H.G. Wells' Things to Come is a science fiction movie directed by William Cameron Menzies that was originally released in 1936. The film is based on Wells' 1933 book, The Shape of Things to Come, and offers a vision of the future that is both dystopian and hopeful. The movie is set in the fictional city of Everytown, which is destroyed by an apocalyptic war in the year 1940. The city is left in ruins, and its inhabitants struggle to survive in the aftermath. The story then jumps forward to the year 2036, where a new society has emerged from the ashes of the old one.
The main character of the film is John Cabal, played by Raymond Massey. Cabal is a visionary who believes that humanity can be saved and that a better world can be built. He spends his time trying to convince the people of Everytown to embrace his ideas and work together to build a brighter future.
Cabals' adversary is a man named Rudolf, played by Edward Chapman. Rudolf is a warlord who rules over a group of people who live in the ruins of Everytown. He is opposed to Cabal's ideas and believes that the world should be ruled by force and violence.
The film explores a range of themes such as the nature of progress, the dangers of war and the potential for a better future. It presents a bleak picture of a world torn apart by war and conflict, but it also offers hope that people can come together and rebuild a better world.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its visual style. The film was made in 1936 and is a masterpiece of early science fiction cinema. The special effects are impressive for their time, and the film's vision of the future is both striking and imaginative.
One of the key motifs of the film is the idea of progress. Cabal is a believer in progress and sees it as the only way to build a better future for humanity. He fights against Rudolf and the forces of darkness to build a better future for all.
The film also explores the dangers of war and the impact it can have on human society. The war that destroys Everytown is portrayed as a cataclysmic event that leaves the city in ruins and destroys human civilization. The film makes a strong case for peace and cooperation between nations as a way of avoiding such disasters.
Despite the bleakness of its vision, H.G. Wells' Things to Come is ultimately a hopeful film. It presents a vision of the future that is far from perfect, but also one in which humanity has the potential to build a better world.
The film is notable for its strong performances, especially from Raymond Massey, who is excellent as the visionary John Cabal. Edward Chapman is also impressive as the ruthless warlord Rudolf. The supporting cast is also strong and helps to create a fully realized and believable world.
Overall, H.G. Wells' Things to Come is an important and influential work of science fiction cinema. It presents a vision of the future that is both dystopian and hopeful and explores a range of themes that are still relevant today. The film's impressive special effects, strong performances, and imaginative vision make it a classic of early science fiction cinema.
