go go gadget Spielberg
I saw War of the Worlds last night. As you might expect, it’s short on meaning and long on action, but it’s very well-crafted. It’s got some terrifically terrifying imagery, and Spielberg is a master of juxtaposing the magical with the horrifying, innocence with violence, etc.
I was (oddly?) reminded of Quentin Tarantino in that respect: he likes to weave purity with depravity, too. But then he beats you over the head with it whereas Spielberg merely sort of allows you to witness it. And doesn’t force you to swallow quite so much sickening depravity against your will.
I personally prefer Spielberg … and anyway: the orange city glow in the clouds was ominous last night. Shiver. I’m surprised it’s only PG-13.