Things to Come (1936)

 William Cameron Menzies' "Things to Come"


Famed writer H.G. Wells brings a vision of global future to life in the 1936 British film "Things to Come." To write the screenplay, Wells used many of his previous writings for story structure and concept, including his 1933 book "The Shape of Things to Come," his 1931 work on society and economics "The Work, Wealth and Happiness of Mankind," and his 1897 story "A Story of the Days to Come." Produced by Alexander Korda and directed by William Cameron Menzies, "Things to Come" is considered by many to be the first foray into the world of science fiction and futurism in film. 

The story begins in 1940 as a global war breaks out (coincidence?). After mayhem and destruction, the film progresses in the 1960 in a post-apocalyptic world full of pestilence. By 1970, this pestilence has been eradicated and a new order is founded by a warlord. The members of this society are then eradicated by a group known as "Wings Over the World," whose aim is to rebuild civilization with advanced technology. By 2036, a techno-utopia has been constructed and the world is seemingly at peace. That is until a mob led by an anti-progressive rebel. The film ends with a group of elites leaving in a rocket, headed for the moon.

 The film "bears witness to a world war, disease, dictatorship, and finally, utopia." The film predicts the next century's turmoil and progress. Not to a T, but the film (and Wells) indicates that progress and destruction go hand in hand. There will always be setbacks, but humanity will move forward with advancements to the species. In 1936, the UK and much of Europe were preparing themselves with an oncoming and inescapable war. "Things to Come" is an anxious, yet bold acceptance of this fate, with the full realization that progress always brings chaos with it. 



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