFTER THAT? YOU PICK - VOTE!