The other day a young friend of mine confessed he had not seen The Day the Earth Stood Still. I was genuinely appalled. It has always remained in my head as a basic. It influenced not only other films, but American pop culture as well. When my friend heard “Klaatu berada nikto,” his only reference to it was a line from Armageddon. This most cherished film of my childhood, one I have seen so many times I’ve lost count, this icon which bravely embodied the average Joe’s hope against cold war stupidity, meant nothing to him (other than a quirky quote he didn’t “get” in another movie). I therefore call upon all members of The Cult to rise up and make this unique masterpiece a mandatory view for everyone.
