What Made Independence Day So Special?

Many years ago, when INDEPENDENCE DAY (ID4) opened in theatres on July 4th, 1996, in America, moviegoers were optimistic about seeing a movie about an alien invasion that threatened humanity with extinction. There's no denying that this great movie pays tribute to the classic B-grade sci-fi invasion films. Though cheesy, fun, patriotic and lacking story-wise, ID4 was the definitive blockbuster that changed the benchmark of a summer blockbuster film. It also relaunched the disaster movie trend, which had been dormant since the early 80s, even though Twister did it first in the same year as ID4.

Upon its release, it received much acclaim for its special effects, making Will Smith a bonafide star. However, it was criticised for its thin plot and character development and brandished with stereotypes for being generally dense. It also established Roland Emmerich's credibility as a director. He became synonymous with big-budget disaster movies and would direct a few more like The Day After Tomorrow and 2012. The revitalised subgenre would soon lead to other films like Dante's Peak, Volcano, Deep Impact, Armageddon, San Andreas, etc.

The timing of this movie analysis coincides with the DVD and Blu-ray release of the lacklustre sequel Independence Day: Resurgence. Allow me to talk about what made ID4 so beloved with four of its ceremonious aspects/moments.

#4. Presidential Speech

The movie can be a little absurd, but there are its moments. The presidential speech is motivational and uplifting; President Whitmore publicly addresses the nation and explains they are now facing a common enemy from obliteration and will band together in a final desperate effort to fight for the freedom of humanity. He inspires hope and faith in his fellow citizens by saying, "we will not go quietly into the night!" and "we will not vanish without a fight!". Along with the patriotic music in the background and Bill Pullman's performance, this scene of the speech makes you feel that there is hope left in humanity and that as long as people work together, it can make a difference.

#3. Music

I have never been an avid listener of David Arnold's music in the entire film catalogue except for this movie. It matches the patriotic theme of the movie and intensifies the mood of the scenes. A soundtrack can supplement a film that you feel when watching a scene. I am happy to say the score in this film was perfect. All moments feel right, create feelings and impact your mood. It aligns with what is happening with the story and the characters.




#2. Special Effects

As you know, the special effects were an opportunity to breathe life into its spectacle. ID4 did it with scenes including the dogfight sequences and the gigantic mothership destroying the White House. These were the very techniques that amplified the film's impact. The destruction of the White House is the main focus of the film's advertising campaigns on posters and still images and is one of the iconic money shots. It was one of the few movies to pour physical effects with a small dose of CGI.




#1. Will Smith

Last but not least, the top highlight of ID4 was Will Smith's acting. Sure, the film had a top-notch cast of Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Randy Quaid, and Judd Hirsch. It is the actor Will Smith who takes a standout role. Without him, there would be no I Am Legend, Men in Black, I. Robot, Ali and Suicide Squad. His performance was quite remarkable and sassy for an African-American actor. Not to mention, he gave us infectious laughs with his snappy one-liners like "Welcome to Earth" after punching the alien in the face and "And what the hell is that smell?!!", which he ad-libbed while suffering from the revolting stench of brine shrimp when this scene got shot in the Lake Salt flats.

Conclusion 

ID4 may not have been perfect for a science-fiction blockbuster, but it doesn't stop this film from becoming a guilty pleasure. You'll see it in its original theatrical form or the special edition if you want the best experience with the film. Like it or not, it proves that ID4 is better than the less iconic sequel. However, this concludes my analysis of the movie that I consider one of my favourites.

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