War of the Worlds (2005)

Ramblin: An Amblin Podcast

We finish the tub of Neopolitan Spielberg trilogy by saving the best (chocolate) for last: his 2005 adaptation of WAR OF THE WORLDS. Together with returning guest Harley Mumford (of the fabulous Fandomentals podcast), we talk through the various different interpretations of H.G. Wells’ 1897 classic—particularly Orson Welles’ (no relation) infamous 1938 broadcast and the 1953 movie—and chart how each acts as a response to its particular place and time. In this instance, we discuss Spielberg’s film as an explicit response to 9/11 (and its place as the final instalment of his Paranoid Sci-Fi Trilogy), the surprisingly dour tone for a summer blockbuster and what the changes to the source material say to the contemporary mindset. We also talk about Tom Cruise in deadbeat dad mode, draw some surprising connections with the Jurassic Park sequels and try to understand what the hell is going on with Robbie. Andy also talks about the musical. A lot. Brace yourselves.

You can follow Harley on Twitter at @HarleyMumford and his Fabdomentals Podcast at @FandomentalsPod. You can listen to Fandomentals wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email [e-mail]. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter-Clayton & Greg Sheffield for the theme music.