Them! (1953)

Them! (Gordon Douglas, 1953)
Atomic age sci-fi is usually smarter than audiences in a post-Mystery Science Theater 2000 mediascape give them credit for and Them! is smarter than most atomic age sci-fi.  Taking the approach of exploratory film film rather than battle film, it maintains intellectual credibility through tiny details (gas masks, geography, acknowledgement of countries and governments besides the USA) and hides the creatures until much later into the film.  The struggle is not to believe that giant ants exist but to figure out where they're hiding.  

The detective maps are spread thin, but finally, "we'll let you know when he's well" is what they tell the psycho ward of the guy who saw ant-like UFOs.  She's the token smart woman but she doesn't fall in love this time, light affection, perhaps, but it was the 50's in LA...

Clever performances.  
James Whitmore gives his life without fanfare.  
The scientist is older and a little out-of-the-age-of-machines.  
No hesitation to study for science.  
No loyalties to biology.  
He understands that danger awaits research, despite fascination.  
Beautiful black-and-white cinematography -- shocking red and blue title on top of a B&W desert.  

Notes of doom and forboding -- the atom bomb bring unknown futures in itself and its effects.  
Carefulness and curiosity.  
Several Wilhelm screams.

film journal entry: 07.09.2012