1. Conduct your own research and find:
 June 29th 2005
 $132 million
 $234 million
Read the following articles:
http://www.today.com/id/10549050/ns/today-entertainment/t/steven-
spielbergs-obsession/#.UuZWe2TFJ1M
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2005/jul/04/usa.world
Why do you think American audiences responded to War Of The Worlds like
they did? Think about the casting of Tom Cruise, the film’s location and time
of release.
Americans would have still been venerable to the idea of war and invasion as 9
11 was only 4 years earlier. Although the film does not show or mention 9 11
the themes are still very similar and some scenes relate to what happened in
2001. Tom cruise being the star of this film makes it slightly less realistic as he
is seen in films very often; if the film used less popular actors I believe it would
be much more believable. Using a glorified actor also suggests that the main
aim of the film was to generate profit from the unfortunate event of 9 11.

2. Do you think the contemporary remake of War Of The Worlds would have
been popular or successful without the events of 9/11?
How do you feel about American Producers using 9/11 as a thematic device
in film? Can it be justified?
I believe that the film would have still been successful as there are not many
obvious references to 9 11 in the film. The use of actors and effects are what
make the film as popular due to the younger target audience not being
emotionally interested by the events of 9 11. The theme of fear and invasion
could influence people to watch the movie due to the paranoia of terrorism in
America since the event.
If the film uses 9 11 in a factual style and clearly states this then I believe this is
completely justifiable; people should be able to learn about the event and
hear/see other people’s perception whether it be from someone who survived
the event or someone that planned the attack. If a film uses 9 11 solely to
generate profit using big name actors and big budget effects the public may not
agree with this especially people that were affected by the tragedy. If a
Hollywood film uses 9 11 then it will be advertised everywhere meaning the
public will not be able to escape the memories that they have.