Steven Spielberg, speaking at a news conference for the world premiere of his new film War Of The Worlds, has said that 9/11 has left the planet in fear, and he’s reflected this by making a film all about scary aliens bent on destroying the world.

Spielberg (DVDs) says he wanted to make War Of The World now because"It seemed like the time was right for
me as a filmmaker to let the audience experience an alien that is a
little less pleasant than ‘E.T.’ … Today, in the shadow of 9/11, I
think the film has found a place in society."

Historically, he has a point. The Orson Welles radio
play made it’s debut in the 1930’s as a fear of the growing Nazi threat
was rising around the world. And in 1955 – as the Cold War took hold -
a movie version of War Of The Worlds was made.

And now in these globally unsound times, Steven Spielberg thought it
was the right time to draw a parallel between the unseen fear of
international terrorism and the classic cinematic image of Earth coming
under attack from creatures from another galaxy.

But will average movie-goers make the connection? Or do they just
want to push Starburst Joosters into their faces and scream at the
scary aliens chasing Tom Cruise (DVDs)?

Speaking of Tom Cruise, Batman Begins studio Warner Brothers are reputedly trying to keep Tom and his new girlfriend Katie Holmes apart during the promotion for the Batflick, in an attempt to stop it from becoming the ‘Tom And Katie Show’.

However, Paramount – the War Of The Worlds studio -
has no such plans. Katie Holmes has already told reporters that she
will be joining Tom for the London premiere of his film. Possibly so
they can both rabbit on about how in love they are until everyone
around them turns to dust.

[story by Stuart Heritage]