Independence Day (1996)

Directed by: Roland Emmerich | 145 minutes | action, science fiction, thriller | Actors: Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Will Smith, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Margaret Colin, Vivica A. Fox, Randy Quaid, Robert Loggia, James Rebhorn, Harvey Fierstein, Adam Baldwin, Brent Spiner, James Duval, Lisa Jakub, Harry Connick Jr., Mae Whitman

The Martians are coming! The space race in the 1950s sparked an unprecedented interest among the American population in all things extraterrestrial. The most famous incident from this period is the recovery of a – according to many – UFO (Unidentified Flying Object). In 1947, such a spaceship is said to have crashed near the American town of Roswell. The US Air Force has come up with various explanations for the incident over the years, which have not helped its credibility in the case. A considerable myth has arisen about these and other UFO sightings in the years that followed. A series like “”X-Files”” that many watched in the early 90s is based on this myth-making. The popularity of that series had its influence on other series and films that also responded to this subject. It is therefore not surprising that the Roswell incident appears to be an important part of ‘Independence Day’. Roland Emmerich’s 1996 film is a representation of what many feared in the first decades after World War II.

The question of whether we are alone in the universe is quickly answered. While a gigantic spaceship is on its way to Earth, we quickly become acquainted with the various protagonists: a young, idealistic president and his overzealous press spokesman, a timid cable television technician and his wayward father, an alcoholic pilot and his family and a young Air Force pilot and his girlfriend. They are all connected in a crucial way to the story and their lives will change forever after the arrival of the alien visitors.

Since it is clear from the start that the film is working towards a climax on the 4th of July (the American Independence Day), the film moves from situation to situation at a rapid pace. This fast pace is very effective in creating a sense of threat and danger. Special mention must also be made for the wonderfully bombastic film music by David Arnold, which ensures that the action scenes radiate just that little bit more threat. The special effects (explosions, spaceships and destruction) are also of excellent quality. All this contributes to the high adrenaline and entertainment content of the film.

Unfortunately, the film also has some weaknesses. Although some well-known names play in it (Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman among others), the various characters never really get off the ground. Pullman is a miscast as president. However, Smith and Goldblum try their best and Judd Hirsch has a brilliant supporting role as Goldblum’s father. Still, the characters and story stick to the comic level. In addition, the film contains a considerable portion of (nationalistic) sentiments, especially in the last part (what do you want with such a title), and that can come across as disturbing. Just notice Pullman’s pathetic speech (including rousing music) just before the big counterattack. This attack is a strong finale full of action and tension.

In short, ‘Independence Day’ is a glowing and exciting but also very volatile and superficial science fiction/disaster film. Anyway, these kinds of bombastic films are therefore intended as a cinematographic “thrill-ride” and Emmerich’s film succeeds very well in this.