Writing 'classic' style scifi movie

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David W. Richardson

Chapelgrove Films
Hi all.

I want to write and produce a scifi movie in the 'classic' old style of scifi movies of the 1950s. Not a parody or a spoof. I want to replicate as accurately as possible the look and feel of those old movies, even to the point of setting my story in that time period. Naturally, the movie will be in black-and-white.

The title is "Terror From Space". Don't want to reveal the plotline just yet, but was wondering if anyone had any tips on writing a story in the style of the 50s scifi movies? All suggestions welcome.

Thanks!

David W. Richardson
Chapel Grove Films
 
I would watch a lot of 50's scifi films and take notes on the details. I think besides the look you need to focus on the performance of your actors. 50's acting is much different and less naturalistic than acting today, you're gonna want to replicate that stilted theatrical quality.

Also, if we're talking fifties you're gonna want to weave in some cold war hysteria into the plot. If there's an alien attack people will assume it's the communists, so duck and cover. A lot of 50's films, especially noirs, wove in post WWII cynicism and fatalism about the communist nuclear threat.
 
Excellent thoughts, Isaac! Especially about the Cold War aspect -- I hadn't even thought of that, but you're absolutely right. I'll definitely work that into the storyline somehow.

Good point also about the acting. Normally, actors whose experience is mainly theater don't make the best film actors, but they might just do fine in this project. Something to think about.

Any other thoughts? Thanks!
 
Even if the characters don't literally think the Commies are coming, the aliens (or whatever) still represent the Commies.

Or the beatniks.

More like, it is the metaphor than otherwise.
 
Good point. Maybe a somewhat older character, former Army type, who's convinced it's 'a commie plot', to the bemusement of the others. Too stereotypical?
 
My first thought when I read your post was that the story should somehow be informed by the cold war. And that's what others here are saying.
 
I agree Brian. Just trying to figure out what form that should take. The basic story in a nutshell involves a lone flying saucer that appears on a remote country farm and begins to prepare to destroy the Earth, and the unlikely group of people who become mankind's only hope of stopping it. While I don't want the Cold War to be a real heavy part of the plot, I think it belongs in there somewhere. But where?
 
Read the scripts and see the movies of that era.

Maybe even dig out ED WOOD and read that script/ watch that movie.

EJ
 
I'll definitely be watching a lot of old scifi movies in the near future. One I really like is 'Devil Girl From Mars', which is similar in storyline to my concept. Of course, old B&W low budget scifi movies are hard to find in video stores -- leaving me with no choice but to buy them, which can get pricey. I bought 4 old scifi movies on a single DVD for $1.00 at Wal-Mart the other day. Have to see if I can find any similar buys elsewhere.

I did see "Ed Wood" a couple years ago, but don't remember a whole lot about it. I may have to rent that one again. I do own "Plan 9 From Outer Space", which will be another good one to use for research. In fact, someday I hope to do a remake of that movie -- I've got a great (modernized) storyline all worked up for it. But I'd want to do it right, like Ed Wood would've done it if he'd had the resources. Maybe someday...
 
chapelgrovefilms said:
I bought 4 old scifi movies on a single DVD for $1.00 at Wal-Mart the other day. Have to see if I can find any similar buys elsewhere.
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There's some outfit offering a twenty-five or thirty-title science-fiction/horror collection, on DVD, for very cheap...they advertise on scifi network and History Channel, I think.

Took a science-fiction film/film history course in college ("The Thing," "Them," "Invaders From Mars," "Body Snatchers"etc etc etc) and the discussion after every screening would start out the same way...

Instructor - So, to start with, what did everyone think this film was about?

Class - We're thinking it was a metaphor for Communism, Michael...

Visually, remember to go way cheap on your sets - low detail, flat finishes. Note how many 50s science-fiction stories are basically played out in front of featureless gray flats with one or two pipes, frames, or blinky lights stuck to them.
 
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chapelgrovefilms said:
I agree Brian. Just trying to figure out what form that should take. The basic story in a nutshell involves a lone flying saucer that appears on a remote country farm and begins to prepare to destroy the Earth, and the unlikely group of people who become mankind's only hope of stopping it. While I don't want the Cold War to be a real heavy part of the plot, I think it belongs in there somewhere. But where?
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IMHOP, aliens bent on destroying the earth is all the cold war tie in you'll need. I suggest you focus on developing stronge characters and an engaging drama. That's far more important than any allegorical message or symbolism.
 
While they're not movies (though several have been adapted) you might want to catch some of Philip K. Dick's early short stories which were imbued with a feeling of loss due to nuclear annihilation (the world is often pictured as a slag heap) as well as the loss of humanity.
 
If you have a PS3 / Have a friend with a PS3:

Play the game Resistance: Fall Of Man. No joke. It's got that whole 50's sci-fi aliens/WWII era movie feel. I've never played it nor do I own a PS3, but I've watched someone play it. Oooh.
 
brianluce said:
IMHOP, aliens bent on destroying the earth is all the cold war tie in you'll need. I suggest you focus on developing stronge characters and an engaging drama. That's far more important than any allegorical message or symbolism.
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Well, aren't aliens bent on destroying the Earth, an allegory for Communism...?

I think that, if you watch enough 50s space opera, what you will see is mostly the exact opposite of strong characters and engaging drama.

What you'll see a lot of, is two-dimensional stereotypical characters, and a generous dash of melodrama.

Which is part of the fun.
 
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