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2. Professor Barnhardt tells Klaatu that people naturally change when they are "on the brink" of a disaster. Is he correct? Why or why not? Is intervention in the lives of others ever justified, before they reach that brink? When they are at that brink?
3. Regarding Klaatu and the aliens' plans, Professor Barnhardt tells Helen Benson: "Change his mind. Not with reason, but with yourself." What does that mean? Should reason have been sufficient? Was reason at least necessary, in addition to herself?
4. Do you see any Christ-figure elements in Klaatu? If so, what are they? What do you make of the idea that the aliens might change their minds? How do we interpret the passages which seem to talk about God changing his mind when it comes to judging, say, the Israelites or the Ninevites? (See Exodus 32:14, 2 Samuel 24:16, Jonah 3:10.)

The Family Corner

The Day the Earth Stood Still is rated PG-13 for some sci-fi disaster images (including a swarm of microscopic creatures that disintegrate various buildings and vehicles, presumably killing all the people within them) and violence (blood is spattered on Helen's hazmat suit when Klaatu is shot; some drones and helicopters are smashed in self-defense; a policeman is crushed between two cars but then brought back to life). There are also a couple of "oh my God" style comments.

Photos © Copyright 20th Century Fox

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